Decoding The STEM Crisis It Starts With High School Education

White Paper
Decoding the STEM Crisis:

It starts with high school education
Table of Contents 1 | Introduction
2 | History
4 | Insights
6 | Current state of the United States’ STEM education
7 | The United States global rankings in math and science
8 | Problem identification
11 | Analysis
11 | The current state of US high school performance
12 | Math college readiness
14 | Science college readiness
16 | Analyzing STEM teacher supply and quality in the United States
17 | Solutions
17 | The key to the STEM crisis: Increasing math and science
readiness at the high school level
18 | Getting students excited about science
20 | Adopting technology to address teacher shortages
22 | Facilitating flipped learning
24 | Providing an accurate career perspective
26 | Conclusions
28 | References
Decoding the STEM Crisis: It starts with high school education © 2023 Anatomage, Inc. i
Introduction
Introducing the STEM Crisis
As we enter a technology era, the demand for STEM careers continues to rise. This growth is driven
by the rapid advancements in sectors like the internet, digital health, and the e-commerce economy,
creating an elevated need for STEM professionals, particularly in fields such as cybersecurity, computer
technology, biotechnology, and engineering. These STEM roles are vital in fueling our economic growth.
1
The U.S. Bureau of Statistics projects that by 2032 , the STEM workforce will be expanded with more
2
than 4 million jobs. 3.5 million of those will need to be filled by 2025 and 1.4 million computer
3
engineers, scientists and technicians jobs are at risk of remaining unfilled . These numbers highlight an
urgent need to increase the STEM workforce.
In an educational environment where over 35% of college freshmen who enrolled in STEM majors fail
to complete their degrees, there is a pressing need to reinvent a new kind of STEM education—and
it should start as early as high school. Our goal must be to develop a system that not only attracts
students to STEM fields but also retains them through increasing graduation rates at the bachelor’s
degree level and above.
This white paper aims to investigate the current state of the STEM crisis, by exploring its demand,
supply and various solutions to increase the STEM workforce in the United States through high
school education.
Decoding the STEM Crisis: It starts with high school education © 2023 Anatomage, Inc. 1
History
What is the STEM crisis?
The STEM crisis isn’t a modern concept. In April 1983, a report titled “A Nation At Risk,” written
by The National Commission on Excellence in Education, was presented to the Secretary of
4
Education of the United States . Key findings from this report indicated alarming trends:
• A persistent decline in science achievement scores among U.S. 17-year-olds, as evidenced

by national science assessments conducted in 1969, 1973, and 1977.
• A substantial increase, by 72%, in the enrollment of students in remedial mathematics

courses at public four-year colleges between 1975 and 1980. These courses represented
a quarter of all mathematics classes offered in these institutions.
• A noticeable downturn in student performance on College Board achievement tests in

core subjects such as physics and English, spanning several recent years.
The findings also forecasted that the blooming field of computer technology and information
systems, coupled with low proficiency rates in math and science among the nation’s youth,
posed a significant risk to the country’s future competencies.
Through this report, the concept of the STEM crisis was defined as a state where the supply of
STEM graduates whose skill sets were sufficient to work in the STEM workforce doesn’t meet
the increasing demand from STEM jobs. And in the United States, the STEM crisis has become
more prominent.
HISTORY
Distribution of STEM jobs

Fastest growing occupations by 2032
5
The demand for STEM jobs is unevenly distributed across
different fields. The Information Security and Healthcare sectors,
including Wind Turbine Service technicians, Nurse Practitioners,
Nurse practitioner 45%
Data Scientists, Statistics, and Information Security Analysts, are
experiencing the most rapid growth rates, with a projected 32% -
45% increase in employment between 2021 and 2031. Although Data scientist 35%
the fields of Life, Social, and Physical Sciences are witnessing

slower growth overall, there are exceptions. For instance, Information security analyst 32%
select occupations in Medical Health and Services Managers
and Physicians are expected to grow by 25%. The demand for Medical and health
28%
Epidemiologists is also significant, as this occupation is projected services manager
to rank seventh in growth with a substantial increase of 27%
during the same time frame. Epidemiologist 27%
Physician assistant 27%
Software developer 26%
Computer and information

23%
research scientist
Veterinary technologists
21%
and technician
Insights
The future state of STEM demand
To address the STEM crisis, it’s crucial to forecast the future demand for STEM careers. Key indicators
provide insights into the growth rates of STEM jobs compared to other occupations, potentially
influencing the crisis.
Job growth rates

The latest data from 2023 suggests a significant projection: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
1
anticipates more than 11 million STEM jobs by 2032 . Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Labor
predicts an 11% increase in STEM positions by 2032, a stark contrast to the modest 2.3% average
growth rate seen in non-STEM fields. These statistics emphasize the burgeoning demand for
STEM careers.
Quick facts
By 2032, STEM occupations will

