Younger generations might be interested in using cutting edge technology, but helping more young people enter science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields remains a challenge.
Fostering interest in STEM fields has evolved into a sustained effort, especially in the United States. Regardless of new programs created to woo students to STEM, it’s an uphill battle that benefits from contributions from across the spectrum.
A few years back, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mayim Bialik, best known as Amy Farrah Fowler on “The Big Bang Theory.” Bialik has a specific aim to help generate interest in STEM for middle and high school girls.
Something that recently caught my eye was a recent announcement by Kano, a company that allows creators to build their own technology. Kano teamed up with Warner Bros. To launch the Harry Potter Kano Coding kit – a STEM build-it-yourself product that lets kids program their own wands.
Here is what Alex Klein, Co-Founder and CEO of Kano, said in a press statement:
“We’re surrounded by technology in our homes, workplaces and pockets, yet only a small percent of people, less than 1% of 1%, understand the happenings behind the screen. We are thrilled to partner with Warner Bros Consumer Products to inspire people of all ages, all over the world to make their own code, and see how easy it can be to understand, play and create with it.”
Truthfully, I didn’t know a lot about Kano, but applaud the company for its specialty in STEM-centric products for kids. It’s a sad reality that many teachers in the country simply don’t have the time – or available resources – to provide STEM integration towards their planned curriculum. I hope the STEM industry is able to come together and throw even more support into creating the next generation of programmers, engineers, scientists, and more.
