STEM-related occupations are the fastest growing throughout the world and are projected to yield over 1 million job openings through and beyond 2024. While the number of opportunities continue to rise, however, women and minorities lag in the number of degrees granted, exam scores and general interest in STEM fields in order to take advantage of such a booming industry. According to a report by the National Science Board, women and minorities continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields. Wondering why???
One reason is the way math is taught in schools, which mostly emphasizes instruction that focuses on meeting standards for testing instead of retention and a depth of understanding for students to apply knowledge. In comparison to how other countries teach math, the U.S. ranked 38th out of 71 countries based on the 2015 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and at the bottom 15 percent at No. 31 based on the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Consequently, students in the U.S. are often good at answering the first layer of a problem but have more difficulties when they have to go deeper and answer a part that is more complex.
A second reason is low proficiency. According to the 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 40 percent of fourth graders in the U.S. and 31 percent in the State of Michigan were proficient in Math but, alarmingly, only four percent of Detroit Public Schools’ 4th graders were at/above proficiency. Since Math builds on on itself and not understanding the foundations makes it difficult for a student that struggled in Math in middle school to excel in high school, it is essential to address issues and help establish a strong foundation in elementary school to help children increase their self-esteem, lessen the fear of inadequacy and help make more complex problems easier.
STEM is the third of the three components of the organization. The goal of STEM is to increase the interest and representation of African-Americans in computer-related STEM curriculums, programs and careers. Activities for this component will engage and prepare elementary school children with the skills and appropriate learning environment required for the understanding and successful completion of STEM courses (i.e. Science and Math), setting a solid elementary foundation for increased understanding, capabilities and likelihood for success in Math and Science going into middle school.
Activities will follow best practices and characteristics that are key elements in SmartLab programming by
• Using integrated content to approach science, technology, engineering and math from a real-world, integrated perspective
• Promoting Next Generation/21st Century skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, reasoning, logical thinking, creativity, collaboration, time management, adaptability and communication
• Implementing project-based, problem-based and hands-on learning through hands-on, minds-on projects and activities
• Fostering collaboration where children work in pairs and larger teams
Since Math builds on itself and not understanding the foundations makes it difficult for a student who struggled in Math in middle school to excel in high school, it is essential for the organization to address issues with math in elementary school with activities that will help children increase their self-esteem, lessen their fear of inadequacy and help make more complex problems easier. Activities that the organization has researched and planned to assist elementary-aged children to learn, hone and practice the required skills include:
• Chess (Critical Thinking)
• Logic Games (Logical Thinking)
• Project-Based, Hands-On and Real-World Learning Experiences
o iFLY Partnership
o NASA Partnership
o Robot Garage Partnership
• Hands-On Learning Concepts
o Computer Basics
o Cybersecurity
o Artificial Intelligence
o Robotics
o Electric Vehicles
o Fun with Finance (How to Apply Math to Important Daily Living Concepts)
Money Basics
Real Estate Basics
Investing Basics
Stock Market Basics
Cryptocurrency and NFT Basics
Shopping
Budgeting
Basic Accounting Concepts
• Additional Activities and Projects will also be implemented for children to
o Analyze analogies
o Categorize and Classify Items
o Identify Relevant Information
o Construct and Recognize Valid Deductive Arguments
o Test Hypotheses
o Recognize Common Reasoning Fallacies
o Distinguish between evidence and interpretations of evidence
Activities for the STEM component will be led by volunteers and experts that have previous subject-matter certifications, education and/or experience.
iFLY Detroit
26975 Adell Center Drive, Novi, 48375
Additional Sessions To Be Scheduled for July and August 2023 Upon Availability of Funding
Teachers for Grades 2-5, LISTEN UP!!!
Do you have a student that would be a good fit for or significantly benefit from the iFLY STEM Experience? Do they meet one or more of the following criteria?
~ High-performing academically throughout the school year
~ Significant improvement academically throughout the school year
~ Low-income or family financially unable to afford this type of activity outside of this program
~ High interest in or excited about Math and Science
There are 20-24 slots available for recommendations.
The last day to recommend a student is 11:59P EST, Friday, June 2, 2023.
Need more information about the iFLY STEM Education program?
Take a peek at the iFLY STEM website: https://www.iflyworld.com/programs/stem-field-trips/elementary/
then…
Take a look at the iFLY STEM Experience video below.
then…
Click the following link to make your recommendation: https://forms.gle/6rjp7hE9yFpVCfEu9.
Note: It is important that teachers contact the parent/legal guardian to inform them of their student’s recommendation, let them know they will be contacted by one of SOAR SWIM & STEM Board Members, and inquire as to whether their student would need transportation prior to completing the Recommendation Form.
SOAR SWIM & STEM is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Your gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
SOAR SWIM & STEM Trademark pending
Copyright © 2023 SoarSwimAndStem.org - All Rights Reserved.
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