Host more than Experience an Expand at
11M 11% 2X
jobs in STEM fields increase in jobs the speed of
non-STEM jobs
INSIGHTS
STEM unemployment rates Salary

6
Research reveals a consistent pattern: STEM professionals with bachelor’s degrees STEM professionals consistently earn more across all education levels . Those holding
or higher consistently have lower unemployment rates compared to their non-STEM bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields experience a substantial income advantage of 47%
peers with similar educational backgrounds. Specifically, in 2019, STEM graduates with over their non-STEM counterparts with similar qualifications. Even STEM professionals
bachelor’s degrees or higher boast an impressively low unemployment rate of 1.6%, without degrees earn an impressive 60% higher income than non-STEM professionals
6
while non-STEM graduates with equivalent education levels face a higher rate of 2.4% . without degrees.
This pattern underscores the reliability of STEM occupations for job security.
Unemployment
rates in 2019
STEM non-STEM
47% 60%
Comparison between STEM and non-STEM income advantage for higher income for STEM
graduates with equivalent education levels. graduates with bachelor’s professionals without degrees
degrees in STEM fields over compared to non-STEM
1.6% 2.4%
non-STEM counterparts professionals without degrees
Analysis:
Considering the ongoing surge in job opportunities, low unemployment rates,
and the upward trajectory of salaries, STEM positions are currently experiencing
an exceptionally high level of demand. Furthermore, this demand is expected to
maintain and even intensify over the next decade.
INSIGHTS
Current state of the United States’ STEM education Quick facts

In 2019, an article published by the Society of Human Resource Management highlighted a concerning
trend: 60% of STEM employers struggled to fill job vacancies within three months of listing the position .
2
A glimpse into the current state of the
The article also revealed millions of unfilled STEM positions, with a projected demand exceeding 3.5 United States’ STEM graduation rates
million by 2025. These statistics shed light on the shortfall in the supply of STEM graduates in the United
19.3% 7.2%
States, which falls below expectations. It’s important to take a closer look at the current landscape of
STEM supply in the United States.
Global STEM graduation shares of undergraduate of tertiary graduates were

Despite the substantial demand for STEM professionals, the United States lags in producing STEM degrees in 2022 engineering majors
graduates. According to UNESCO, developing countries account for the majority of STEM graduates,
2.7%
7
with a share ranging from 30% to 40% in 2022 . In contrast, in the United States, only 19.6% of
undergraduate degrees were earned in STEM programs. Specifically, the country has one of the lowest
8
shares of engineering graduates , standing at just 7.2%.
decrease in undergraduate
STEM graduation share trend degrees in 4 years
Data from both the National Center for Education Statistics and UNESCO indicate a concerning trend:
the percentage of STEM graduates with bachelor’s degrees and higher has been steadily declining.
9
In 2019, STEM degrees accounted for 22.3% of all degrees awarded , but by 2022, this figure had
7
decreased to 19.6% .
Analysis:
This decline in STEM graduates’ share suggests two potential factors: reduced interest in STEM
among incoming freshmen or a decline in the retention rates within STEM programs. However, it
is unlikely that there has been a reduced interest in STEM, as STEM fields are not only associated
with attractive job prospects but are also sought-after degrees. Every year, approximately 2 million
undergraduate freshmen enroll in STEM programs. Even during the pandemic, when overall
10
undergraduate enrollment experienced a temporary shrinkage , STEM enrollment saw an increase
of 2.2%. This means that increasing the retention rates of STEM students may be the key to
increasing the number of STEM graduates.
INSIGHTS
The United States’ global rankings in math and science Quick facts
Eric A. Hanushek, a Hoover Institution economist at Stanford University, projects a 4.5% growth in
the U.S. economy over two decades if American students match global math and science proficiency How well does the United States perform
11
levels . This underscores the strong link between education and economic strength. Yet, U.S. student
in math and science?
performance in these areas is concerning.
Science and math global ranking

In annual assessments by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) , the
11
11th 30th
U.S. ranks 30th in math and 11th in science among 79 countries. With a math score of 478, below the
place ranking place ranking
OECD average of 489, the U.S. lags significantly behind leaders like Singapore (569), Macao (555), and
for science for math
Hong Kong (551). This trend points to a worrying decline in STEM competencies among American youth.
Shares of foreign students in STEM

