As breaking news slows down for the holiday season, we see many news outlets putting out strong opinions about the current, and future STEM agenda. Sources are quick to point out the flaws in the system, and provide resources and answers for how to avoid pitfalls in promoting STEM education.

But don’t let the news outlets playing devil’s advocate bring you down. This week, we still see innovative efforts in the realm of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

‘The Atlantic’ Questions If The U.S. Is Too Focused on STEM Growth

In this well-written op-ed by “The Atlantic” writer Alexandra Ossola, Ossola questions the legitimacy of the hype around STEM education promotion in the United States. “STEM can sometimes be an overused buzzword, the negative impacts of which are felt by students who don’t get a quality, well-rounded education. But in general its hype is justified because students simply need greater scientific and technological literacy than they did before to function in today’s society and economy,” she writes. Ossola reviews the history of STEM, it’s rise to prominence, and speaks with David Drew, an education professor and author of “STEM the Tide.” Read the full story.

‘The Huffington Post’ Addresses Attracting Students to STEM in the U.S.

“Our country is not producing enough graduates from STEM programs to fuel the innovation economy,” writes Dr. Dustin Swanger. Other developed countries are producing students who chose to pursue science or mathematics majors, but the U.S. is falling short. Swanger presents some ideas of how to build interest in children, including general encouragement and fostering of a child’s natural curiosity. Read the full story. 

MapQuest Inc. Launched Weeklong “Hour of Code” Academy

This week (Dec. 8–14) is Computer Science Week, and the employees at the MapQuest headquarters will instruct computer coding sessions. The initiative is set forth by CSEdWeek and code.org, and is expected to reach over 10 million students in Denver, Dulles, San Francisco, and New York. Lessons will be both on- and offline, and taught by MapQuest Professor teams. Read the full story.

Verizon Announces 80 STEM Grant Recipients

The Verizon Innovative Learning Grants from Verizon recognizes and supports promising initiatives in STEM learning in K–12 schools for the 2014-2015 school year. Each grant totals $20,000. The awards are given to schools where stimulation of STEM subjects in students is most needed. Read the full story. 

Hall STEM Teacher of the Year Application Now Available in Mass.

The Hall at Patriot Place will honor a Massachusetts STEM teacher with a $5,000 award for that teacher’s school. The program began in the 2012-2013 school year, and the inaugural winner was Kelly Powers from the Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School. Doug Scott from Natick High School was the winner in 2013-2014. The application deadline is March 1, 2015, and may be completed online. Read the full story. 

Email editor[at]educationworld.com your STEM news!

Compiled by Samantha DiMauro, Education World Contributor

12/9/2014