Joyce and Ray began with reminding 'STEM' is acronym for the following components: SScience: Study of the nature of the universe; T-Technology: Applying information to the design of goods and services; E-Engineering: Application of knowledge for the benefit of humanity, and M-Mathematics: As the Universal language.
STEM, which is commonly known in the education world, is also aligned with OHCE, FACS, and 4-H Clubs. For this reason, the Bristow OHCE Club attended the county meeting presented for Leader Training as their group for September Lesson. Further, the next generation of Science Standards (NGSS) provides the framework for aligning content with key standards. (This serves as a foundation for the STEM concepts.) Further, Family and Consumer Science is rooted deeply in STEM. An example is engineering and technology. The next generation of engineering technology is designing a safe home environment, solving real-world problems. The data and critical thinking recognizes FACS as a STEM discipline. The OHCE examples include: Food preparation-science, Sewing projects-math (using geometry), Budgeting lessons- math and technology tools, and Home safety or energy efficiency- engineering and technology. Teaching the above and other skills is teaching STEM! Thus, emphasizing key standards of STEM within the OHCE community learning.
In addition to the STEM lesson, other topics covered during the meeting included planning their Creek County Fair booth, and what each person will be contributing to the booth, working schedule during the fair and the education display with STEM emphasis.
For more information and interest in STEM or becoming a member of Bristow OHCE, contact president Kathy Wood Thompson at 918-598-5979 or Dr. Joyce Wade Kinslow at 575499-4840.