Why Teach GreenSTEM?
It creates a space in which students...
love learning, care about others and the environment,
are motivated to understand local problems and passionate about designing solutions,
are inspired to be active citizens and learners beyond the classroom.
Learner:
“Why do I have to learn this? Who cares? It’s boring!”
GreenSTEM learners see a meaningful real-world purpose to what is being learned, and feel a sense of accomplishment when their knowledge and actions make a difference.
Learner:
“It does not matter what I do. The problems are too big.”
GreenSTEM experiences disprove this! Specific achievable solutions to school and community problems are directly connected to content.
Educator:
“How do I get my students to love learning?”
GreenSTEM experiences spark student motivation by directly affecting the student or something the student cares about.
Higher ed, employers: “How can we motivate students to take STEM classes and pursue STEM careers?”
GreenSTEM learners experience the positive impact their knowledge has on solving problems they care about, which sparks
desire and confidence to do more. Learners can identify themselves in STEM careers.
Citizens, scientists:
“There are too many problems and not enough resources to solve them.”
GreenSTEM learners in schools can partner with organizations to investigate problems and design solutions by contributing time, data, materials, innovative ideas, and actual solution designs.
LEARNERS & EDUCATORS ...
care about learning and teaching because they see the relevance of working on a real world problem that affects them or something important to them. They become engaged citizens by solving real problems, and make connections with STEM careers.
ENVIRONMENT & COMMUNITY...
benefit when learners contribute knowledge, skills, innovative ideas, time and resources to design solutions for problems that affect the natural world and citizens.