STEM Education
Research based information on why STEM is so important for our young people and the future of our nation.

From the Afterschool Alliance:
• America After 3, Full STEM Ahead 
• Examining the impact of afterschool STEM programs 

From the White House:
• Educate to Innovate 

From the U.S. Department of Education:
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Math: Education for Global Leadership 

STEM Standards
Some of the best scientists and educators in the country have provided STEM education guidelines to successfully take young people from elementary school to college. Currently, 40 states have shown commitment to these STEM standards and 16 states have adopted them for their schools.

Next Generation Science Standards 

STEM Activities
A great number of STEM activities exist on the World Wide Web. The sites listed below contain some of the best.

General
Sally Ride Science @ UC San Diego 
NAA's STEM Gems
Howtosmile 
Extreme Science 
Kids. Gov 
National Science Teachers Association Learning Center 

Science
Exploratorium 
Evil Mad Scientist 
Science Buddies 

Math
Harcourt School Publishers Think Math! 
Math Counts
Education.com Fun Math for Kids 

Engineering
eGFI Dream Up the Future 
Engineer is Elementary 
Teach Engineering 
Engineer Girl

STEM Implementation Best Practices
For STEM to effectively prepare our young people for the 21st century, we must provide more than thematic, hands-on activities. It is important to implement STEM in a way that encourages active student-centric inquiry and develops critical thinking skills. The sites below provide tips and ideas on how to effectively teach STEM topics.

Click2SciencePD 
Middle Web All About the Middle Grades 
Understanding Science
National Afterschool Association Professional Development 

Adding Art to STEM to Make STEAM
Education works best when connections can be made to existing information. As STEM becomes a mainstay in our young people's education, it is increasingly important to integrate its content across other disciplines. To encourage innovation, try integrating art and design within the traditional themes of STEM. A fresh perspective can be energizing for both you and your young people.

STEM to STEAM 
STEAM - Not STEM 

I'm also looking forward to the on-going development of STEMNext, a national leader in increasing STEM learning.

Contributed by Andy the Science Wiz, NAA STEM Specialist Andy Allan