Who Cares About Learning How to Solve Problems Like a Scientist or Engineer?

In 2018 2.4 million STEM jobs were left vacant because there weren't enough people who had the skills to solve problems like a scientist or engineer.  In 2016 STEM jobs were growing 17% faster than other tech jobs.  There is a real demand for people who can think, read, write and solve world problems. 

What's the big deal?  That's money that could have been earned!  That's money that's just waiting to be spent on projects that can change the lives of millions of people in the world!  The average wage for a STEM scientist or engineer is $38.85.  (The median wage in the U.S. is $19.00.)

Learning to solve problems as an engineer or scientist is driving our economy to stretch and grow.  The United States is not close to being competitive in the world economy.  Out of 71 countries we are at #38 in math and in science #24.  We have so much to give.  Kids today need to be curious and try to think they can be a part of the solution to world problems.  It's so possible for young people today to be astronauts, biochemists, engineers, bridge builders, architects, and create different ways to use solar energy, hydrogen powered cars or cleaner energy. 

Albert Einstein was a thinker and a hard worker.  He didn't run away from hard things.  He thought about them until they made sense to him.  He didn't quit.  You might think he was the smartest man in the world.  But that's not the case.  He had a normal brain, just like you and me.  He knew how to work at problems until he could see them through.  He learned as he worked and he worked to learn.  That's what a STEM career holds for kids. 

Don't give up at school.  Use your time to learn, solve problems and become aware of what you really like.  Sign up for robotics classes, ocean classes, visit museums and learn how the natural world works by hiking and sitting still to see what is important to the Earth and to you!

That's why your teachers care about your progress at school.  They hope each day you will keep at it, even though you want to quit and just hang out with your friends for the day.  Everyday counts in Math, Science, Language Arts, Music and Art.  Everything counts!

STEM links: https://www.engineeringforkids.com/about/news/2016/february/why-is-stem-education-so-important-/

https://www.idtech.com/blog/stem-education-statistics