Educational initiatives relating to science, technology, engineering and math are becoming increasingly important, as many future careers will necessitate some level of STEM understanding. In an effort to promote technical learning in U.S. schools, the National Research Council recently released guidelines on how schools can improve these subjects through teaching.
According to the council, the No Child Left Behind Act is centered on math and language arts education, and, as a result, some scientific topics have fallen by the wayside. However, the organization claimed, if a school develops rigorous STEM curricula, hires qualified teachers and sets up support programs, it may be able to get its scientific education up to speed.
Education experts claim technology is another useful tool for STEM-minded educators. Teachers looking to impart scientific knowledge on their students may use advanced devices, such as a 3D computer program, an interactive whiteboard or an HDMI projector, among others, to do so.
The NRC suggested that STEM education may prepare students for successful careers in a variety of important industries.
"We need to help all students become scientifically literate because citizens are increasingly facing decisions related to science and technology - whether it's understanding a medical diagnosis or weighing competing claims about the environment," said Adam Gamoran, a committee chair and University of Wisconsin, Madison, professor.
