Kicking off STEM matters month
Gov. Brad Little, second from right, and FIRST Idaho Technology Director Steve Skogsberg, right, talk on Wednesday about FIRST-FRC Robotics with members of Team Tators, left, from the Treasure Valley Math and Science Center in Boise.
Photo by OTTO KITSINGER/Idaho STEM Action Center
STEM Matters began eight years ago in Idaho, morphing from a one-day celebration to a weeklong virtual event to a monthlong statewide celebration during February 2023.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little read a proclamation last Wednesday, declaring February as Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Matters month.
“In an ever-changing economy, Idaho STEM Action Center is uniquely situated to connect young Idahoans with the education and training our industry leaders want in a workforce,” Gov. Little said at the Idaho STEM Action Center kickoff event in Boise, “From logging to computer science, mining to health care, or teaching to business skills that STEM education fosters will propel Idaho students into high-paying, meaningful careers.”
The Shoshone News-Press reached out to Canyon Elementary Science Magnet School (CES) Principal Jenny Ferreira about the importance of STEM education, what changed when Canyon became a science magnet school, and how focusing on these specific subjects can support students in the long run.
“STEM education is so important for all learners,” Ferreira said. “But I feel that it is especially important for young learning as it fosters curiosity and a love for science, technology, engineering and math at an early age. STEM education offers hands-on learning opportunities for a variety of real-world applications. It creates opportunities for students to use innovation, creativity, problem-solving and experimentation. Many career paths utilize skills obtained in STEM education. The earlier students learn to tap into that part of their brain the more confident they become in their abilities.”
When the school became a magnet school in 2009, there was a strong emphasis on focusing specifically on science, as it can frequently be looked over regarding reading and math.
“Often in elementary education, science takes a back burner to reading and math; this is especially true in grades K-third,” Ferreira said. “When Canyon became a science magnet school, a commitment to science education was made K-5. This means that we work diligently to incorporate science education whenever possible and in a variety of creative ways.”
CES has a parent group called Canyon School Organization, which financially supports the additional costs associated with adding science to the curriculum.
“For example, once a week, our students participate in hands-on science education taught by our science teacher, Mrs. Fisher. Many field trips we take are science-related, and we also have a science presenter, Radical Rick, who comes to Canyon four to five times per year for engaging science assemblies,” Ferreira said. “One of our favorite science traditions at Canyon is 'Science Friday.' The entire school participates in multiple hands-on science stations taught by teachers and other community members. Many parents join us on those days.”
Ferreria continued by explaining that students learn so much by participating and engaging in STEM-related activities that use many different skills to problem solve.
“As students experience success, it builds their confidence. Students learn that they have the skills needed to solve complex problems and they develop a “can-do” attitude. It’s so exciting to watch students make discoveries and build confidence in themselves. STEM education also develops critical thinking skills in students," Ferreria said. "We live in a complicated and sometimes confusing world. Teaching students to ask questions, be curious, make discoveries, and find things out on their own are important skills to develop in our modern world.”
As part of STEM Matters Month, Idaho STEM Action Center is hosting virtual discussions with leading employers and helping spotlight other events statewide that highlight careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Visit stem.idaho.gov/stem-matters for more details about the events happening during STEM Matters Month.
Ferreira added, “Being a Science Magnet School is so exciting and an important part of our identity at Canyon. Our students know they are scientists and are excited about it and proud of it.”