Providing STEM Experiences, Through Robotic Competitions, for Students and Teachers Grades Six Through Twelve

Utah State University

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) is a current emphasis in education. Machi (2009) points out that "in order for the United States to be globally competitive, innovative, and prepared for new economic and security challenges, the U.S. must have a competitive and innovative educational environment that encourages entrepreneurship and excellence in STEM subjects" (p. 1). The U.S. government depends on science, technology, engineering, and math to maintain its position as the world superpower (Machi, 2009, p. 2) and spends "about $700 million a year on elementary and secondary education in the STEM fields through agencies such as NASA, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Education Department " (Nick, 2010, p. 1). "Every day, a new technology is brought to market by the STEM workforce, enabling people around the world to live longer, better lives (Machi, 2009, p. 2)." From the digital cable box used to watch TV shows to the micro-processor in your car that performs self diagnostics and e-mails the results, technology is used in almost every part of our daily lives.