
Introducing kids in middle school to STEM subjects can help reiterate that everyone has a place in the field, regardless of gender or race. Hispanic Americans account for 8% and Asian Americans for 13%. Black Americans only make up around 9% of the STEM workforce, while white Americans account for 67%. STEM programs tend to have very little racial diversity as well. Young girls often display a strong interest in STEM subjects and applications, but lack of accessibility to practice and use these skills deter them from seeking out STEM degrees and careers. While STEM is a large field with many real-world applications, women only held around 27% of the jobs in 2019.

Introducing kids to STEM courses sooner can help break down negative stereotypes associated with the field. Especially as they prepare to enter high school, having a strong understanding of what they like and what they’re good at can help them chart a path for their future later. Including units that cover several topics and applications can introduce kids to a subject they love and can grow their passion in. Additionally, middle schoolers tend to lose interest in academics and prioritize their social lives.īecause of this, kids should receive exposure to many different subjects. Because they are beginning to learn about subjects more in-depth and think about their futures, students start to recognize where their academic strengths lie and what they would like to continue to pursue in the future. Middle school is an important period for kids to learn and discover their interests. Why Middle School STEM Programs Are Essential However, teachers and faculty can incorporate interactive STEM projects for middle schools into their classes, helping support existing courses and create new and exciting units.

However, despite the heavy importance of STEM in creating innovative solutions in society, middle schools may only include science and math in their curriculum.

Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs are important in schools because they can help prepare students for these types of jobs when they enter the workforce. 8 STEM Activities Perfect for Middle Schoolers
