With the 2013 National Robotics Week in full swing, this post is dedicated to the Wisconsin teachers, parents, and corporations all pushing to improve Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs to our youth. An initiative set forth by the National Science Foundation, there isn't a national standard for STEM in education.

Individual states, including Wisconsin, recognize STEM and STEAM (STEM with Art)-centered education as key components to keeping our kids in a position to innovate our global future. Thanks to online resources, maker spaces, and games and electronics catering to the DIY crowd, Wisconsin parents can get geeky right along with their kids.

Here are some of our favorite places to start:

• The Maker Mom: Chicago-based site listing STEM activities, projects, venues, and events. Check out the Google + community as well as the monthly #STEMchat on Twitter.
• Sector67: A Madison, Wisconsin maker space offering after-school kids classes through Madison Fractal that are geared towards ages 5-13.
• WisconsinSTEM.org: A giant list of STEM organizations including PBS STEM Resources and the Einstein Project. Teach STEM Now: A STEM resource sponsored by Tormach, LLC in Waunakee that focuses on real-world shop skills (including Middle and High School students in FIRST Robotics, Project Lead the Way, SkillsUSA and First Lego Leagues).
• Geeky Games: Emphasizing Technology and Engineering, some of our new favorite geeky games are littleBits, MaKey MaKey, Arduino (hobby kits are now available at your local Radio Shack) and Snaptricity.

http://youtu.be/doCLqe5pR8c

Do you have a favorite STEM/STEAM resource?

Leave a comment and we'll add it to the list.