Science. Technology. Engineering. Mathematics.
What do these topics have in common (besides my worst subjects in school)?
Together, they form STEM, critical drivers in today’s globally competitive, knowledge-based economy. That’s why our Fargo office, Flint Communications, and our partners at Praxis Strategy Group and Media Productions teamed up to organize and produce the first North Dakota STEM Network Summit.
The event was held April 3-5 at the National Energy Center of Excellence at Bismarck State College. Called Take Root: Engaging STEM Strategies, the conference featured speakers from across the United States and North Dakota who talked about science, technology, engineering and math education (STEM) in K-12 and post-secondary schools.
Photos courtesy of David DeMuth, executive director at Valley City State University Great Plains STEM Education Center.
It also focused on ways to incorporate the arts into STEM education – a concept known as STEAM education. We may be biased, but we’ve always known artists and designers are awesome. Now, there’s a formalized way to communicate their awesomeness – and their ability to further enhance creativity and innovation in the classroom as well as in the state’s workforce.
Check out Twitter for some first-hand thoughts and insights from the event.
The summit also featured numerous exhibits and workshops including 3D printing, Lego Mindstorm robotics and the University of North Dakota’s portable (and awesome) GeoDome planetarium.
Photo courtesy of University of North Dakota.
We’re proud to have helped organize an event that brings our region and country together to talk about how we can set our young people up for success to today’s workforce.
View more photos from the event.
How have you seen STEM or STEAM impact your community? Share with us in the comments below.