The Importance & Benefits of STEM Literacy | SXSW EDU 2024

Having the ability to understand concepts from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to solve complex problems is essential for career success. The benefits of supporting STEM learning opportunities in the classroom foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, and promote lifelong learning.

STEM literacy skills are not only important for individual students but also for communities as a whole to help solve global challenges. At SXSW EDU 2024, STEM advocates took to the stage to explore the future of STEM, address current issues, and provide solutions — and you can listen to their insights now.

Dive in to hear Andrew Aldrin, son of astronaut Buzz Aldrin, discuss how humanity can prepare for careers that extend beyond global boundaries. Learn from Jodi Asbell-Clarke about how to change the way we think about educating neurodivergent learners to unleash their hidden talents in STEM problem-solving while Stephanie Campbell explains how you can use tabletop role-playing games (TRPG) to grow student’s understanding of engineering problem-solving.

Discover an assortment of sessions from this past March exploring unique approaches and the benefits of STEM literacy. Listen to these audio recordings now:

• Conversando: Building an Ecosystem for Latina Prosperity
• Educating Future Space Leaders
• How to Wow K-5 Through Podcasts & Storytelling
• Inclusive STEM Content: How to Make Science for Everybody
• The Neuroscience of Black Joy & Black Play
• Neurodiversity in STEM: Uniquely Talented Problem Solvers
• Reimagined STEM Courseware: Equity-Centered Digital Learning
• Route K-12 Podcast: Busting Society’s Big Math Myth
• Teaching Engineering Problem Solving Through Tabletop RPGs
• Why the Construction Industry Needs Educators

Stay in the Know

Catch up on select sessions you may have missed at SXSW EDU 20224, now available to watch on demand or listen to their audio recordings. Plus, mark your calendars for SXSW EDU 2025 in Austin, Texas from March 3-6 and subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know of any updates. See you next year!

Photo by Bob Johnson