You may have heard your child’s teacher using the acronym STEM and wondered what it meant. It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Educators are focusing on STEM because there is currently a gap between the jobs that are in high demand and the skills required to fill them. There are plenty of jobs that require a deep understanding of these subjects and not enough workers to fill them.
I recently helped with STEM field days for Argos 4th and 5th grades. 4th graders came the first day and my stop was water quality. The students and I tested the water for pH, phosphates and nitrates and the role each of these play in the quality of the water. We then collected macroinvertebrates from the pond and classified them as pollution tolerant or intolerant.
5th graders came the second day and my stop focused on soil. We conducted experiments for pH, phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen. The kids also had the opportunity to make their own soil balls to feel the texture of the soil and to use the soil probes to collect samples.
I can say without hesitation that the students were respectful, inquisitive and enthusiastic. I am excited to see what this generation will do with all the tools available to them. Great job Argos and thanks for including me.
For more information, contact Marshall County Soil and Water Conservation District at 574-936-2024 x 3, info@marshallcountyswcd.org or www.marshallcountyswcd.org.
By Debbie Palmer
MCSWCD
