Teaching STEM: Preparing Students for the Modern Workforce – Robert Walsh (Homeschooling Every Subject)

"The best STEM projects take a real problem and require blending knowledge to engineer solutions." ~ Robert Walsh

Dive into the world of STEM education with Yvette Hampton and Robert Walsh from Excalibur Solutions STEM Academy. Robert and Yvette discuss the benefits and complexities of teaching STEM in a homeschooling environment. Discover why incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is more accessible than you think! 🌟 Learn all about integrated learning approaches, why STEM is essential, and how to get started with free tools like Scratch and Tinkercad.

📌 Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding the intricacies of STEM education
• Practical tips for homeschooling moms
• Transitioning from block-based coding to text-based languages
• The value of interdisciplinary learning,
• The ideal age to introduce STEM activities
• How STEM education can enhance writing and critical thinking
• Recommended STEM projects for different age groups
• Real-life applications of math and programming in STEM

Recommended Resources:

Excalibur Solutions STEM Academy

Scratch Programming Language - Learn to Code

TinkerCAD – Learn 3d Modeling, Coding, and Electrical Design, and Physics

Snap Circuits – Learn Electronics

Introduction to Logic, by Dr. Jason Lisle – MasterbooksPodcast Recommendations:

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Homeschooling Every Subject Series

Homeschooling Through the Years Series

Schoolhouse Rocked Series and Topic Directory

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Podcast Recommendations:

Homeschooling Every Subject Series

Homeschooling Through the Years Series (Preschool to Graduation and Beyond)

Schoolhouse Rocked Series and Topic Directory

Teaching Science: Harmonizing Faith with Facts – David Rives (Homeschooling Every Subject)

Finding God in Every Subject – Dr. Jason Lisle

Making Logic Practical: Raising Kids to Think Biblically in Every Subject- Dr. Jason Lisle

Discussion Questions:

1. Robert mentions the complexity of learning STEM due to its interdisciplinary nature and the need to learn a new "language." How can parents make this dual learning process less overwhelming for students?

2. Yvette shares her apprehension towards teaching STEM subjects. What strategies can parents who feel similarly employ to effectively teach these subjects to their children?

3. Robert emphasizes the importance of exposing children to STEM subjects to prevent preconceived misconceptions about these subjects. What are some practical ways to introduce these subjects to children at home?

4. Discuss the differences between what Robert calls 'single subject STEM' and 'crafty STEM' versus effective STEM projects. Why is it important to distinguish between these types?

5. How can tools like Scratch and Tinkercad facilitate early interest and competency in STEM for young learners? Discuss their benefits and potential challenges.

6. Robert talks about the interdisciplinary component of STEM. How does this approach mirror real-world problem solving, and why is it vital for student learning?

7. Considering Robert's definition of STEM, how might homeschooling parents create authentic, interdisciplinary STEM projects for their children?

8. Robert mentions the transition from visual-based languages, like Scratch, to text-based languages, such as Python, in programming. Discuss the potential benefits and difficulties students might face during this transition.

9. How can learning tools like Tinkercad's circuit simulation and physics simulator help students understand abstract concepts in a more tangible way?

10. Yvette talks about the advantage of homeschooling in identifying a child's strengths and interests early on. How can parents leverage this knowledge to tailor a STEM education that both interests and challenges their child?

11. Yvette Hampton shared her experience of stepping out of her comfort zone to teach STEM subjects. How can homeschooling parents effectively tackle subjects they are unfamiliar with?

12. Robert Walsh mentioned that 92% of today's jobs require some form of digital literacy. How can you design your homeschool course of study ensure that children gain sufficient digital skills?

13. How important do you think it is for children to learn touch typing, considering Robert’s point about the evolution of the computer keyboard?

14. Discuss the rapid change in technology that Robert highlighted. How can homeschool educators stay updated with the latest tech advancements to pass on to their students?

15. What strategies can parents use to incorporate biblical worldview into STEM education, as discussed towards the end of the episode?

