Written by: Andrew B. Raupp / @stemceo

In popular culture, there has long been a disconnect between intellect and athletics. Any number of films and TV shows set up the science nerds and the jocks as opposing forces in a school’s social structure, rarely crossing paths and sharing little in common. In fact, brainpower and horsepower are often portrayed antithetically in these clichéd allegories.

But the stereotypes we all grew up with couldn’t be further from the truth and the narrative is changing. In reality, STEM — the study of science, technology, engineering and math — and sport go hand-in-hand…

Written by: Andrew B. Raupp / @stemceo

If you’ve noticed drones buzzing about in the skies above your house, you are definitely not alone. Since the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began issuing permits and lifting restrictions on recreational drone usage in 2010, demand has steadily climbed. By 2016, the consumer drone market was valued at $1.5 billion, and the latest BusinessWire report on the industry predicts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12 percent over the next decade.

As drones become less expensive to make and easier to use, it’s no surprise that regular people want a piece of…

Written by: Andrew B. Raupp / @stemceo

If you were to close your eyes and imagine an inventor, what would you picture?

For most people, the image of a lone genius toiling away in solitude is a strong one. From Einstein figuring out physics formulas, to Edison in his patent office and Steve Jobs in his garage, many of our greatest thinkers needed lots of time and a space to work out their ideas before stunning the rest of the world with their innovations.

But some of the world’s greatest minds aren’t just determined to make something new. Instead, they…

Written by: Andrew B. Raupp / @stemceo

In the rush to incorporate more STEM learning into school curricula, a major selling point has always been that STEM learning leads to better jobs. While it’s true that, on average, STEM jobs pay more than liberal arts jobs, the gap in pay tends to narrow over time.

First jobs in STEM will almost certainly pay more than entry-level positions in teaching or social work, but fast-changing tech fields require ongoing education, which is an expensive investment. …

Written by: Andrew B. Raupp / @stemceo

Launched in 2014, the Make in India initiative is aimed at rebuilding the Indian economy, transitioning away from its heavy reliance on the service sector and moving towards the creation of a global hub of manufacturing and innovation. It’s a huge effort for one of the world’s biggest and most vibrant nations, and one that requires vast amounts of infrastructure and investment.

India is also working hard to pivot into a post-COVID world by seeking investment and enticing investors to leave behind factories in China for more innovative — and less tariffed —…

Written by: Andrew B. Raupp / @stemceo

Ask anyone what STEM education is all about, and they will dutifully rattle off the meaning of the acronym: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Dig a little deeper, and you’re likely to hear responses like these:

“Oh, my kid’s school has a great STEM program. There’s a new robotics club with cool gizmos to play with.”

“Schools should invest more in STEM because coding is an essential twenty-first century skill.”

“Having a good STEM program makes it easier to get into college, study computers, and get a high-paying tech job.”

While these ideas…

Written by: Andrew B. Raupp / @stemceo

We’re approaching an important milestone for STEM education: The movement is nearing its 30th anniversary. The crucial, yet often overlooked, origins of the modern-day STEM movement began in the early 1990s with Dr. Charles E Vela through his work at the Center for the Advancement of Hispanics in Science and Engineering Education (CAHSEE).

That STEM turning the corner into full adulthood makes perfect sense, given its multidecade evolution and widespread appeal. The teaching of science, technology, engineering and math as a philosophy rather than siloed subjects and rote memorization has come into its…

Written by: Andrew B. Raupp / @stemceo

For STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) learning to be truly effective, it must be both a minds-on and hands-on endeavor. The reality of our fast-paced world is that it’s impossible to prepare students for the jobs of the future simply by teaching them rote content and subject matter. The computer science course taught today will be outdated in just a few years.

Instead, the most valuable STEM enrichment is the kind that focuses on skills that can be applied to a wide range of industries. The scientific method, creative problem-solving, TRIZ methodology…