Making STEM Education Accessible to All

Presenter: Charlotte Martin, Public Health Science, Global Public Health Scholars

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For my practicum project, I worked at the Friends School of Baltimore as both a shadow in Biology classes and a substitute in the upper school. As a shadow, I observed Ms. Jenkins, a skilled biology teacher, as she worked to present complicated STEM material in a method accessible to students from all different backgrounds. From my time as a shadow, I learned how keeping a class of many different types of learners engaged can be very complicated. I also learned the importance of STEM education, as STEM is prevalent in many careers of the future.  As a substitute, I presented necessary lesson plans to students in all courses in the upper school. From this experience, I learned how certain teaching philosophies are key in ensuring mutual respect and understanding between students and teachers. My practicum project heavily relates to the Education Social Determinant of Health. When students begin to fall behind and never gain passion for Biology or other STEM fields at a young age, they tend to not pursue careers or College degrees in the STEM field. Many carers in this day and age are STEM heavy, so pursuit of biology from a young age can be a key to success. Additionally, many students come from different backgrounds, but all deserve equal opportunity to understand this biology material. Because of this, the material must be presented in creative manners to encourage engagement from as many students as possible.