Mark B. answered • 04/12/19
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)
Traditional education isolates subjects, losing connectivity. Students need life experience outside the classroom (and books) that inspire joy in learning and application. Maker Faire is part of the Maker Movement to inspire creativity rather than hatred of learning. https://makerfaire.com/ Look for opportunities in your area. In Albuquerque, we have three well-equipped Maker Labs. https://quelab.net/ http://afrlmakerhub.com/albuquerque-info https://fusemakerspace.org/ Rocketry combines elements of all subjects with endless application. https://www.spaceportamericacup.com/ https://www.foxnews.com/science/spacex-launches-falcon-heavy-lands-all-3-boosters https://www.nar.org/50th-anniversary-of-apollo-11/ MIT has one of the most inspirational entrance criteria I have ever seen. https://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/highschool/ It's all about application. Don't get caught up in learning all the details of a topic before applying it. I can teach integrals and derivatives in two hours and spend months applying them. Whereas, I have noticed a nationwide trend to teach math as if only to math majors - job security for math professors but a grueling rite of passage for students. Even the CNM Dean of Engineering is resigned to the concept and unable to influence change in the system.
