Preparing for STEM Majors

A literate nation not only reads. It computes, investigates and innovates.-Change the Equation

Phil Hampton, Ph.D.Chemistry ProfessorDirector, HSI-STEM GrantCSU Channel Islandsphilip.hampton@csuci.edu(805) 437-8869

David Raymond, Ph.D.Assistant ProfessorMechanical EngineeringCSU Los Angelesdraymon@calstatela.edu(323) 343-4494

Topics

What is STEM? STEM careers STEM preparation for higher education STEM success at CSU

What is STEM?

What is STEM?

STEM stands for…– Science– Technology– Engineering– Mathematics

STEM Areas

Biological Sciences Chemistry/ Biochemistry Computer & Information Science Engineering & Technology (Biomedical, Civil,

Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, etc.) Environmental Science Geosciences (Geology, Astronomy) Mathematics Physics

Images of STEM?

STEM Careers

Job Opportunities in STEM in CA

Vital Signs: www.changetheequation.org

Future STEM Employment

http://www.esa.doc.gov/sites/default/files/reports/documents/stemfinalyjuly14_1.pdf

STEM Salaries

http://www.naceweb.org/uploadedFiles/NACEWeb/Research/Salary_Survey/Reports/SS_Jan2013_ExecSummary.pdf

College-Bound Students

http://www.wested.org/online_pubs/gf-07-02.pdf

California Student Proficiency

9th in Math10th in Science

Singapore1st in Science

Korea1st in Math

Strong Math Preparation: A Requirement for Success in STEM

Advanced math courses: greater factor in college success than family background

Math beyond Algebra II: double chances of obtaining B.A.

Necessary preparation of many college courses, including physics, chemistry and even biology.”

http://www.futurereadyproject.org/sites/frp/files/Achieve-MathWorks-FactSheet-All%20StudentsNeedAdvancedMath.pdf

Engineering, Computer Science & Technology Careers

2012 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates

Engineers held 1.5 million jobs– Electrical and electronics engineering (295,520)– Civil engineering (258,100)– Mechanical engineering (252,540) – Industrial engineering (243,620)

Growth areas– Computer Science and Software Engineering– Environmental Engineering– Biomedical Engineering

What Do Engineers, Computer Scientists and Technologist Do??

They are problem-solvers They are innovators They are creators

http://changetheequation.org

http://youtu.be/s1qRPJHAZZg

How should K-12 prepare students for 4 year university?

Preparing Students for Success in College

1. Strong cognitive strategies, e.g. analysis, reasoning and argumentation, and interpretation.

2. Strong content knowledge and skills developed by studying English, math, and science.

3. Academic behaviors that enable students to cope with the academic demands of college, such as self monitoring and study skills.

4. “College knowledge” of how the postsecondary system operates, e.g. process of college admissions, financial aid, and successful functioning in college.

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/labor/report/2009/01/27/5411/improving-academic-preparation-for-college/

STEM High School Preparation Curriculum

– Four years of high school mathematics– Four years of high school science

Physics Chemistry Biology Earth Science

– Strong oral and written communication skills

Students will be able to:– Discover and understand the roles that STEM

professionals have in their lives– Connect their personal passions and skills to STEM

careers options– Understand how their academic and extra-curricular

choices in high school and college affect career opportunities

– Discover the steps to take for various pathways to STEM careers

http://changetheequation.org

Preparing for Transition to CSU STEMEngineering & Technology

Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program

“Boot camps” designed to improve entering freshman placement in college-level math and science courses.

Engages students with faculty and staff early in their academic career.

Fosters student-peer support network

M.E.S.A.Since 1970

Provides academic support for educationally-disadvantaged students so they may excel in STEM higher education

10 participating CSU campuses

36 participating community colleges

www.mesa.ucop.edu

M.E.S.A.

www.mesa.ucop.edu

Builds student success through:– Enrichment activities– Hands-on competitions– Counseling & Academic support– Industry involvement and support

M.E.S.A.

www.mesa.ucop.edu

S.T.E.P. - CSULA

In 2011– Served 265 students– 85% place in college-level math– 33% placed in Calculus I or above

Compared to 2007 pre-STEP– 174 entering students– 51% placed in remedial math– 3% placed in any Calculus course

What to Expect at CSUEngineering & Technology

CSULA Engineering & TechnologyProject-Based Learning Culture

Brings the “real-world” into the classroom Interdisciplinary teamwork Students can draw on prior knowledge,

interests and experiences Engages students with STEM professionals

in industry early in their academic careers

Society of Automotive Engineers

http://youtu.be/NEkZIKGHY_0

http://youtu.be/2x5DbcNNFxc

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Computer ScienceTechnology

Rehabilitation Engineering

Interdisciplinary between engineering, technology and kinesiology

Society for the Advancement of Forensic Engineering (SAFE)

New in 2013! Interdisciplinary STEM association focused on

forensic application of engineering. Parent Organization

– American Academy of Forensic Sciences Criminalistics Pathology Anthropology Engineering Questioned documents Psychiatry Toxicology

STEM!!

Professional Practice Program (PPP)

Capstone design experience Interdisciplinary teams Industry-sponsored projects

– Northrup Grumman– Boeing– Raytheon– Aerospace Corp– Medtronic– JPL– Southern California Edison– L.A. Dept. of Public Works

Concluding Remarks

Encourage early student engagement with CSU STEM programs

Encourage student exploration of STEM careers by matching interests

Encourage seeing the world through “STEM glasses”!

Contact your local CSU for more information

Thank you

Phil Hampton, Ph.D.Chemistry ProfessorDirector, HSI-STEM GrantCSU Channel Islandsphilip.hampton@csuci.edu(805) 437-8869

David Raymond, Ph.D.Assistant ProfessorMechanical EngineeringCSU Los Angelesdraymon@calstatela.edu(323) 343-4494