By the time students reach fourth grade, one-third have lost interest in science. By eighth grade, nearly half of them believe science is irrelevant to their futures and careers. Yet, studies estimate that by 2018, our country will have 1.2 million unfilled jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
One way to cultivate an interest in science, technology, engineering and math — just like in reading — is starting early and connecting the learning to students’ own lives.
The newspaper is a terrific tool to meet these goals and a new teacher guide from Missouri Press Association and Foundation offers Missouri newspapers another resource to share with teachers and parents in your community.
“Building STEM Skills with the Newspaper,” is now available to download at www.mo-nie.com using the download code: stemguide. The 15-page elementary guide offers a brief overview of the four main branches of STEM, newspaper activities to reinforce skills, and extension activities.
Post the guide on your website or distribute it to teachers and parents in your community electronically or in print.
Contact Dawn Kitchell, MPA Educational Services Director, for more information, at dawn.kitchell@gmail.com or 636-932-4301.
