Preparing for STEM Majors A literate nation not only reads. It computes, investigates and innovates. -Change the Equation Phil Hampton, Ph.D. Chemistry Professor Director, HSI-STEM Grant CSU Channel Islands (805) David Raymond, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Mechanical Engineering CSU Los Angeles (323)

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

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:

Future STEM Employment

STEM Salaries

College-Bound Students

California Student Proficiency

9 th in Math 10 th in Science Singapore 1 st in Science Korea 1 st 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.” 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

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. 1/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

Preparing for Transition to CSU STEM Engineering & 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

M.E.S.A. Builds student success through: – Enrichment activities – Hands-on competitions – Counseling & Academic support – Industry involvement and support

M.E.S.A.

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 CSU What to Expect at CSU Engineering & Technology

CSULA Engineering & Technology Project-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

Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Computer Science Technology

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 Professor Director, HSI-STEM Grant CSU Channel Islands (805) David Raymond, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Mechanical Engineering CSU Los Angeles (323)