I’m writing this editorial from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) in Minnesota, where I am a two-day paddle from civilization. Out here, where there’s no shortage of pine tree–studded islands and rocky outcroppings, a map and the direction of the sun alone only gets you so far. Knowing how to use a compass is an essential skill, one that
The Power of Families and Community
Over the years, many Connected Science Learning authors have shared program designs and research related to the role parents, caregivers, and other significant adults play in developing the STEM-related dispositions, interests, aspirations, and knowledge of young people. This issue features some of the latest thinking on that evergreen topic. Once you’ve explored these new articles, I encourage you to add
With, Not For: Why the Distinction Matters
A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to write an article for the Association of Science and Technology Center’s Dimensions magazine. It starts with this reflection: For most of my career in science and STEM education, I’ve worked at the interface between museums or other educational institutions and schools, finding synergies in their efforts to improve science learning
Is It Over Yet?
The short answer is “no.” It might feel like we’ve been frozen in time for the past two years; the reality is, however, that the world is different now than it would have been if the pandemic had never occurred. We’ve had to adapt to previously unimaginable circumstances, leading to innovations that otherwise might never have happened—certainly not this quickly—in
What’s STEM Got to Do With It?
What’s the goal of education? Career preparation is surely a part, but there’s certainly more to it than that. While the purpose of schooling is a topic worthy of discussion and debate, you’ll likely find a reasonable degree of agreement regarding the importance of teaching young people the skills and knowledge necessary for things like informed decision making, productively contributing