February - What We Love About STEM

Hear from our extended DE family on what they love about STEM

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S.T.E.M. - an acronym that you'll hear a lot, but some people are still in the dark about what it stands for. S.T.E.M. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM is a word that encompasses so much and therefore is hard to explain succinctly. Each letter can be expanded into an almost never-ending list of topics, subjects, or even inventions. Here at DE, we find it easiest to explain through examples and hands-on projects that link topics students are learning at school to real-world examples and professions. Exposing youth and adults alike to the ways that STEM impacts their daily lives and the possibilities it brings for the future.

DE loves STEM because it leads to possibilities. Possibilities to learn about niche topics, possibilities to use concrete formulas and theories to improve an already existing process, possibilities to try and fail and try again in an environment that encourages just that.

But why not hear what our DE extended family has to say about why they love STEM. Take a look below at what Caryn, Holly and Nadia have to say.

I have worked with DE in a professional capacity as a teacher, participating in professional development and coordinating school activities

What do I love about STEM?
STEM has the possibility to open horizons we never imagined. When I was a child, I watched Star Trek episodes and so much of the technology seemed completely farfetched. Now I carry a tiny computer in my pocket that is more powerful than even Gene Roddenberry's imagination could produce. Although STEM presents challenges, it also has just a limitless capacity to facilitate human creativity, learning, and exploration. It allows my toddler to see her grandmother's face every day, even though her grandparents live hundreds of kilometers away. It allowed me to travel easily around Tokyo, a foreign city with which I had no initial familiarity. It allowed me to read books in English while I lived in Japan without any extra cost or effort. It even allowed me to write and publish books both at home and abroad. STEM connects us and bridges the gaps between us, providing each person with the capacity to reach their full potential.

My family has participated in various DE programs and events over the years.

What do I love about STEM?
STEM fosters critical thinking and nurtures curiosity and imagination. It helps to prepare today's generation for the myriad challenges they will face when they are adults. I value how DE programs engage with kids in a way that makes kids feel excited about science.

I'm a parent of a continual attendee of Destination Exploration

What do I love about STEM?
I believe that STEM is what shapes the future as our world grows and changes. STEM plays a role in everything – in all that we do and how we live. I value the opportunities that programs like Destination Exploration provide to take traditional learning and pivot it to hands-on experience. They facilitate experiences that allow participants to become creators, thinkers, problem solvers, doers, innovators, and inventors. Being encouraged to think critically and outside the box and to challenge standards is where innovation starts. And it is Innovative Thinkers who have the potential to influence and change the world.

Destination Exploration (DE) has been an invaluable member of Actua’s network since 2010. Actua supports DE and its 42 other university and college-based members across the country in developing and delivering hands-on and engaging STEM learning programs for youth. Together, we’re on a mission to unlock the infinite potential of youth and break down barriers to their engagement in STEM.

What do I love about STEM?
STEM is a critical aspect of just about everything! STEM knowledge and skills have become fundamental to all aspects of our lives and play a pivotal role in addressing global threats, such as climate change and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Best of all, by sparking curiosity, creativity and critical thinking, STEM promotes a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship which drives economic growth and prosperity in this country.