November 8th is National STEM Day and Microsoft is excited to help you and your students celebrate! National STEM Day was founded in 2015 to encourage students to pursue careers in the fast-growing fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Celebrated on November 8th each year, it is an opportunity to introduce students to passions and careers they might not otherwise know exist. Fun fact: November 8th isn\u2019t a randomly chosen day, Nov8 is a numeronym, pronounced: \u201cinnovate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you want to explore an immersive learning experience with Minecraft: Education Edition<\/a> or provide opportunities for students to innovate and solve real issues locally and globally in the Imagine Cup<\/a>, Microsoft can help you inspire your students to embrace STEM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Historically, women and people of color are vastly underrepresented in STEM careers. Girls Who Code and Logitech<\/a> found that teachers had the second greatest influence (50%) in helping people pursue a technology career, only after a family member or friend (60%). Incorporating STEM opportunities into classroom instruction and highlighting diversity in STEM fields can make a difference in access for all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> projects a 10.8% increase in STEM fields between 2021 and 2031, where non-STEM occupations are only projected to grow by 4.9%. As a result, qualified STEM careers will be in high demand. STEM presents a vast number of exciting opportunities for students to blend their passions with their future careers. Those who love the outdoors may be interested in environmental engineering, working to preserve waterways, or wildlife. If students are interested in the effects of climate on weather patterns they could become meteorologists or storm chasers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Microsoft can support those future skills now by giving students access to tools they\u2019ll need to pursue these careers. For example, students who love video games can begin their journey in MakeCode Arcade<\/a> and develop skills to help them pursue a future career in game design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n STEM is very hands-on, accessible, and engaging. It can be incorporated into any subject or classroom because it\u2019s more than a subject area, it\u2019s an invaluable mindset. Approaching learning from a STEM lens fosters curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking that can be applied to any content area making cross-curricular connections endless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Microsoft is committed to supporting educators by providing a variety of entry points for embracing STEM regardless of previous experience. The Learn Educator Center<\/a> offers free learning pathways, modules, and resources to help you grow professionally and innovate your classroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On Learn the Hacking STEM<\/a> collection is a curated group of standards-based middle school lessons written by educators for educators. They are inquiry and project-based activities that help students visualize data across science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum in exciting ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Engaging in STEM encourages students to explore, collaborate, and innovate their ideas. What is more fun than finding a new solution to a real problem? Students use peer and real-world feedback to improve their process, design, or solution, helping them develop important skills for their futures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Students can utilize Learn Student Hub<\/a> to explore STEM careers or learn new skills to support their interest in STEM. They can learn valuable skills for free like GitHub Student Developer<\/a>, Visual Studio Code<\/a> or even become a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador<\/a>! They can also earn Microsoft Certifications<\/a> that start with foundational skills, then additional topics are covered ranging from Azure to AI, to data analytics and cybersecurity, preparing them for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRepresentation and encouragement matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A fast-growing and ever-changing field<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Embracing STEM in the classroom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Educator Opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Student Opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Developing sustainable solutions with Minecraft Education Edition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n