By Lakshya Jain
As a high school teacher, you know how important it is to inspire your students to use their STEM skills to solve real world problems. By engaging your students in hands-on learning and problem solving, you not only help them develop their skills, but also encourage their curiosity and interest in science, technology, engineering and math. Here are 6 ways to inspire high school students to use STEM to solve real world problems:
1. Project-based learning
By assigning real-world problems or challenges as the focus of a project, students can use their STEM skills to come up with creative solutions. This approach not only allows students to apply their knowledge, but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Here is a NSTEM resource to add project-based learning into your classroom.
2. Guest speakers
Inviting experts in various STEM fields to speak to your students can provide inspiration and real-world examples of how STEM skills are used in the workforce. Here is a NSTEM resource to add guest speakers into your classroom.
3. Field trips
Visiting a local business or organization that uses STEM skills can provide valuable insights into how these skills are applied in the real world. Each state has a number of land trusts and conservation organizations that offer outdoor exploration and field trips. NSTEM’s resource database is searchable by state. The Kessler Outdoor Classroom, a NSTEM resource, is one example of these vast resources.
4. Internships or shadowing opportunities
Giving students the opportunity to work with professionals in a STEM field can provide hands-on experience and inspire them to pursue careers in these fields. Here is a NSTEM resource to add internships into your classroom.
5. Community service projects
By collaborating with local organizations and using STEM skills to address community problems, students can make a tangible impact while also learning valuable skills. Here is a NSTEM resource to add community service into your classroom.
6. Competitions
Participating in science or engineering competitions can provide students with a sense of accomplishment and encourage them to continue developing their skills. Here is a NSTEM resource to add competitions into your classroom.
By incorporating these 6 ways to inspire high school students to use STEM to solve real world problems, you can engage your students in hands-on learning and encourage their curiosity and interest in STEM fields. By providing opportunities for hands-on experience, collaboration, and problem-solving, you can help your students develop their skills and inspire them to pursue careers in these fields.
Do you want more resources on the topic of STEM education? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of STEM resources that are searchable by category, school level and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list.
Project-based learning enrichment provides high school students with college and career readiness. It gives them real world relevance, transforming students into collaborators and imaginative problem solvers. They will gain the upper hand in a global landscape, stemming from enhanced confidence and grit. NSTEM provides these young STEM enthusiasts with a close community of like-minded fellow students and educators. To start your high school chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.
