Your Kids

Encouraging Children To Explore Careers In Science, Technology, Engineering And Math

Posted: 8/18/2012

Science and engineering fairs can pave the way for rewarding careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

(NAPSI)—For many parents, the road to a great future for their kids may be easier to find than they realize. That’s because eight of the top 10 best paid majors are in engineering, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Children who learn the fundamentals of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects in early grades are better equipped to pursue an engineering career.

Parents play a vital role in shaping their children’s education and career aspirations. Science and engineering fair projects are often students’ first—and, in many cases, only—opportunity to gain hands-on experience with STEM subjects in ways that directly relate to their own lives, personal interests or aspirations. A science fair project can give your child the chance to create his or her own education experience, one that allows him or her to experiment, just as scientists and engineers do in the real world.

What Parents Can Do

To help your child stay excited about STEM subjects through a science fair:

1. Find a science fair at www.societyforscience.org.

2. Choose a science fair topic that means something special to your child. Don’t start with a generic listing of science fair topics. Instead, start with your child’s personal interests and go from there. For example, if your child likes video games, consider studying graphics processors. A website like www.sciencebuddies.org can help your child find a project geared to his or her interests.

3. Consider a mentor who can share his or her life experience with your child. Mentors can connect a child with real-world applications of their STEM studies. Microsoft found that 57 percent of STEM college students were inspired by a teacher or class.

4. Remember: There are no “wrong” results in a science fair project. Your child’s original hypothesis may not be correct but it’s learning about the scientific method and engineering process that really matters.

5. Parents don’t need to be scientific experts to help their kids with their project. Offering support and encouragement and attending the science fair are just a few ways to help.

What Others Are Doing

One in five STEM college students said they decided to pursue a STEM career in middle school or earlier.

To give today’s students a hand, the Broadcom Foundation sponsors the nation’s leading science and engineering competition for sixth to eighth graders-The Broadcom MASTERS®. The winner is awarded the $25,000 Samueli Foundation Prize, but the thousands of young people who participate in the program through their regional and state science fairs are better prepared to meet the challenges of the future and lead the way with innovative scientific breakthroughs, engineering feats and technological know-how.

Learn More

You can find more facts and advice at www.broadcomfoundation.org/masters or call (949) 926-9500.

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