STEM Learning in Middle School with Games and Simulations
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
STEM education is a major focus of recent legislation and funding in Congress as the number of scientists and mathematicians, engineers and technologists are sadly lacking to support innovation and the ever changing economy (Ashby, 2006). Recently, Senators Lieberman and Coleman have introduced the STEM Education for the 21st Century Act in support of greater emphasis on STEM education in K-12 school. Nearly half of all students studying engineering and science at the post-secondary level leave the major of other pursuits because they are not adequately prepared in the K-12 sector to meet the demands of university and college classrooms (NSTA Report, 2008). Courses requiring inquiry, problem-solving and critical analysis continue to discourage students in continuing in math, science, engineering and technology related coursework in K-12 and above (Education Week, 2008). To that end, this panel seeks to present research in the area of games, simulations, and virtual worlds to support and enrich STEM education in middle school classrooms.
