We recently attended the Delaware STEM Council’s panel “How to Develop a STEM Program in Your School or District” to hear firsthand from some of the best Delaware educators and administrators (not to mention the leading 3D printer supplier in education, Stratasys)
It was an invigorating meeting of the minds, covering all things related to the STEM workforce, increasing STEM literacy, and getting students excited about STEM.
The panelists included: Stratasys Education General Manager Sig Behrens as well as award-winning STEM teachers – Jordon Estock, Concord High School; Ruth Fuchs, Mellvaine Early Childhood Center; Robert Gibson, Sussex Central High School; Brian Sherrer, Brandywine High School; Brooks Twillwy, Mount Pleasant High School; and Ron Siebach, St. Georges Technical High School.
The panel took on some tough questions, like “What would you do differently if you could build your STEM program again?” “What is your advice for new STEM educators?” “Can you start STEM education as early as kindergarten?”
Some of our favorite pieces of advice?
- Critical thinking will be one of the most valued workforce skills in the future, no matter what the job trends look like.
- 3D printing is changing how things are made and should be an evitable part of STEM education. It impacts engineering, manufacturing, design and so much more.
- Stop asking kids what they want to be when they grow up and instead ask which problems they want to solve.
Stratasys rounded up 8 major highlights from the discussion. Head on over to the Stratasys blog for a full recap.
