Having a STEM Attitude

A few years ago, in the clearance section at Staples, I came across a giant banner. It said, "Attitude is a little thing that makes a BIG difference." It was a steal for only $2, and I scooped it up thinking about how it would be a good reminder for my first graders. Learning to read and add can be frustrating, and having the right attitude goes a long way.

Living with two teenagers I debated returning to Staples to buy a couple more of those banners. While I'm happy to say that both of my kids can read and add quite well, being in middle school and high school is not a cake walk. As I remind them often, the right attitude goes a long way. (Not surprisingly, they both passed on the offer for new room decor.)

Chatting with colleagues in the faculty room, we share our frustration and fatigue, but then we encourage each other because attitude goes a long way. Somehow, we know this, but it can be so difficult to have the right mindset. Especially when things do not go as planned or when, despite our best efforts, it feels like we're failing. Whether we are 6 or 56, it's always about attitude.

During any STEM activity, there will be difficult moments. A plan fails. A project falls apart. Teammates become frustrated with each other. Should we put our students in situations where we know that these things can happen?

1000 times, YES! A plan may be failing, but a new mindset is growing. A project may fall apart, but an attitude is being built. Teammates may become frustrated, but they are also learning to collaborate for success.

Before allowing my students to talk with their teammates, I have them take a couple of minutes to plan independently. This way, they all have something to bring to the table. A typical plan looks something like this:

But a few days ago, I saw something that made my heart smile. Check out the attitude behind this student's plan:

Did you catch that? "...and if it doesn't hold the rider, well (sic) think of something." This student didn't have a great building plan. She wasn't thinking about how she'd use the materials, or about how she could reduce the friction. But she was planning for success, even while acknowledging the possibility of failure. That's a STEM attitude! What do I want my students to take away from STEM activities? THIS! With this attitude, our kids can change the world!