Regarding STEM education, a notable portion of U.S. degrees is awarded to foreign students. In the
>50%
2017-2018 academic year, 22% of undergraduate STEM degrees went to international students. The of STEM masters degrees awarded
figures are even more striking at the graduate level, with foreign students receiving 54% of master’s to foreign students
12
and 44% of doctoral STEM degrees in the U.S. in 2016-2017 .
Analysis:
The correlation between education and economic prowess is evident. The United States’ lag in
math and science education signals a potential decline in the production of skilled STEM workers,
worsening the STEM crisis and risking the nation’s technological and economic progress. Addressing
these educational gaps is crucial for maintaining economic competitiveness and innovation.
Problem identification
The real crisis: Retention rates in STEM programs
Compared to other programs, STEM programs in the United States exhibit a significantly lower
completion rate by at least 33%. In fact, less than 40% of STEM students manage to graduate within a
13 14
six-year timeframe , while the national average completion rate for all majors is around 64% . This
trend highlights the significance of addressing the STEM crisis by enhancing the retention rates within
undergraduate STEM programs.
6-year All programs STEM
completion
rates
(Source: NCES11,CBE Life Sci Educ.12)
64% 40%
Based on our research, we have identified two key factors that may influence retention rates in STEM
programs: the performance of students in high school and the shortage of teachers. Let’s explore
these aspects in more detail.
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
High school performance and undergraduate

graduation rates
STEM college 2.5 and below 3.5 and above
Research by the Associate for Psychological Science indicates that high school achievement may dropout rates
positively correlate with undergraduate graduation rates. The study focused on discovering the Based on high school GPA
attributes between high school performance and the probability of dropping out of college. They
(Source: Associate for Psychological Science13)
found that STEM undergraduate graduation rates were 34% lower for students with lower high 46% 14%
school grades (low HSG, with high school GPA below 2.5) compared to those with higher high
15
school grades (high HSG, with high school GPA above 3.5) , without any intervention.
According to the study, the probability of graduating with a STEM degree is strongly correlated
with the student’s performance in high school. A national 6-year study of first-year college
students in STEM disciplines showed that 46% of low-HSG students left college before earning a
Low-GPA
Average college
15
degree compared to only 14% of their high-HSG peers . Considering that the average dropout STEM Students All Students
dropout rates
16
rate across all majors is approximately 19.2% , a much lower rate compared to the college drop-
out rates from low-HSG students, this data suggests that STEM fields are particularly challenging Out of 100 students
for students with low high school GPAs. This discrepancy highlights the need for targeted
(Source: Associate for Psychological Science13)
support and resources to assist low-GPA students in STEM and emphasizes the importance of a
strong foundational education in high school to prepare for the demand of STEM courses. 46% 19%
Analysis:
These studies highlight a correlation between high school performance and college
graduation rates, suggesting that enhancing high school performance could increase the
likelihood of STEM graduation, thus contributing to alleviating the STEM crisis.
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
The supply and quality of teachers and their impact

Quick facts
on STEM education
Building an effective STEM educational system depends on a high-quality teaching workforce. How does teacher quality influence
Research shows that teacher quality significantly influences student learning more than any student learning?
17
other factor . Recognizing this, the U.S. government, under the Obama administration, launched
15% 1%
a STEM initiative to provide 100,000 new teachers in science, technology, engineering, and math
18
by 2021 .
The level of a teacher’s expertise in STEM subjects is also directly linked to student motivation in
pursuing STEM courses. For instance, when a ninth-grader is taught by a science teacher with a rise in student percent that every extra
degree in a science field, their likelihood of enrolling in advanced science courses in high school enrollment for year of science teaching
19
increases by 15% . Additionally, each extra year of a science teacher’s experience modestly advanced courses experience boosts the
enhances the probability (by 1%) of their students taking advanced science courses. taught by science likelihood of students taking
teachers with a degree advanced courses
Analysis:
Both the supply and quality of teachers can influence high school students’ performance,
especially participation in advanced math and science courses. Considering the STEM crisis,
it appears that the United States may be combating a dual challenge of insufficient teacher
supply and compromised quality in STEM education. To address this issue effectively, a deeper
analysis of the current state of STEM teacher supply and quality within the nation is essential
to confirm the presence of a teacher shortage in these critical fields.
Analysis
The current state of US high school performance
Based on the previously mentioned information, we can see that both high school performance
and teacher supply and quality are the factors impacting STEM college student learning, eventually
influencing the retention rates in STEM graduation rates. Therefore, gaining insight into the current
state of high school performance is crucial in responding to the STEM crisis. As suggested by the data
presented above, we believe that the declining STEM graduation rates in the current scenario may
determine shortcomings in high school performance.
ANALYSIS
Math college readiness

Based on the 2022 Graduating Class ACT Profile Report (2022 ACT) ,
20 College readiness
both math scores measuring college readiness and American College In 2022, 31% of high school seniors demonstrated readiness for college-level math,
20
Test (ACT) performance are showing a concerning decline among a decline from 40% in 2018 .
graduating high school seniors.
40% 39%
37%
36%
31%
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
(Source: ACT Profile Report - National20)
ANALYSIS
ACT math scores

