Science, Technology, Engineering, Math: Exploring the STEM and Family and Consumer Sciences Connection.

Is there a connection? Can you find STEM in Family and Consumer Sciences ?

Where we’re from… Ellen Swallow Richards Ellen lived at a time when society was changing. The Civil War was impacting how the country functioned. The industrial revolution began. Women were working toward being allowed to earn post-secondary degrees as well as obtain the right to vote. Ellen was in the middle of it.

Ellen became a scientist. Ellen was a philosopher. She felt science and research would have a stronger impact if it applied to improve living environments. Ellen was action oriented. Ellen was a leader, trend setter and problem solver.

Ellen was a women of “firsts”. She was the first female student/graduate and teacher at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). She was their first women masters degree holder. She wanted to earn her doctorate, but was denied because of her gender. Ellen

She was dedicated to women’s studies and education. She addressed food safety, water quality and safe home environments through courses designed specifically for women. She started the first women’s “club”. (MIT didn’t recognize women’s education. She wasn’t paid.) After the classes became popular, the women’s labs were added to the course offerings.

The naming of the profession… Ellen named this new field where science and research was applied as: Oekology, then Euthenics, then Home Ecology, then Home Economics. The field found itself changing it’s name once again in 1994 to Family and Consumer Sciences to better describe FCS work.

The foundation of the field was on science and research…

Historically, Home Economics… Adapted as society changed… Eased food shortages through education about food substitutes during World War I. (Food Science, Biology) Were called to serve during the Depression and World War II by offering classes in ingredient substitution, food preservation and were instrumental in the establishment of victory gardens. (Chemistry, Biology)

Was the Home Economics profession based in Science? Technology? Engineering? Mathematics? Yes it was…for that era.

STEM

What is it and why the “push”? Reason #1: National Lieutenant Governors Association Resolution—June 24, 2011: --US has low rate of STEM degree completers (16.8% vs international average of 26.4%) --Addresses the insufficient workforce in aerospace, which is a major industry in Kansas. --Real world experience is vital and the 7-10 years experience desired in the workforce can be started in secondary classrooms through Real World Challenge. --Additional focus on wind energy in Kansas further supports this push.

Reason #2: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics career cluster description: (source: “Planning, managing and providing scientific research and professional and technical services (e.g. physical science, social science, engineering) including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services.”

What does it all mean? What IS STEM?

STEM is the… Integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics together, not learned in separate silos. Teaching of concepts in projects-based learning experiences, rather than just talking about them. Application of these principles in real world applications rather than as abstract concepts. Promotion of careers in which this integrated approach is the norm. Need to develop strong “soft skills” along with the technical skills. (Soources: “Making STEM Real”, Educational Leadership, Vol. 68 No. 6 March,2011; “STEM Strategy Session”, Kansas Enrichment Network, July, 2010)

Soft skills needed by the STEM workforce… Strong math and science skills Strong verbal and written communication skills Strong teamwork skills Strong Leadership skills Creative problem-solving skills Time Management and organizational skills Ability to follow detailed directions Curiosity and imagination Experience with computers and high-tech tools The desire to learn new things every day. (Source: “STEM Edition--A Guide to Goals After Graduation”, 2010, Pg. 29 )

The STEM workforce includes those who are …(sample) Engineers Engineer Technicians Marine Architects Videogame Designers Civil Drafters Astronomers and Physicists Atmosphere and Space Scientists Wind Energy Engineers Forensic Sciences Surveyors Environmental Scientists Computer and Information Scientist (Source: “STEM Edition--A Guide to Goals After Graduation”, 2010, Pg. 29 )

Family and Consumer Sciences: What’s the connection?

FCS teachers have background in… Psychology Sociology Anthropology Philosophy Theology Administration and Management Customer and Personal Service Communications and Media Therapy and Counseling (Source: “Summary Report for —Home Economics Teachers”)

FCS.. Provides an introduction to basic STEM principles by linking them to daily life applications related to Food Safety Food Preparation Family Studies Consumer and Personal Finance Early Childhood Developmental Experiences (to introduce early STEM concepts) Culinary Arts Restaurant Management Sustainable Living Practices and Sustainable Design Resource Management

FCS… Promotes the development of soft skills through the 21 st century process skills education that directly impact STEM including : (examples) Verbal Communication —Relationship Education; FCCLA Teamwork/Leadership /Time Management —Class projects completed in teams in all courses; FCCLA Ability to follow detailed instructions —Technical reading projects, Professional Learning Experiences Creative Problem Solving —Case studies in which practical problem solving have no one answer Strong Science skills —Food Science labs; Nutrition labs Curiosity and Imagination —Early child development interactions and labs. Experience with Technology and Tools—Access to and use of a variety of FCS related industry equipment/software.

FCS ties to STEM in Kansas…

Direct Ties: STEM—Biomedial Pathway includes two FCS courses— Food Science (22203) and Nutrition and Health Science (22213) All FCS courses in approved pathways integrate academics (science, technology and math). 2lst Century Skills (soft skills) are embedded in all FCS courses. FCCLA addresses same skills in authentic applications and competitive events. Indirect Ties Research shows that when personal life is in order, work productivity increases. Consumer and Personal Finance course prepares STEM students for making wise financial decisions related to education and personal/family life. Practical problem solving promotes how to rationalize decision making when there is no right answer. How to fail is addressed.

Will STEM affect the work we do?

STEM impact…(examples) Food safety and sanitation issues. Food additives to enhance food shelf life Food preservation that will retain nutritional value Engineered food to increase nutritional value/increase production Genetic engineering/gene slicing (reproductive services/fetus surgeries Prosthetic limbs to allow human movement (hugging family members, playing with children again) with the use of brain currents to move them. Implants to regain eye sight/hearing Universal designed homes to allow a birth to death living experience. New technological devices to make our personal lives easier (Smart homes-- computer systems that talk to one another AND to you.) Environmental practices to address growing shortages of resources (i.e. rainwater collection systems, solar energy, wind power.)

But don’t forget, they need FCS too… In addition to the items already mentioned, FCS assists with the management of their personal lives, promotes their physical, emotional and financial health, as well as teaches them how to balance work and family and raise the next workforce generation.

The big question… Do we fit in STEM? Can we assist in developing needed skills? Can we claim to follow Ellen Richard’s legacy of applied science and research?

Yes, yes and yes..

Thank you… Gayla Randel, CFCS KSDE—Education Program Consultant Family and Consumer Sciences