16. Considering the various career options within STEM fields mentioned by Robert, which ones do you think offer the most potential for future job growth and why?

17. Robert emphasized the importance of understanding rather than memorizing how to use technology. How can this approach be integrated more effectively into homeschool STEM education?

18. How can homeschool educators balance the benefits and drawbacks of rapidly advancing AI in their teaching curriculum?

19. Reflect on Robert's point about conservative Christian involvement in tech fields to influence societal values. In what ways can homeschool educators prepare their students to take on such roles responsibly and boldly?

20. Foundation in Math:

    • Robert Walsh mentions that students should have a foundation in arithmetic before starting programming. How do you think this foundational math knowledge aids in learning programming concepts?

21. Age Appropriateness:

    • Why does Robert Walsh believe third grade (around nine years old) is a good starting point for introducing students to programming? Do you agree with this age recommendation?

22. Learning Tools:

    • Robert Walsh talks about various learning tools like Snap Circuits and Scratch Junior. How effective do you think hands-on tools and interactive platforms are in teaching STEM to young students?

23. Video Games in Learning:

    • What benefits and potential drawbacks does Robert Walsh mention about kids playing games like Minecraft and Roblox in the context of STEM education?

24. Transferable Skills:

    • Discuss how building with Legos can translate into skills needed for robotics and programming as mentioned by Robert Walsh. Can you think of other everyday activities that might develop such skills?

25. Complexity of Programming:

    • Robert Walsh highlights the absence of intuition in computers when it comes to video games. How does this lack of intuition affect the way programming is taught and learned?

26. Broad Benefits of STEM Education:

    • While addressing the benefits of STEM, Robert Walsh discussed both direct and indirect advantages. Which indirect benefits (such as problem-solving and logical thinking) do you find most valuable and why?

27. Programming and Writing Skills:

    • Robert Walsh makes an interesting connection between learning to program and improving one's writing skills. Do you agree that programming can make someone a better writer? Why or why not?

28. Troubleshooting:

    • How important do you believe the skill of troubleshooting is in everyday life, as echoed by both Robert Walsh and Yvette Hampton during the discussion? Can you think of any personal experiences where troubleshooting has been crucial?

29. 21st Century Skills:

    • Robert Walsh talks about 21st-century skills such as problem-solving and project management. How do you think these skills are integrated into STEM education, and in what other fields could these skills be beneficial?

Sponsors:

Apologia is a Christ-centered, award-winning homeschool curriculum provider. Our mission is to help homeschooling students and families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith through our print and digital curriculum and online classes.

BJU Press Homeschool is dedicated to providing homeschool families with academically strong curriculum rooted in a biblical worldview. They offer a complete curriculum from preschool through 12th grade, available in both traditional textbooks and video courses. By teaching through the lens of Christ’s power, they help students view the world through the transformative story of God’s creation

CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Start your free trial today.

The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast is a member of the Biblical Family Network. Our mission is to support and encourage the family by providing the very best podcasts on family, discipleship, marriage, parenting, worldview, culture, and education, all from a Biblical perspective. Visit the website for more great shows, like the Thinking Dad, Culture Proof, Homeschool Insights, and Made2Homeschool.

Topics Covered:

• Connection between music and language • Techniques for using instrumental music in learning • Cultivating Listening Skills with Music • Benefits of Focused Listening for Children • Intentional Use of Music in Learning • Benefits of Repetitive Listening • The stereotype of a musical homeschool • The impact of music on children's development • Are children's songs beneficial or harmful? • How to evaluate the quality of music • How your auditory environment affects learning • The benefits of making music versus consuming music • How to teach music in your homeschool • The impact of different musical styles on learning • Practical tips for integrating music into daily routines • The impact of music on the brain • Music reveals the beauty and precision of God’s creation • The perfect relationship between math and music • Benefits of learning musical instruments • The science behind music and cognitive development • Practical advice for non-musical parents • Affordable ways to introduce music education