David Lee EdTech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEKTkvQycS4 If we dissected the concept of STEM literacy , we would find that it consists of the application of knowledge, skills, and attitudes—collectively known as STEM Practices —within the context of real-world issues. But why use the word “practices”? Is it just academic jargon? According to the National Research Council’s (NRC) Framework for K-12 Science Education , the distinction is intentional and vital. They use the term “practices” instead of “skills” to emphasize that scientific inquiry and engineering design require the “coordination of both knowledge and skill simultaneously” (National, p. 41). It isn’t enough to just know the science, nor is it enough to just have the technical skill. True STEM literacy happens when these are coordinated simultaneously. This results in the specific behaviors that scientists, engineers, and other professionals engage in to “identify questions and problems in life situations.” Therefore, we can define STE...

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE-0aZL5_0A To learn more about design thinking in education, check out my book "Design Thinking in the Classroom."

 We frequently hear that the STEM field is facing a massive talent gap. The common narrative suggests students simply lack interest. However, the data tells a different story: it is not a lack of interest; it is an access crisis. While we champion "STEM for all," systemic barriers continue to keep capable students on the sidelines. How do we move beyond rhetoric to truly redesign K-12 education? The answer lies in the Equity-Oriented STEM Literacy Framework . This roadmap isn't just about teaching science and math; it is about disrupting the status quo to empower every student to become a "Societal Change Agent." Opportunity & Access The framework (Figure 2) begins with ensuring all students have access to high-quality, integrated STEM learning experiences. These must extend beyond the classroom into informal environments like museums and after-school programs. Crucially, we must acknowledge that systemic barriers, such as inequities in funding and resource...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGi_I16XuoU We talk a lot about the "STEM gap." We look at the data—the underrepresentation of women, racial and ethnic minorities, and students from low-income backgrounds—and we ask, “How do we get more students interested?” But here is the hard truth: It’s usually not an interest problem. It’s an access problem.  And more specifically, it’s a systemic  problem. "Equality" is giving every student an iPad. "Equity" is redesigning the school culture so that every student—regardless of their background—believes they belong in the room where the coding happens. Today, I want to move beyond the buzzwords. I’m breaking down two powerful, research-backed frameworks that give us a literal roadmap to move from "access" to true "empowerment." 1. The "Tree" Model: Fixing the Roots First Created by the Institute of Education Sciences, The Framework for Equitable Opportunities to Learn in STEM uses a bril...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNbbdLaXVjI Why is diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) important in STEM? To answer this, we must first understand what these terms actually mean in practice. Diversity refers to who is represented in a group, encompassing gender, ethnicity, neurodiversity, and thought. Equity differs from equality; while equality assumes treating everyone the same, equity adjusts treatment to account for disparities and unique circumstances to ensure fair outcomes. Inclusion is about the environment—how valued and respected individuals feel within that space. The Data: The Need for DEI While the US STEM workforce is seeing increased representation, significant gaps remain. Underrepresented groups comprise a smaller share of the STEM workforce compared to the overall population, with Hispanics at 15%, Asians at 10%, and Blacks at 9%. The gender gap is also distinct. According to MIT , women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce. This disparity varies globally: Unite...

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3ityFx7rjk Have you ever walked into a massive education conference, looked at a room full of hundreds of strangers, and felt more isolated than inspired? We spend significant time and resources traveling to these events, yet we often spend the whole day sitting in rooms struggling to make genuine connections. I’ve realized that the most impactful networking doesn’t always happen in a breakout room; sometimes, it happens on the pavement. My Reluctant Journey to the Starting Line If you had told me three years ago that I would be leading a running community for educators, I would have told you that you were crazy. I was probably the last person on earth who thought they would ever enjoy running. I didn’t understand why people chose an activity where their lungs burned and their brain constantly screamed to stop. My entry into the sport was accidental. I volunteered as an assistant coach for middle school cross country at my school. I didn’t have a b...