SWE Magazine: A Treasure Trove for K-12 Educators

I have to write to let you know, and help spread the word, that the recent issue of SWE Magazine — Fall 2018 — and really, every issue, is a treasure trove for K12 educators, and anyone who works with STEM education. I am an industrial engineer, actually landed my first engineering job out of college through a SWE student resume book, but only recently have become active in our local South Ohio Section. I am currently in the position of outreach chair, and I’ve been working in K12 STEM education for 20 years.

Examples of the many treasures I found in this issue … hopefully to share with other educators:

• “SWE Forum – Honoring a Legacy” — One of the science teachers at the high school where I work is emphasizing diversity in STEM, so I will share this article with her, about Mary Golda Ross. I recall the Google Doodle, as many others may, but never knew before who she was.
• The page ad to recruit SWENext Investors — I will share this with some local employer partners to our school’s STEMM program, in the hopes that they at least will support our local SWENext Club, and learn that it is linked to a very reputable and long-standing global organization.
• Two articles — “Poised to Transform Industry” and “Drones and Data: Charting the Course of Disaster Recovery.” I will share these articles with our STEMM teachers to use as resources if they encourage our students to enter the “Drones For Good Video Contest” shared by PCS Edventures. I will also contact the women and drones organization referenced in the article to request a speaker for our local SWENext Club, in partnership with our friends at the National UAS Training and Certification Center, which resides at Sinclair Community College, just two blocks from our school.
• The book review by Jane Zimmer Daniels of Enchantress of Numbers prompted me to move that book up near the top of my personal “To Read” list, and to also share the book with the same science teacher working on the diversity issue. I heard the author, Jennifer Chiaverini, speak several years ago.
• Finally, I always appreciate reading the bios and backgrounds of the various members, nominees, and new officers in the SWE organization, because, beyond learning about their individual backgrounds, and often being able to relate to my own, I learn of new programs useful for STEM education and outreach, and employers’ initiatives in those areas.