20
In 2022, the average ACT math score stood at 19.3, reflecting a drop of 5.8% from 2018 .
20.5 20.4
20.2
19.9
19.3
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Analysis:
The decline in math proficiency not only affects math-related majors but also impacts
the performance in science and engineering programs. A key determinant of college
dropout rates among STEM students is the level of math coursework completed
in high school. For instance, 41% of STEM students who didn’t take algebra II/
trigonometry or higher in high school dropped out of college from STEM fields.
In contrast, this rate decreased to 12% among those who studied calculus in high
21
school . These numbers suggest that to provide students with the foundational skills
necessary to excel in STEM fields, school districts must prioritize increasing math
education at the K-12 level.
ANALYSIS
Science college readiness

20
The results of the 2022 ACT report have raised concerns about the College readiness
declining state of science readiness among high school graduates in In the United States, only 32% of graduating seniors are meeting the established
the United States. Increasing high school students’ readiness for college college readiness benchmarks in science, indicating a significant gap in preparedness
20
level science courses is a critical factor for improving their likelihood of for higher education .
completing their degrees within the six-year period.
36% 36% 36% 35%
32%
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
ANALYSIS
ACT science scores

The average ACT science score has witnessed a noticeable drop, decreasing to
20
19.9 from 20.7 in 2022. In fact, the ACT science scores have consistently decreased
from 2018 - 2022, highlighting a persistent downward trend in science proficiency
among students.
20.7
20.6 20.6
20.4
19.9
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Analysis:
Both scores of college science readiness and ACT have consistently decreased year
by year. This highlights an alarming downward trend in science proficiency among
high school students. The lack of preparedness can lead to decreased morale and
increased dropout rates from college programs.
ANALYSIS
Analyzing STEM teacher supply and

STEM teacher quality in middle and high schools
quality in the United States
Research conducted among science teachers in middle and high schools revealed that 61%
Referring to the discussion in the section “Identifying the problem,” 24
of chemistry teachers and 67% of physics teachers do not hold degrees in those fields .
it’s evident that the supply and quality of STEM teachers are closely
connected to student motivation in pursuing advanced math and science
classes. However, considering the current landscape of the STEM crisis,
we can expect a shortage of STEM teachers across the nation.
67%
STEM teacher shortage in middle and high schools
In 2018, around 100,000 teaching jobs in science, technology,
22
engineering and math remained vacant at the high school level .
Notably, 31% of public schools struggled to find candidates for biology
and life science teaching jobs. The situation was even worse for physics,
geology and engineering teaching jobs as up to 47% of public schools
61%
failed to fill the positions in these areas. The teacher shortage may Chemistry teachers without
Physics teachers without a
continue to be a persistent issue as 55.5% of teachers consider leaving degree in their field a degree in their field
23
their jobs sooner than planned .
Analysis:
The above data indicates that the crisis of teacher shortage may
remain persistent for many years. As mentioned earlier, student
motivation in advancing their STEM education is tied to the
qualifications of teachers in specialized science fields. Therefore, this
data shows insights into the reason behind high school students’ low
performance in science.
Solutions
The key to STEM crisis: Increasing math and science
readiness at the high school level
The data clearly indicates that enhancing STEM graduation rates relies on improving learning
performance in high school, with a particular emphasis on boosting math-science readiness. This
section delves into strategies for elevating math and science preparedness at the high school level,
setting the stage for college success.
We propose the following directions for increasing college readiness in high school:
• Getting students excited about science
Sparking genuine excitement and engagement in students is a highly effective strategy for
enhancing their learning in science. Having an authentic interest in the subject can lead to the
development of independent learning habits. This approach not only enriches their educational
experience but also significantly improves their overall learning outcomes.
• Adopting technology to address teacher shortages

Technology is a powerful tool for engaging students in the learning process, conducting
scientific lab activities with minimal supervision, and fostering an autonomous learning attitude.
This can provide ideal solutions to tackling the current crisis of teacher shortages.
• Facilitating flipped learning

Flipped learning is a pedagogical strategy that involves active student engagement in the
learning process. This approach emphasizes hands-on learning, including lab work, interactive
discussions, and direct engagement with teachers and peers.
• Providing an accurate career perspective

Developing a realistic understanding of STEM professions assists students in making informed
career choices, ensuring they can accurately determine if a path in STEM is right for them.
Decoding the STEM Crisis: It starts with high school education © 2023 Anatomage, Inc. 17 17
SOLUTIONS
Getting students excited about science

