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

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.