WESTFIELD — Science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Educators and employers are working hard to encourage young students to enter these disciplines — commonly known by the acronym STEM — to take advantage of the growing need for highly skilled employees.
“There will be jobs for you we haven’t even heard of yet,” Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito told a group of fourth-graders gathered at Westfield State University on Tuesday to celebrate Massachusetts STEM Week.
The students then headed to the university’s science center and worked on experiments with Westfield State undergrads. The fourth-graders participated in experiential learning that included coding and engineering the tallest structure using spaghetti and marshmallows.