STEM Education (4:01)

On Worlds Awaiting we often talk about reading and writing, but what about the third “R” - 'rithmetic. Arithmetic is, of course, an essential foundation stone for all of science, and by all rights, should be included in a broad view of literacy for children. Our first guest, BYU Electrical Engineering Professor Aaron Hawkins, talks with Rachel about the growing field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math – the STEM subjects. Hawkins emphasizes the importance of STEM Education in children’s preparation for future professional careers. He’s director of Brigham Young University’s Integrated Microfabrication Laboratory. Dr. Hawkins is also one of the founders of IMMERSE, an undergraduate research program at BYU that provides college students with the opportunity to do community outreach and education. The flagship outreach activity of IMMERSE is Chip Camp, which brings 7th and 8th grade students onto the BYU campus for a 3-day camp focused on engineering.

School Libraries (13:02)

Next, Rachel welcomes High School Librarian, Heather Price, who shares with us a glimpse of the world that awaits her every work day. What’s it like working in the library with her students and what helps them become better readers? Price is the librarian at Skyridge High School in Utah. She has a master’s degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing from BYU and is an instructor for BYU's Independent Study course in children's literature. Working in a library lets her interact with students, books, and technology--all of the things she loves! In her spare time she writes fiction for young adults.

First Time Author (23:23)

Finally, Cole Wissinger, a member of the Worlds Awaiting team, talks to Synthia Barlow. She’s the author of a new children’s book entitled, Cosmo’s Campus, which features our mascot here at BYU, Cosmo the Cougar.