I don't do Math | Emily Calandrelli | TEDxOregonStateU
TEDx Talks・13 minutes read
STEM skills are crucial for decision-making; STEM literacy involves critical thinking, questioning sources, and being objective in forming opinions. Electing STEM literate officials leads to innovation and sustainability in a society that understands scientific evidence and addresses pseudoscience.
Insights
- STEM skills, particularly math, are undervalued yet crucial for daily decision-making, emphasizing the importance of integrating these skills into various aspects of life beyond formal education.
- The lack of STEM literacy among US Congress members, especially regarding topics like climate change, highlights the necessity of promoting critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and objectivity in forming opinions on scientific issues to ensure informed decision-making at a policy level.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
Why are STEM skills important?
STEM skills are crucial for everyday decision-making, as they involve critical thinking, questioning sources, demanding evidence, and being objective in forming opinions on STEM issues. These skills are often undervalued but play a significant role in understanding complex scientific concepts and making informed choices in various aspects of life.
How does STEM illiteracy affect society?
STEM illiteracy in society leads to denial of scientific evidence, impacting decisions on crucial issues like evolution, vaccinations, and climate change. This denial can result in misinformation, hindering progress and potentially causing harm to individuals and the environment. It is essential to combat STEM illiteracy to promote a more informed and scientifically literate society.
What is the impact of Congress members lacking STEM backgrounds?
Over 90% of US Congress members lack a formal STEM background, which can influence decisions on important topics like climate change. This lack of expertise may lead to misunderstandings or denial of scientific evidence, affecting policies and legislation related to environmental issues. It highlights the importance of electing officials with STEM literacy to make informed decisions for the betterment of society.
How can individuals contribute to fostering STEM literacy?
Individuals can contribute to fostering STEM literacy by changing mindsets and engaging with those who believe in pseudoscience. Emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and scientific literacy can help combat misinformation and promote a better understanding of STEM concepts. By actively participating in discussions and addressing common fallacies, individuals can play a role in creating a more STEM literate society.
What are the benefits of a STEM literate society?
A STEM literate society elects STEM literate officials, leading to innovation, health, and sustainability in a rapidly advancing world of science and technology. By promoting STEM literacy, individuals and policymakers can make informed decisions based on scientific evidence, driving progress in various fields and addressing global challenges effectively. This ultimately contributes to a more prosperous and sustainable future for society as a whole.
Related videos
TEDx Talks
STEM Education: Developing 21st century problem solvers
UNESCO
Education and Training in a Changing World: What Skills Do We Need?
Khan Academy
Creativity break: Why is creativity important in STEM jobs? | Algebra 1 | Khan Academy
TEDx Talks
Building bridges between science and society for a better future. | Nadine Bongaerts | TEDxSaclay
TED
E.O. Wilson: Advice to young scientists
Summary
00:00
"STEM Literacy: Key for Informed Decision-Making"
- STEM skills, including math, are often undervalued, but they are crucial for everyday decision-making.
- STEM literacy involves critical thinking, questioning sources, demanding evidence, and being objective in forming opinions on STEM issues.
- Over 90% of US Congress members lack a formal STEM background, impacting decisions on crucial topics like climate change.
- A significant portion of Congress denies human-caused climate change, including influential officials overseeing key scientific committees.
- Stem illiteracy in society leads to denial of scientific evidence, affecting decisions on issues like evolution, vaccinations, and climate change.
- Changing mindsets is crucial to fostering STEM literacy, emphasizing that one doesn't need a STEM career to be STEM literate.
- Engaging with those who believe in pseudoscience is essential, addressing common fallacies like fear of chemicals, unnaturalness, and confusion between weather and climate.
- By changing mindsets and combating pseudoscience, individuals can contribute to creating a more STEM literate society.
- A STEM literate society elects STEM literate officials, leading to innovation, health, and sustainability in a rapidly advancing world of science and technology.
