The Benefits of Teaching STEM: Essential Skills for Success – Robert Walsh, Part 2 (Homeschooling Every Subject)

Come back tomorrow for the rest of this conversation.

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Recommended Resources

Excalibur Solutions STEM Academy

Scratch Programming Language - Learn to Code

TinkerCAD – Learn 3d Modeling, Coding, and Electrical Design, and Physics

Snap Circuits – Learn Electronics

Introduction to Logic, by Dr. Jason Lisle – Masterbooks

Podcast Recommendations:

Homeschooling Every Subject Series

Thinking Dad Podcast

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Discussion Questions:

1. Foundation in Math:

   • Robert Walsh mentions that students should have a foundation in arithmetic before starting programming. How do you think this foundational math knowledge aids in learning programming concepts?

2. Age Appropriateness:

   • Why does Robert Walsh believe third grade (around nine years old) is a good starting point for introducing students to programming? Do you agree with this age recommendation?

3. Learning Tools:

   • Robert Walsh talks about various learning tools like Snap Circuits and Scratch Junior. How effective do you think hands-on tools and interactive platforms are in teaching STEM to young students?

4. Video Games in Learning:

   • What benefits and potential drawbacks does Robert Walsh mention about kids playing games like Minecraft and Roblox in the context of STEM education?

5. Transferable Skills:

   • Discuss how building with Legos can translate into skills needed for robotics and programming as mentioned by Robert Walsh. Can you think of other everyday activities that might develop such skills?

6. Complexity of Programming:

   • Robert Walsh highlights the absence of intuition in computers when it comes to video games. How does this lack of intuition affect the way programming is taught and learned?

7. Broad Benefits of STEM Education:

   • While addressing the benefits of STEM, Robert Walsh discussed both direct and indirect advantages. Which indirect benefits (such as problem-solving and logical thinking) do you find most valuable and why?

8. Programming and Writing Skills:

   • Robert Walsh makes an interesting connection between learning to program and improving one's writing skills. Do you agree that programming can make someone a better writer? Why or why not?

9. Troubleshooting:

   • How important do you believe the skill of troubleshooting is in everyday life, as echoed by both Robert Walsh and Yvette Hampton during the discussion? Can you think of any personal experiences where troubleshooting has been crucial?

10. 21st Century Skills:

    • Robert Walsh talks about 21st-century skills such as problem-solving and project management. How do you think these skills are integrated into STEM education, and in what other fields could these skills be beneficial?

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