SAE Update - April 2021 - 29

SAE Foundation
their math and science skills,
leading to the exploration of a
STEM field.
For teachers who do not have
math or science backgrounds,
teaching STEM concepts in
hands-on and engaging ways can
be overwhelming at first. For
example, when approaching a
kindergarten teacher about
teaching force, momentum, and
gravity to five-year-olds, they
may not be completely
comfortable. This is where our
second partner-industry-comes
into play.
Industry partners engage with
SAE's STEM efforts by providing
critical funding and, many times,
volunteers. Volunteer
involvement is a key piece of
SAE's STEM education programs.
Volunteers assist teachers in
delivering new or complex

ENGAGING STUDENTS
INSPIRING MINDS

UPDATE

By placing
different
volunteers in
classrooms,
children can see
that STEM
professionals can
be male, female,
or a minority.

concepts by providing real-life examples, which gives
teachers an extra boost of confidence and students
an idea of what it means to be a STEM professional.
Volunteers ask questions that get students to think
differently, explore new possibilities, and test
assumptions.
Many children don't know what engineers do. If
they grew up with Thomas the Train, they think
engineers drive trains. When asked to name any
famous engineer or scientist, rarely does a student
name a female. By placing different volunteers in
classrooms, children can see that STEM professionals
can be male, female, or a minority. It allows them to
see someone who may look like them doing fun and
cool things with STEM.
While teachers are the engine of change when it
comes to inspiring students to consider STEM careers,
funding is the fuel that makes it all possible. Strong
and sustaining funding partners are essential.
Donations from industry, private foundations, and
individuals make these programs available and free to
academia. These programs simply would not exist
without investment in the development of new
programming, global expansion, and equitable
access. n
April 2021

29

https://www.saefoundation.org/2021/01/remote-learning-fuels-new-stem-experience-for-eighth-graders-in-detroit-public-schools/ https://www.saefoundation.org/2021/01/remote-learning-fuels-new-stem-experience-for-eighth-graders-in-detroit-public-schools/ http://www.saefoundation.org/bwpartnership https://www.saefoundation.org/2020/12/how-one-teacher-is-bringing-the-stem-promise-to-life-for-underrepresented-students/ https://www.saefoundation.org/2020/12/how-one-teacher-is-bringing-the-stem-promise-to-life-for-underrepresented-students/

SAE Update - April 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SAE Update - April 2021