Shaping Tomorrow: Nurturing STEM Career Curiosity from Childhood to Classroom

Wednesday February 19, 2025
10:15 - 11:15 AM
Ballroom G

In this workshop, we'll explore the critical impact of introducing career-embedded experiential STEM learning at the elementary level. Early exposure to STEM experiences strengthens a student's STEM identity, helping all students, but especially those from marginalized groups, persist despite known barriers. Our session focuses on proactive strategies to enhance STEM education, increase enrollment in STEM courses, and foster STEM career pursuits. STEM careers are among the fastest-growing fields, yet there's a shortage of skilled workers and an ever-present gender gap. Childhood STEM experience and career-linked learning can help increase vocational interest in STEM, develop 21st-century skills, and diversify and increase the workforce.

Presenters
Kara Ball

Kara created a standalone K-5 STEAM program for DoDEA, garnering national attention and recognition. She was then hired to develop a K-5 STEM curriculum, integrating career-embedded experiences, in collaboration with John Hopkins University for a large urban school district. She was approached to author a book on STEAM education further solidifying her commitment to the field. Currently, she serves as an Academic Officer specializing in STEAM and is actively researching gender inequity in STEAM for her dissertation. With roles ranging from STEAM teacher to district coordinator and administrator, she brings over a decade of experience in STEM education to her presentation.
type:
Hybrid Workshop
theme:
Instruction
audience:
Classroom Leaders
tags:
STEM-STEAM, Elementary Education