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An increasing number of future jobs at all levels will require knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), according to a study conducted by the National Research Council (NRC) and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The resulting NRC report, "Successful K-12 STEM Education", provides best practices for STEM teaching and learning in a wide range of environments as well as recommendations for school districts and policymakers.

On Sept. 19, 2011, the report was the focus of a day-long national conference hosted by Drexel University in Philadelphia that drew about 300 leaders from government, education, and science and engineering. Sponsored by NSF, the Community for Advancing Discovery Research in Education, nonprofit organization EDC and the National Academies, the conference, titled "STEM Smart: Lessons Learned From Successful Schools," was intended to launch a national effort to put the report's ideas into action. U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Penn.) and NSF Director Subra Suresh helped kick off the event with keynote remarks. Other speakers included Michael Nutter, mayor of Philadelphia; Drexel University President John Fry; Carl Wieman, associate director for science in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; NSF Deputy Director Cora Marrett; Adam Gamoran, chair of the NRC Committee on Highly Successful Schools or Programs for K-12 STEM Education; and Joan-Ferrini-Mundy, NSF assistant director for education and human resources. Audience members included former NSF Deputy Director Joseph Bordogna, senior NSF staff, university students, teachers and other STEM education stakeholders.

In addition to the featured speakers, there were panels on STEM learning and education policy, and 31 exhibits showcasing the latest innovations supporting science teaching and learning. Visitors could interact with informative displays including a variety of robots, a hands-on exhibit demonstrating the impact of dams on river flow, and remotely guidable underwater electric vehicles, and learn about portable weather stations designed to take wind and temperature measurements in the middle of a tornado. For the complete list of panelists and exhibitors, see the conference agenda and list of exhibits. For more information about the conference and videos, see the NSF press release.

Credit: Steve McNally, National Science Foundation