Why is it important?
According to Anatomage’s in-house survey, among students that consider
It’s essential for educators to establish a framework that not only
dropping out of STEM education, 44% of students cited “lack of passion
enhances achievement in high school science but also cultivates a in STEM” and “a decrease in STEM interest” as reasons leading them to
genuine interest in science among students. Such an approach can Experience
leave the programs. Elevating the intrinsic value of STEM subjects is vital
foster long-lasting commitment toward the pursuit of STEM degrees. for enhancing science readiness. This involves making the subjects more
appealing and relevant to students’ interests and aspirations.
High-quality 3D visualization
For digital natives, leveraging technology can significantly enhance their engagement
with the course content. Despite the availability of numerous 3D technology platforms
for educational purposes, the visual quality frequently falls short. To captivate
contemporary learners, it’s essential to adopt interactive platforms with high-quality
3D visualizations.
Gamified learning High-quality Gamified

According to the book “Gamification in Learning and Education: Enjoy Learning Like
3D visualization learning
Gaming,” students who participated in a gamified biology course outperformed their
25
peers who didn’t engage in such activities by an impressive 40% .
Unique, thrilling experiments

High school students are adventurous. Technology enables students to safely explore
hazardous experiments that are not feasible in a physical lab setting. Engaging,
thrilling, and interactive virtual lab experiments not only aid in visualizing scientific
concepts more effectively but also ignite a passion for deeper learning and exploration
Unique, thrilling experiments
in science.
SOLUTIONS
Featured Example
Fruit Fly experiment
Science Table by Anatomage With the Science Table, for example, students can study autosomal and
sex-linked traits, such as eye color, body color, and wing shape through an
To effectively engage Gen Z students, educators need technology that is interactive experiment. All of this can be done without being in contact with
educational, practical, and appealing. Science Table by Anatomage meets these a real fly. The experiment is presented in a three-screen interface. Students
criteria. Designed to ignite scientific curiosity among students, this technology have access to the male and female fly population, the mating area, and the
offers dynamic, interactive virtual experiments that enhance conceptual offspring to engage in the experimental process. Students tap on the screen
understanding. The Science Table integrates Anatomage’s acclaimed multi-touch to produce a desired action.
3D visualization platform, transforming abstract science topics from textbooks into
relatable, interactive 3D experiences. Step 1: Select a male and female fly
Benefits
• Practical
Provides a visual, gamified example of inheritance of traits that is consistent
with Mendel’s principles.
• Odorless
The traditional fruit fly experiment, usually conducted with real flies and
Step 2: Place them in a virtual mating environment
accompanying odors, can now be experienced virtually and odor-free using
and observe the inheritance traits of their offspring
the Science Table, offering a more comfortable yet educational experience.
• Unlimited trials
Virtual experiments enable students to conduct trials repeatedly, offering
limitless opportunities for exploration and learning.
SOLUTIONS
Adopting technology to address teacher shortages

Effective teachers are vital to boosting student performance in high school.
The United States’ teacher shortage has become a chronic issue with
Schools must emphasize recruiting and retaining skilled educators, as they
persistent challenges. In today’s digital age, technology may be the significantly influence students’ academic success.
solution. Not only does it provide teachers with instructional resources
to support their classroom activities, but also support in attracting
qualified teachers to the institutions.
Teacher-friendly technology Experience

Due to the national teacher shortage, many schools are increasingly relying on
substitute teachers. These substitutes often face challenges in quickly understanding Teacher-friendly Promote self-
and adapting to existing processes. Therefore, there is a need for intuitive technology technology directed learning
that can be operated by any teacher, making sure that classroom activities continue
without any disruptions.
Retain and attract qualified teachers

In UKG’s 2022 Technology Cultivates K-12 Success report, researchers found that 63% of
central office administrators at U.S. public schools attributed teacher attrition to the lack
26
of “cutting-edge” technology . Furthermore, 94% of school administrators also revealed
26
that teachers now have high expectations regarding technology at work . These details
suggest a need to adopt technology to retrain and attract qualified teachers. Retain and attract qualified teachers
Promote self-directed learning

