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IEEE-USA’s New, Free Audiobook Can Help Kids See the World through Engineers’ Eyes

By Georgia C. Stelluto

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is all about combining content and process to solve problems–and create new products and services–a fundamental necessity for economic growth. It is not about making kids into engineers, but rather how to help them think and analyze more effectively, perhaps by seeing the world through engineers’ eyes.

Many of you listening to this new, free audio book from IEEE-USA will see how closely it mirrors what engineers do on the job. Maybe you will work with local schools, and help teachers and students solve relevant problems. Perhaps you already are. If not, consider getting involved. It is very important for young folks to examine the world the way an engineer might think about it.

Anyone who wants to understand STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)–and its significance in educating young people in the United States—should call upon IEEE Member, Harry T. Roman. Technology education was Roman’s second calling, during his career as a working engineer. These days, not only does he spend much of his time working with New Jersey students on special project team challenges, but Roman also instructs teachers on how to integrate STEM successfully into classroom curriculum.

In IEEE-USA’s March new, free audio book for members, Why STEM Is Important, Roman demystifies the concept–for engineers–and for anyone else who is interested. In clear, direct language, the author explains what STEM is, what it is not, and why this educational model promises to launch a new era of U.S. economic productivity.

Roman describes STEM as “an educational paradigm that integrates both process- and content-oriented curriculum, and is based on standards.”

He notes that STEM demonstrates the open-ended problem-solving students will encounter in the workplace.  It also represents on-the-job life after graduation, Roman says, whether from college or high school. He adds that STEM’s basic premise is that the world is interconnected; and that solving problems is a multidimensional endeavor that involves active learning, teamwork, collaboration and student empowerment.

“STEM shines best when students see how math can be used for practical applications,” he says. “They will gain an appreciation of a problem’s magnitude and significance. It is 360-degree problem-solving, at its best.”

Why STEM Is Important also offers examples of how parents, educators and engineers can encourage an environment where students learn how to solve all different kinds of real-world problems. He also provides concrete examples of how STEM students must take a range of real-life constraints into account when solving problems, such as the technology; the costs; environmental considerations; legalities; safety; governmental impacts; and aesthetics. He points out that engineers and inventors solve problems exactly this way–with integrated thinking, along with making decisions, designing, and fabricating within constraints.

From March 1 through April 15, IEEE members can download their new, free audio book in MP3 format, Why STEM Is Important, by going to: https://ieeeusa.org/product/why-stem-is-important/.

Just follow the instructions for your free audio book download.

You may also purchase the e-book version of Why Stem Is Important for only $1.99 for members. Non-members pay 3.99.

Go ahead – get involved… help kids today see the world the way you see it.


Georgia C. Stelluto is IEEE-USA’s Publishing Manager; Manager/Editor of IEEE-USA E-BOOKS; InFocus Department Editor for IEEE-USA InSight; and Co-Editor of the IEEE-USA Conference Brief.

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Guest Contributor

IEEE-USA is an organizational unit of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE), created in 1973 to support the career and public policy interests of IEEE’s U.S. members. IEEE-USA is primarily supported by an annual assessment paid by U.S. IEEE Members.

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