Knowing < Understanding

Unfortunately, too many people are scared by Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (the “STEM” fields)..  But you shouldn’t be!  At the end of the day, it’s about learning.  Then understanding.  Then doing.  Then teaching the next generation.  There are plenty of resources “out there” to help you accomplish this goal.  Hopefully this website can be one of them.

Understanding is more important than knowing.

Break it Down, Pass it On

Unfortunately, many universities hire professors for their research and publications rather than their ability to teach.  We all likely have stories of “that professor that I had, who seemed to be really smart, but who really had no idea how to teach.”

If you can’t simplify your topic into language and analogies that non-experts can understand, then you’re missing the point of life.  Learn it, sure — then go back and learn how to teach it to your [preteen | high-schooler | college grad | parents | etc.]!

Don’t be afraid of imperfect analogies.  Sparking someone’s interest in a topic is so much better than boring them with nuanced details!  YOU didn’t know much about propagation delays or pipelines or field-effect transistors on your first day — don’t expect them too, either.  Let the magic remain magical for the newcomer!

Allow imperfect analogies to spark a newcomer’s imagination.

Where Do I Start?

There are lots of good (and bad) places to start.  Hopefully this website can help.  We homeschool our kids, and I’m in charge of our technology classes.  I’ll be posting content here from time to time.  Maybe you can use it.

audiodane’s “Teaching STEM” Page

Additional Resources

Here are just a few links to other sites that talk about STEM, but that only barely scratches the surface.   Open your favorite search engine and type “STEM” and you’ll have plenty to keep you busy for a while..

Link to Wikipedia STEM Page
Link to U.S. Department of Education
Link to PBS STEM Education Resource Center