STEM Elevator Speech: Round 2

In my first "Elevator Speech" that I did for 690, I spoke about the need for real-world examples in the classroom. However, after taking this class and researching the deeper issues in STEM in a classroom, I realized that it is more about accessibility. STEM arose out of a need for connection between concepts that are considered abstract, hence the real-world examples. It also is a way to inspire students to follow their passions and create a framework to tackle problems that seem too hard at first. If these things are achieved, gaps in gender, race, and academic achievement can be overcome. STEM is a way for us to inspire students and engage them in a way that gives them the skills to succeed in many 21st-century careers. If we can make math, biology, physics, chemistry and engineering fun, engaging, and less abstract, it will allow the students to connect the dots and see the practicality in learning about these subjects that can have a major impact on their lives as they move into the real world.