What is all the fuss about STEM?

There are 40,000 computer science bachelor’s degree earners each year, but roughly 4 million job vacancies for computer workers and engineers. 

Speaking of engineers--Do you know the reason computer engineers use the phrase "debug" to find problems in a program or computer?  My UCLA computer professor said it is because computers, like the one in the photo, were so large and generated so much heat, they had to be housed in large rooms. The heat they generated attracted bugs to the internal workings.  The engineer in the photo is probably getting ready to "de-bug" the computer. 

Today the culture is breaking down old stereotypes engineers.  No longer are engineers white men in white shirts and ties, or young men with pocket protectors.  There are female engineers, some who are making headlines. Debbie Sterling, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEeTLopLkEo) a female engineer from Stanford, invented Goldibox through a Kickstarter campaign.  She developed interactive books plus construction toys starring a girl named Goldie to engage girls in building and problem solving.
 
It is a good thing the market has such toys for girls.  Do you know that girls score lower on spatial relations than boys do?  It's not genetic.  Comparisons in foreign countries show girls and boys score similarly.  It is cultural.  We provide boys with the experience of building three-dimensional forts, machines, robots, and cars. Goldiblox toys provide girls an opportunity to to build objects in three-dimensional space. 

Without purchasing toys, you can provide your daughter of son a chance to create three-dimensional solutions at home.

* Ask your child to build a bridge out of toothpicks.

* Give your child a paperclip and ask for a list of all the ways to use it.

* Take out your child's favorite collection of mini-figures and create a hanging mobile. 

All these activities help fill the void. 


Warmly,

Tralee

 

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