I would like to have community volunteers come with “tools of their trade” and offer sessions to students – at least something to fit each grade level – grade 6 has core of earth/environmental science, grade 7 is life science and grade 8 is physical science.

There are signs all over my neighborhood advertising weekend experiences where children can “Touch a Truck”. The school lab day could be “touch a scientist” " touch a tool"… or something wacky like that – could have a large room /parking lot/ gym set up with “tools of the trade” where students could see – touch – learn about the tools of each volunteer…

Bringing in working professionals from the community would show what science, math, engineering and technology are used in the everyday work of many people – not just the obvious scientists, engineers and medical professionals but others such as the fire dept, police dive team, plumbers, pilots, chefs, fireworks experts, amusement park directors, demolition crews, bridge engineers, physical trainers, architects, photographers, mechanics. Students could see the wide range of professions, trades and people who use STEM all the time… and see how the science, math they ( students) are learning in middle school ties to what is used by the volunteers … they would realize there is a need to get a wide based science, math, tech, engineering background as early in school as possible.

Inez Liftig
Middle Level Science Teacher
Fairfield Woods Middle School 06825

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