Journal Articles and Summaries

Lundquist, E. (2011). Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Sea Power,

54(5), 32-32.

The first article was focused on the Navy and their need for people trained in the STEM
fields in the coming years. They discuss how those future leaders are in the 4th and 5th grade
presently and are in major need of STEM supplementation. This is because most students who
begin majors in these fields quit somewhere along the way. The article talks about the usefulness
of STEM programs both in schools and in after school programs with the effective use of
mentors in such programs. We felt this article was fitting for our measurement project because
even though the articles deal with more advanced science, math, and technologies than we could
hope to get through in one afternoon, it is a starting point and the measurements they will be
doing in our activity will be a valuable base to begin from.

Sahin, A. (2013). STEM clubs and science fair competitions: effects on post-secondary
matriculations. Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and Research, 14(1), 5-11.

The second article we found focused on the benefits of STEM after school programs. In
this article they discussed the need for these programs and how as student involvement increases,
students are more likely to pursue STEM majors in college and be more successful in those fields
than those who do not have a STEM background. The article also discussed the effect such
programs have on students social skills because they allow them to meet with and work with
groups of their peers after school. We felt this article was fitting to our lesson because it
highlights the importance of the STEM programs for grades K-12 to show that there is a need for
them. The article also emphasized the benefits of peer collaboration and that connects to our
community involvement and the teaching students the proper way to greet others on the Hello
Walk.