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Include More STEM Courses Omaha Public Schools should begin integrating more STEM courses into the curriculum. Currently, the Omaha Public School district meets the expectations set by the Nebraska Department of Education, but this isn’t enough. By placing heavier standards and requirements on math, natural sciences, computer sciences, and technology courses, students at Omaha Public Schools will have a higher level of understanding for the material. In general, people enjoy topics in which they fully understand. Requiring just one additional math or science class could give a student the time to fully understand the topic and develop a passion for it. In addition, teachers need to fully engage students on the subjects. By allowing …show more content…
Encouragement in this form would allow girls to learn about technology without the fear or anxiety of not doing well in a traditional classroom environment. From 2001-2010, Harvey Mudd College noticed a significant drop in the percentage of women obtaining a bachelor’s degree in computer science. In order to remedy this, they began taking first year female students to the Grace Hopper Celebration, an annual conferenced celebrating accomplishments of women in computer science. After attending this conference, 25% more of the students elected to major in computer science despite not wanting to beforehand (Alvarado and Judson 70-71). Conferences like the Grace Hopper Celebration allow students to explore different paths and have fun learning in a stress free environment, as will smaller events such as engineering clubs or computer programming clubs. The important thing is to give students options and different ways to explore their true calling in …show more content…
Some could argue that there isn’t enough money to do this. However, there are plenty of free alternatives to help offset the costs. For instance, Code.org offers programming curriculums at no cost to schools or teachers. Many of the programs don’t require access to a computer, only access to common classroom materials. There are also numerous grants available to schools in regards to integrating technology into schools. Ruby Larson, a former principal of Hillside Elementary, stated his school overcame the technology funding issue with a state grant. “A Nebraska Educational Technology Association grant had enabled us to purchase a cart of iPod Touches” (Larson). Although there are some costs to implementing STEM programs into Omaha Public Schools, there are plenty of free resources out there to help offset the
Include More STEM Courses Omaha Public Schools should begin integrating more STEM courses into the curriculum. Currently, the Omaha Public School district meets the expectations set by the Nebraska Department of Education, but this isn’t enough. By placing heavier standards and requirements on math, natural sciences, computer sciences, and technology courses, students at Omaha Public Schools will have a higher level of understanding for the material. In general, people enjoy topics in which they fully understand. Requiring just one additional math or science class could give a student the time to fully understand the topic and develop a passion for it. In addition, teachers need to fully engage students on the subjects. By allowing …show more content…
Encouragement in this form would allow girls to learn about technology without the fear or anxiety of not doing well in a traditional classroom environment. From 2001-2010, Harvey Mudd College noticed a significant drop in the percentage of women obtaining a bachelor’s degree in computer science. In order to remedy this, they began taking first year female students to the Grace Hopper Celebration, an annual conferenced celebrating accomplishments of women in computer science. After attending this conference, 25% more of the students elected to major in computer science despite not wanting to beforehand (Alvarado and Judson 70-71). Conferences like the Grace Hopper Celebration allow students to explore different paths and have fun learning in a stress free environment, as will smaller events such as engineering clubs or computer programming clubs. The important thing is to give students options and different ways to explore their true calling in …show more content…
Some could argue that there isn’t enough money to do this. However, there are plenty of free alternatives to help offset the costs. For instance, Code.org offers programming curriculums at no cost to schools or teachers. Many of the programs don’t require access to a computer, only access to common classroom materials. There are also numerous grants available to schools in regards to integrating technology into schools. Ruby Larson, a former principal of Hillside Elementary, stated his school overcame the technology funding issue with a state grant. “A Nebraska Educational Technology Association grant had enabled us to purchase a cart of iPod Touches” (Larson). Although there are some costs to implementing STEM programs into Omaha Public Schools, there are plenty of free resources out there to help offset the