"Young children are intuitively curious and active learners. They like to build things, take things apart, experiment and use their imagination. Getting kids interested in STEM at an early age is simply capitalizing on this innate curiosity. At home, parents and caregivers can encourage play that includes experiments like making slime, trying a new recipe, planting seeds and watching them grow, hunting for bugs and building forts. Asking questions to promote curiosity, like ‘Why do you think that happened?’ and allowing room for trial and error encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, which are the backbone of STEM careers.”
“Getting kids to become interested in STEM is about helping them to see how they engage in STEM daily, promoting thinking and problem-solving, and showing them that they can be creators of new STEM ideas.
“The STEM Outreach Center is purposefully creating curriculum and K-12 experiences that help students see themselves in a STEM career. We are noticing that often students graduate high school and plan to go to college, but do not have a vision for their future or a career plan. Providing opportunities for students to engage in STEM experiences and connecting those experiences to future careers increases the potential for students to pursue STEM careers and help alleviate the shortage of STEM-ready graduates that are needed for New Mexico’s growing workforce needs.”
Director of the NMSU STEM Outreach Center, Bulger-Tamez has worked with math and science initiatives for more than 20 years. She has taught at elementary and middle schools, developmental algebra and math for elementary teachers at the university level.
Dove Hall, Room 212
305 N. Horseshoe Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88003
