Encouraging Student Interest in STEM in Elementary, Middle and High School Classrooms

Department of Mathematical Sciences Colloquium presented by Bart Adrian, UWM.

Atmospheric science provides excellent opportunities for encouraging student interest in all fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). A model outreach program (“Chasing the Wind: Tools for Understanding the Weather”) will be presented for use in elementary, middle and high school classrooms. Key elements of the presentation will be highlighted: sharing of personal career background; storytelling about scientists and scientific concepts; utilization of physical props and humor; messaging on the importance of fluency in mathematics, the language of STEM; and direct involvement of the audience.