5. Context fosters an understanding of how and when a new technology might be used. Did a new
invention honor the humanity of its users? Or did it simply make lives more convenient? This opens
up a worthy debate for our students.
6. Additionally, who has not been inspired to act after reading fiction? Dr. Suess’s The Lorax is but
one example of a book that entertains, educates, and inspires our students to make a positive
difference and take action.
Imagine how Christiaan Huygens felt when he realized there were rings around Saturn! Or how
Archimedes felt when he walked into the overflowing bath and realized how he could measure the
volume of irregular objects! If only we could be there to follow their thoughts and feel their excitement.
With Disney Company planning to make a movie about the adventures of Charles Darwin, we can all
hope to be captivated and inspired by the life and achievements of this STEM pioneer.
EXPERIENCING the arts
IS BELIEVING our learning.
Science fiction clearly contains elements of mathematics and science, with varying degrees of accuracy
and fantasy. Consider The Martian, a novel by Andy Weir. Following the recent release of the movie,
none other than Neil de Grasse Tyson tweeted that “they got the crucial science right.” There is a wide
range of other movies that can also be of value in our STEM classrooms.
Admittedly, we are talking about fiction, which by definition is untrue. In using it to boost our STEM
concepts, authors must maintain a standard of truth in their representations, just as historical fiction
should accurately represent the history of any event or culture. Authenticity is essential. But keep in
mind, as Ralph Waldo Emerson once said,” Fiction reveals truths that reality obscures.” There is much
we can teach and learn.
STEAMed Magazine
43
July 2016 Edition