Like other disciplines, STEM direction undoubtedly looked very various this academic year. From virtual mentor to brand-new safety procedures if students went back to science labs, trainees and educators alike needed to make changes.

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Below are three STEM-related action items that must be prioritized during this time.

Safe and secure science classrooms and labs. As the school year wanes, making sure all science classrooms and laboratories are securely secure for the summer season, when they likely will not be utilized or utilized heavily, is incredibly essential.

This must consist of, however not be restricted to, performing a chemical inventory and ensuring all chemicals are labeled and stored properly; removing any chemical wastes; covering all microscopes or class innovation to prevent dust accumulation; unplugging all devices or electronic devices; and checking all hardware to see if any needs to be changed.

With summer approaching, now is an appropriate time for administrators and science department leaders to work collaboratively with teachers to examine what worked and what didnt, to close the year out safely and on a high note, and to begin to picture what STEM instruction will look like in the fall.