In light of the national teacher shortage crisis, it’s critical for students to develop
autonomous learning. This involves independently setting their own educational
goals and identifying strategies to accomplish them. Technology has demonstrated its
27
capacity to improve student engagement in an online learning environment . With that
said, increasing the adoption of technology can both alleviate teachers’ workload and
spark student engagement in a remote environment.
SOLUTIONS
Featured Example
Designing a centralized STEM hub A technological solution during the teacher shortage crisis
for science teachers The Science Table grants teachers and students immediate access to 60+ virtual
science experiments in biology, chemistry and physics, providing a one-stop hub of
61% of K-12 teachers reported that they frequently experienced work- extensive visual and lab resources.
related stress. Among the factors contributing to the teachers’ stress
levels, workload stands out as one of the concerns. This stressor Repeatable experiments
became more prominent in the context of STEM teaching, where All experiments can be repeated indefinitely, relieving teachers of the burden
teachers find STEM subjects difficult to teach, and sometimes, even of setting up and cleaning up after each trial. With just a few taps, students can
28
struggle with identifying appropriate teaching methods . instantly access and initiate their experiments.
Addressing the challenges, Science Table by Anatomage was invented Intuitive, multi-touch interface
with the goal of making teachers’ lives easier. Utilizing Anatomage’s renowned 3D visualization platform, interactive technology
not only captivates students’ engagement but also inspires them to actively
Benefits participate in experiments. Encouraging an independent learning attitude reduces
the necessity for constant teacher supervision, allowing students to thrive even with
• Fully prepared curriculum
the minimal teacher guidance.
Science Table’s 60+ virtual science experiments in biology, chemistry
and physics are designed to align with accredited national science Teacher guides
and NGSS standards, offering a centralized STEM hub that saves
Every experiment comes with a customized teacher guide, offering clear instructions
teachers’ time.
for both educators and students on conducting the experiments. Unlike traditional
• Minimal setup physical labs, the Science Table provides virtual experiments with user-friendly
Virtual experiments are quick to set up and repeatable. This guidelines, enhancing convenience and excitement in laboratory work.
technological feature reduces teachers’ lab workload, allowing
them to focus on teaching instead of lab maintenance tasks.
• Self-explanatory
An intuitive interface enables students to independently manage
experiments, making lab sessions convenient for both teachers
and students.
SOLUTIONS
Facilitating flipped learning

A research report shows that active learning, which can be facilitated
Flipped learning is an educational approach where students primarily
through a flipped classroom, can increase student science performance
study theories and concepts at home, then use classroom time to engage 30
by 55% . The pedagogical approach prioritizes hands-on experiences over
in active learning and hands-on activities. This method has demonstrated Experience
theories. This strategy shifts the learning focus from the traditional model
effectiveness in enhancing student engagement and improving learning of textbook reading and lectures to interactive discussions, laboratory
outcomes. Edgar Dale’s Cone of Experience model suggests that active work, and field trips, fostering a more engaging learning environment.
learning, where students engage in discussions, hands-on activities, and

attentive listening, is the most effective retention strategy. According to the
model, people retain 90% of what they learn through doing. The following
activities can be incorporated into a flipped learning environment29.
Problem-solving procedures Problem-solving Student

When students learn theories at home, teachers can bring these theories to life in the lab sessions participation
classroom by engaging students in hands-on lab activities. Digital lab platforms where
students can engage with each stage of experiments to produce the desired outcomes are
good ones.
Real-world applications
Linking theories to real-world examples is crucial in making science relatable for students.
The abstract nature of many scientific theories can often be intimidating, leading to
disengagement. By incorporating tangible, real-world instances into science lectures,
educators can significantly enhance student engagement and comprehension. Real world learning opportunities
Student participation
When students arrive in class after learning the theory at home, they are better prepared
to participate in discussions and practical activities. This can lead to an increase in student
engagement at school.
SOLUTIONS
Featured Example
Integrating learning with In-class activities with

Science Table by Anatomage
Science Table by Anatomage
Science Table by Anatomage is a digital, touch-responsive laboratory
There are strategies to optimize learning outcomes by integrating platform comprising 60+ AP, NGSS-tailored experiments in biology,
in-class and after-school activities, and flipped learning is one such chemistry, and physics for hands-on, interactive learning.
approach. This method involves students reviewing theories at
• Students engage in practical, hands-on science experiments
home and then engaging in discussions and hands-on experiences in
that expose them to real-world applications
class. Flipped learning fosters autonomous learning while providing
opportunities for real-world application. • Facilitates collaborative learning and problem-solving
activities through its large, multi-touch screen display
Enhancing this experience can be achieved through the use of
Anatomage’s platforms: Science Table and Science Table Lessons. • Modernizes lectures with top-quality visual aids and
interactive materials
Benefits
• Cost-effective
Autonomous studies with
Offers a new generation of lab technology, without the constant
Science Table Lessons
maintenance and disposable costs.
Science Table Lessons offers a web-based platform featuring 200+
• Saves teachers’ time science video lessons in biology, chemistry, and physics. Enhanced
Both platforms function as centralized STEM hubs, significantly with Active-Drive scrolling technology, the platform is an ideal tool
reducing teachers’ time searching for STEM resources. to study within and outside the classroom.
• Increases engagement • Helps students process complex topics through visually

Engaging experiments and visually captivating video lessons engaging video lessons
effectively attract and maintain student interest in science.
• Encourages students to self-pace their learning in a flipped
classroom environment with scroll-activated video lessons
• Observe
Reducesthe inheritance
teachers’ timetraits
spentofcurating
their offspring
educational resources
for biology, chemistry, and physics
SOLUTIONS
Providing an accurate career perspective

