SPIE marks National STEM Day

To encourage kids and individuals of all ages to follow their passions in the world of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), November 8 has been designated as the first annual National STEM Day.

Occupations related to STEM are expected to grow 70 percent faster than many other sectors, so educators are encouraging to students take an interest in these subjects at any age.

November 8 was chosen as National STEM Day as a play on words -- Nov.8 -- as in "innovate."

STEM education and outreach programs designed, implemented, and supported by members of SPIE have reached thousands of students and others around the world.

Through education and outreach programs, SPIE meets both its underlying educational mission as well as the desire of its members to give back to the community.

Participants in an optics and photonics demonstration presented by the SPIE Student Chapter members at the Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy, University of Latvia, utilized several optics kits with lessons on STEM topics.

SPIE Centro de investigaciones en Optica Student Chapter members in León, Mexico, sent this laser-"drawn" photo message along with a  report on how they spent an education outreach grant awarded by SPIE.

Related SPIE content:

Kathy Perkins: Science simulations facilitate STEM education, develop problem-solving skills
A multilingual resource for science instruction around the world, PhET offers interactive, research-based simulations of physical phenomena.

Microscopy curriculum stimulates STEM excitement
Success stories from teachers show that STEM curriculum using the scanning electron microscope excites their students and improves academic performance.

Why bother with STEM ed?
Experts in STEM education point out that in teaching, the "how" of science is more important that the "what."

NSF grants aim to grow STEM talent and leadership
NSF INCLUDES supports efforts to develop talent from all sectors of society to build the STEM workforce.

SPIE member-driven programs ‘give back' via global STEM outreach and education in 2012
STEM education and outreach programs designed, implemented, and supported by members of SPIE reached thousands of students and others around the world in 2012.

Online Resources: Labs, Lessons, Websites, Materials, and More
SPIE assembled this list of websites containing lesson plans, activities, demonstrations, and other free materials to provide resources for educators, parents, and students. Use them to bring light into your classroom!