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Today's preteens are a technologically savvy bunch. They are the first generation to grow up with personal cell phones and MP3 players. They use the Internet routinely to learn new things, create personal Web pages, and connect with friends both near and around the globe.
And although this knowledge will surely benefit children as they move toward an ever-changing world and increasingly technological adult workplaces, it is not enough.
To help preteens be truly successful, middle school must offer students plenty of practice with the new basics. These include the STEM subjects of science, educationally relevant technology, engineering and mathematics, which educators and business leaders agree American students need most to successfully navigate today's world and compete for desirable jobs of the future.
Additionally, English language arts (reading, writing, editing) and foreign language studies will play an important role in helping students communicate well in a global marketplace. Social studies expand students' understanding of our vast world, its people and political structures. And finally, the visual, performing and musical arts help them express themselves, understand cultures and appreciate beauty from around the world.
Today's 'basics' go high tech
Consider these examples of how the "tried and true" are being married with the "here and now" to create meaningful and hands-on middle school learning in the important STEM subjects:
- Sci-fi fans and weight-training teens alike can relate to a lesson on robotics. Using low-tech supplies such as popsicle sticks and rubber bands, students can create models of robotic arms, much like those used in industry to remove hazardous waste or lift heavy objects. Students learn about anatomy and physiology, for example, as they develop an understanding of the human body and how it works. Geometry is used to determine angles. The physical building of the robotic arm provides practice with basic, hands-on engineering. Kids also practice related skills in creative thinking, sequencing (following steps), and problem solving.
- Using photo-editing software, students learn first-hand that what they see on-line and in magazines isn't always what it seems-an important consumer lesson in itself. In addition, while students create and edit electronic images, they are honing their computer skills while weaving in math practice using fractions, percentage and scale, and delving into the science of color theory.
Technology in the jobs of today...and tomorrow
The National Science Foundation estimates that in 2010, the year that many of today's middle schoolers will begin graduating from high school, as many as one-fourth of all jobs will be based on math, science and technology.
Additionally, the number of new U.S. jobs requiring math and
science—from retail sales to high-tech computer software design and
programming—continues to grow. By 2012, science and engineering jobs are projected to grow by 26 percent, a dramatic increase considering that jobs in other fields are projected to grow by only 15 percent.
Science, math and technology are woven into many of today's jobs, in both obvious and surprising ways. For example:
Auto mechanics routinely rely on computer skills to use hand-held diagnostic devices to pinpoint problems and when referring to service manuals stored in electronic databases. Algebra, trigonometry (with an emphasis on angles) and business math are also used in the course of their day-to-day tasks. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook, there will be a
9 to 17 percent increase in auto mechanic/technician jobs by 2012.
Registered nurses draw heavily on science, including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition and psychology. Math—
such as weight and measurement, fractions and percentage— is essential for dispensing medication. Growth in the nursing field is faster than average, with 27.3 percent more jobs projected by 2012.
Multimedia artists and animators combine visual art creativity with computer skills to create programs and applications for the Internet, Web sites and video games. They also create programs for information kiosks, such as those in museums and shopping malls. These multimedia products combine graphics, sound, text, animation, still images and digital video into one package. By 2012, jobs in this field will have increased by about 15 percent.
The 2003 Trends in International Math and Science Study has shown that American students lag behind students in other countries, particularly China and Japan, in their understanding of science and math. Without adequate skills and early training in these areas, today's students may be less qualified than their peers overseas for desirable jobs.
Already, many major U.S. manufacturers have moved significant production-particularly in areas of high-tech-overseas, citing a lack of skilled U.S. workers.
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