The fifth annual McGraw-Hill Future Workforce Survey of 2018 reveals that
With STEM professions carrying the notions of “high salary” and “low 31
only 40% of college students feel ready for their future careers . Providing
unemployment rates,” students may pursue STEM occupations because high school students with a realistic career outlook will not only improve
of extrinsic factors. While these notions are substantially true, STEM Experience
their career preparedness for when they are in college but also enable them
professions are among the most mentally exhausting industries. With that to select the right major.
said, it’s important for educators to inform students of realistic career

outlooks to prepare them for upcoming professional challenges.
Credit-based internships
Encouraging students to intern for credits at technology companies is a good way to
shape a realistic career perspective. Exposure to real-world experience will shape realistic
expectations for high school students, providing the necessary knowledge to decide Credit-based Academic
whether STEM is a suitable career path. internships competitions
Networking events
Connecting students with industry professionals will help students gain insights into STEM
fields. It’s also a great way for aspiring students to establish connections that may help
them make their first career strides.
Academic competitions
STEM academic competitions, such as HOSA and Anatomage Tournaments, can give
students a glimpse into the rigor of STEM advanced education and, ultimately, professions. Networking events
SOLUTIONS
Featured Example
Cultivating student potential

with Anatomage Tournaments
At Anatomage, we’ve created a new kind of academic competition
called Anatomage Tournaments to make medical learning fun. These
tournaments attract a tremendous amount of attention from teachers,
parents, and students across the United States.
Anatomage Tournaments are exciting team-based competitions

that focus on knowledge of anatomical structures. As a premier
provider of medical training and education technologies, Anatomage
offers a variety of virtual and in-person tournaments. Anatomage
Tournaments are designed to support students’ medical science
Team-based contests
learning while fostering collaboration and teamwork.
Anatomage Tournaments celebrate teamwork and help students develop
effective communication and collaboration skills. Teams of three to four
Benefits
students compete in an anatomy test utilizing a cadaver from the Anatomage
• Networking Table to qualify for the National Anatomage Tournament - an exclusive
Students will connect with a network of the country’s most talented championship reserved for the most brilliant minds across the nation.
industry experts and STEM professionals to gain valuable insights
into career opportunities. Gamified learning
Students play computer games that let them explore 3D models of real human
• Practical
bodies, allowing them to learn about anatomical structures in an interactive
Medical workshops during tournaments are open to both
and enjoyable way.
participating students and their classmates to provide a realistic
glimpse into STEM careers. Academic scholarships
• Career support At Anatomage Tournaments, our awards match the excellence of our winners,
Scholarships will be awarded to the winning team to support their including scholarships to support students’
Observe professional
the inheritance journeys.
traits of their offspring
advanced education and professional development in STEM fields.
Conclusions
Based on our findings, we can conclude that addressing the STEM crisis
fundamentally depends on the improvement of the readiness of high
school students in science and math for college-level studies.
To achieve this, educational institutions must implement a

comprehensive framework as follows:
• Implementing active learning: adopting engaging teaching

methods that dive deeper into practice and problem-solving
• Instilling genuine interest: cultivating a deep curiosity and

commitment to science and math, beyond extrinsic motivation
• Shaping a realistic career outlook: providing students with a

clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities in
STEM careers
By integrating these elements, we can achieve significant progress

towards preparing students for the challenges of STEM disciplines in
higher education and profession, ultimately increasing the graduation
rate of STEM programs and diminishing the crisis.
About Science Table
by Anatomage
Designed for digitally-native students,

Science Table by Anatomage offers
60+ visually engaging virtual experiments
that capture students’ attention and make them
want to learn more about science. Our pre-
designed experiments ensure instant setup and 60+
visually engaging
effortless clean-up, freeing up your students’ virtual experiments
time to focus on hands-on activities and group A digital lab platform that sparks science curiosity
discussions. Available on an 84-inch screen, • Getting students excited about science
the Science Table’s realistic simulations in Engage students in scientific concepts through virtual experiments
biology, chemistry, and physics spark classroom featuring cinematic quality visuals and interactive technology.
discussions and hands-on experimentation. • No spills, no smells, no injuries

Let students go beyond the lab benchtop with adventurous experiments,
such as the formation of sodium chloride, without any health risks.
• Make teachers happier

Explore Science Table today
With experiments tailored to AP, NGSS, and IB standards, teachers no
at science-table.com longer need to search for resources to incorporate into their lessons.
• Save on equipment’s costs

