Cartography is the science of collecting and interpreting geographic data and using it to create maps. This assists us with regional planning, emergency response coordination, traveling, land surveying, and both sea and space exploration. The individuals who possess the knowledge and talent to produce the maps we need are called Cartographers or Photogrammetrists.

Topics: STEM, STEAM, steam education, STEM education

Operations research analysts are mathematical experts who use their skills to solve problems and make decisions that affect the short and long-term success of their organization.

Topics: STEM, STEM education

This pandemic isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Schools are working towards creating an environment where students can learn at home by equipping them with the necessary technology to make the “virtual classroom” a reality. Unfortunately, STEM learning doesn’t appear to be a focus and it needs to be.

Topics: STEM Lessons, Labdisc, STEM, STEAM, Robotics, distance learning, distance teaching, 3D printing, STEM education, Mimio MyBot, Robo3D, MyStemKits

Medical and health services managers are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the behind-the-scenes aspects that keep hospitals, nursing homes, group practices, and other health care facilities running efficiently.

Topics: STEM, STEAM, steam education, STEM education

Software developers are the creators of both computer programs and the underlying systems that run said programs. Applications software developers create computer applications and games while systems software developers engineer operating systems and interfaces for the platforms themselves.

Topics: STEM, STEAM, steam education, STEM education

Web developers are responsible for designing and creating websites. In addition to ensuring the functionality of the site, they are also in charge of meeting their clients’ aesthetic requests, capacity needs, and technical demands.

Topics: 21st Century Skills, STEM, STEAM, steam education, STEM education

Eons ago, when I was in elementary school, we did a unit on fossils and their importance on understanding how prehistoric plants and animals lived. I was fascinated and for a brief moment in 4^th grade, I wanted to be a paleontologist. I would stare at all of the pictures of the different fossils and dream about going on a true-blue dig and discover something cool like a fossil from a mammoth or saber tooth tiger. Of course, I never did become a paleontologist instead choosing to teach because that feeling of excitement when I learned something new was one I wanted all young learners to experience. But I do wonder if my teacher had the technology to make different fossils for closer study maybe I would have chosen the paleontology path.

Topics: Education Technology, Lessons, STEM Lessons, STEM, STEAM, steam lessons, 3D printing, STEM education

Although generally thought of as only possible in the physical classroom where teachers can observe and guide student exploration and interaction, STEAM learning is possible with distance teaching. How?

Topics: STEM, STEAM, blended learning, virtual classroom, steam education, STEM education, inquiry-based learning

Civil engineering is one of the oldest and most diverse engineering disciplines. Civil engineering is linked to advances in science and mathematics, including material science, geography, geology, hydrology, physics, transportation, construction, and mechanics.

Topics: STEM, STEAM, steam education, STEM education

I know I’m not alone when I envisioned a future in robotics as Rosie the robot maid on The Jetsons wheeling around dusting my furniture. When I began to see the trends in education to include more robotics and coding, I thought, “Yes! I can have my own Rosie or R2D2!” But that is a simplified vision of what robotics learning, and other advanced tech such as 3D printers, can offer. Educators who were already incorporating robotics and 3D printing could see the benefit these innovations had on their students’ learning – increased engagement, improved critical thinking skills, and enhanced conversation and collaboration in the classroom.

Topics: STEM, STEAM, edtech, Robotics, technology, 3D printing