STEM stands for Science Technology Engineering and Math.  If you haven't heard of STEM by now, you may be living under a rock.  Many of us that know what STEM stands for, however, we may not understand exactly how it is integrated into school curriculum or life. Over the past few years, STEM has been a hot topic of discussion in education.

The common misconception is that STEM only involves science, technology, engineering and math.  The truth is, STEM involves teaching skills that benefit all areas of life and education.  Students learn to use a "problem solving loop" that can translate into other areas of their lives.  With this model, students identify a problem and conduct research to generate different ideas on how to solve the problem.  Next, students learn to take those ideas and narrow it down to the one they feel is best, and put it to the test. Once results are evaluated, students are able to see what worked and what didn't or if they need to ditch the idea and start over again.  It's a system of trying, failing, tweaking and trying again. Can you see how STEM teaches life lessons and helps students learn to deal with adversity? Have you ever heard the saying "nothing beats a failure but a try" or that fail stands for First Attempt in Learning? Whether students are creating something new, making something better or just using the model to solve everyday problems in their lives.  STEM is certainly and integral part of youth education that is here to stay..

STEM...

1. Inspires ingenuity and creativity
2. Encourages students to work as a team
3. Fosters an environment of critical thinking and problem solving
4. Builds resilient thinkers while teaching adaptation
5. Boosts confidence and strengthens the brain
6. Gets kids excited to learn
7. Teaches problem solving skills for real life situations
8. Helps kids prepare for a better future for themselves
9. Allows kids to benefit society or the world as a whole
10. Builds curiosity

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Meet educator and author, LaTanya Brooks and Atlanta Barber College president and CEO Greg Rutledge Jr.

​Saturday, August 21st
5 pm CST
Click her to watch the live show