3D visualization technology enables repeatable experiments, reducing
costs associated with disposable chemical and biological supplies.
References
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2. Lazio, Rick and Ford Jr, Harold. (2019) “The U.S. Needs to Prepare Workers for STEM Jobs” SHRM.
https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-magazine/summer2019/pages/the-u.s.-needs-to-prepare-workers-for-stem-jobs.aspx
3. Ravi, Sarah. (August 2023) “Chipping Away: Assessing and Addressing the Labor Market Gap Facing the U.S. Semiconductor Industry.” Semiconductor Industry Association.
https://www.semiconductors.org/chipping-away-assessing-and-addressing-the-labor-market-gap-facing-the-u-s-semiconductor-industry/
4. Gardner, David Pierpont. (April 1983) “A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform” https://edreform.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/A_Nation_At_Risk_1983.pdf
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https://www.thebalancemoney.com/the-u-s-is-losing-its-competitive-advantage-3306225
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CBE Life Sci Educ. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4477728/
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15. Hamm, J. M., Perry, R. P., Chipperfield, J. G., Hladkyj, S., Parker, P. C., & Weiner, B. (2020). Reframing Achievement Setbacks: A Motivation Intervention to Improve 8-Year Graduation Rates for
Students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Fields. Psychological Science, 31(6), 623-633. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797620904451
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https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12100649
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21. Chen, Xiang Lei, Soldner, M. (2013) STEM Attrition: College Students’ Paths Into and Out of STEM Fields. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2014/2014001rev.pdf
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https://www.the74million.org/article/a-solution-to-americas-k-12-stem-teacher-shortage-endowed-chairs/
23. Walker, T. (n.d.). SurVey: Alarming number of educators may soon leave the profession | NEA.
https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/survey-alarming-number-educators-may-soon-leave-profession
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https://caldercenter.org/sites/default/files/WP%20173.pdf
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28. Cohen, L. D., Gross, J., & Rubinsten, O. (n.d.). Using Reappraisal to Improve Outcomes for STEM Teachers and Students. Journal of Cognition, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.5334/joc.313
29. Reeves, S. J. L. a. T. C. (2017, January 1). Edgar Dale and the Cone of Experience. Pressbooks. https://pressbooks.pub/lidtfoundations/chapter/edgar-dale-and-the-cone-of-experience/#:~:text=27
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 111(23), 8410–8415. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1319030111
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https://www.mheducation.com/news-insights/press-releases/2018-future-workforce-survey-results.html

Decoding The STEM Crisis It Starts With High School Education

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Decoding the STEM Crisis:

• A persistent decline in science achievement scores among U.S. 17-year-olds, as evidenced

• A substantial increase, by 72%, in the enrollment of students in remedial mathematics

• A noticeable downturn in student performance on College Board achievement tests in

Distribution of STEM jobs

the fields of Life, Social, and Physical Sciences are witnessing

Physician assistant 27%

Software developer 26%

Computer and information

Job growth rates

By 2032, STEM occupations will

STEM unemployment rates Salary

Current state of the United States’ STEM education Quick facts

Global STEM graduation shares of undergraduate of tertiary graduates were

Science and math global ranking

Shares of foreign students in STEM

6-year All programs STEM

High school performance and undergraduate

The supply and quality of teachers and their impact

Math college readiness

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

(Source: ACT Profile Report - National20)

ACT math scores

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

(Source: ACT Profile Report - National20)

Science college readiness

36% 36% 36% 35%

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

(Source: ACT Profile Report - National20)

ACT science scores

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

(Source: ACT Profile Report - National20)

Analyzing STEM teacher supply and

• Adopting technology to address teacher shortages

• Facilitating flipped learning

• Providing an accurate career perspective

Getting students excited about science

Gamified learning High-quality Gamified

Unique, thrilling experiments

Adopting technology to address teacher shortages

Teacher-friendly technology Experience

Retain and attract qualified teachers

Promote self-directed learning

Facilitating flipped learning

learning, where students engage in discussions, hands-on activities, and

Problem-solving procedures Problem-solving Student

Integrating learning with In-class activities with

• Increases engagement • Helps students process complex topics through visually

Providing an accurate career perspective

said, it’s important for educators to inform students of realistic career

Cultivating student potential

Anatomage Tournaments are exciting team-based competitions

To achieve this, educational institutions must implement a

• Implementing active learning: adopting engaging teaching

• Instilling genuine interest: cultivating a deep curiosity and

• Shaping a realistic career outlook: providing students with a

By integrating these elements, we can achieve significant progress

Designed for digitally-native students,

discussions and hands-on experimentation. • No spills, no smells, no injuries

• Make teachers happier

• Save on equipment’s costs

7. Where Students Choose STEM Degrees. (March 2023) Statista. https://www.statista.com/chart/22927/share-and-total-number-of-stem-graduates-by-country/