The hottest STEM Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

How STEM is Sleepwalking into Wokery

Heterodox STEM • 270 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🚌 Education STEM Academia Science Identity politics
  1. STEM education is facing challenges with the introduction of ideologies like 'Indigenous science', leading to a shift in traditional approaches.
  2. University environments are becoming increasingly focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion, which can sometimes lead to conflict with academic freedom and rational discourse.
  3. There is a concern among some STEM professors about the impact of ideological pressures on teaching quality, mental health, and innovation within academic environments.

Making Math

SCIENCE GODDESS • 98 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Math Science STEM Craft Education
  1. Crochet Coral Reef project combines art, craft, and STEM to engage people in science communication
  2. Bias against material play and embodied cognition can hinder funding for alternative STEM engagement methods
  3. Using hands-on activities like crocheting can help make math and science more accessible and engaging for a wider audience
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The Human Side of Exclusion in the Name of Diversity...

Critical Mass • 27 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diversity Discrimination Injustice STEM Academia
  1. The personal impact of exclusion in the name of diversity at universities and scientific institutions can be powerful.
  2. Individuals may experience demoralization and setbacks in their career due to discriminatory practices.
  3. Senior and respected scientists should speak out against demoralizing bigotry and discrimination in the field of science.

STEM teaching deserves recognition

Science Forever • 39 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🚌 Education STEM Teaching Higher Ed Workforce Recognition
  1. Recognizing STEM teaching as a distinct workforce is important for addressing issues like racism, sexism, misconduct, and underrepresentation in the science field.
  2. Institutions struggle to balance the value of research and teaching, often favoring research in resource allocation and decision-making.
  3. Defining undergraduate teaching staff as a separate workforce could improve governance, professional development opportunities, and evaluation criteria, ultimately benefiting both educators and institutions in the long run.

Interview with Alondra Nelson

Science Forever • 39 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Making Equity Diversity STEM
  1. Alondra Nelson focused on improving trust and transparency in science policy during her leadership at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, emphasizing the importance of restoring trust and being more transparent in government work.
  2. She highlighted the need for scientists to engage with broader societal contexts, advocating for scientists to consider the social implications of their work, especially in the intersection of science and society.
  3. Nelson prioritized advancing equity in the scientific workforce and grant-making, underscoring the significance of coordinated efforts across various government agencies and partnerships to drive meaningful change towards STEM equity and inclusion.

Teaching Innovative Entrepreneurship

New Things Under the Sun • 2 HN points • 19 Feb 24
🚌 Education Entrepreneurship STEM Innovation Training Mentorship
  1. Entrepreneurship training programs overall show a modest but positive impact on encouraging people to start a business and improving outcomes.
  2. Programs targeted towards science and engineering undergraduates have shown mixed results, with some studies indicating a small impact on entrepreneurial intentions.
  3. Highly selective programs for technology ventures, with intensive mentoring and networking opportunities, have demonstrated more compelling results in increasing entrepreneurship rates and success.

The 24-hour Day That Isn't 24 Hours, Did You Know?

Stemble - for the love of STEM! • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🔬 Science Astronomy Physics STEM
  1. Earth's rotation isn't a perfect 24-hour day due to its speed variations caused by gravitational interactions with the Moon and Sun.
  2. The time taken for the Earth to spin once on its axis relative to distant stars is 23h 56m 4.1s, but it needs an extra 3m 55.9s to complete a 24-hour solar day relative to the Sun.
  3. Leap seconds are added to our timekeeping to adjust for Earth's inconsistent rotation speed, managed by the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service.