This flash-based Web site is designed to get students excited about STEM education by providing tools and information that show them how excelling in STEM subjects can make them successful both now and in the future. The Web site includes a toolkit link that provides resources ranging from study guides to AIM icons promoting STEM subjects, career snapshots that include question and answer sessions with "cool" people working in STEM fields, and a links section that offers a comprehensive list of activities, organizations, and post-secondary institutions that offer opportunities for advanced focus on STEM subjects. The site also offers a number of links and resources for educators. States who are interested in increasing participation in STEM subjects by appealing directly to students will find this Web site to be a valuable model of the kinds of content that will appeal to tech savvy students.
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Background and Context
The subject areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) have been an important part of policy debates on both the national and state level. The challenge of raising student performance in these subjects is well documented, with numerous studies showing the United States trailing the rest of the world in all of these areas. An equally daunting challenge exists in the recruitment and retention of teachers who are capable of raising the achievement level of their students in fields where expertise is highly valued outside the classroom.
