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A strong background in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is crucial not only for students who go on to become scientists. The jobs of the future, in a variety of sectors, will increasingly require skills in STEM subjects. This Outlook looks at the ways in which science education is being modernized and updated to help prepare young people for life in the twenty-first century.
In a lab, you can hypothesize. In a lab, you can run experiments. In a lab, you can learn to think— and operate—like a scientist. If you are a high school or college student and do not have access to a lab then you could be missing out on valuable experience—but not for long.
Experienced chemists know that chemistry is all around them. Helping students to see the connections between real life and concepts of organic chemistry is the driving force behind the development of a set of online resources pioneered at UCLA.
It is time to use evidence-based teaching practices at all levels by providing incentives and effective evaluations, urge Stephen E. Bradforth, Emily R. Miller and colleagues.
Engaging undergraduates in computational tasks can improve genomic research laboratory productivity, benefiting both students and senior laboratory members.
If programmes to bolster STEM education are effective, they distort the labour market; if they aren’t, they’re a waste of money, argues Colin Macilwain.