Youths’ solutions to local invasive species

Abstract

Youths’ solutions to local invasive species Educating students about real-world, issues such as local invasive species aims to encourage wider engagement with STEM. Climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic are only two examples of global problems requiring help from STEM professionals. However, there exists a shortage in the STEM workforce(1) and less than 25% of youth show interest in pursuing STEM careers.(2) Researchers and educators alike acknowledge the need to get more students interested in STEM. One response is to showcase real-world issues with tangible solutions. In many schools, students complete labs on topics such as chemical reactions or animal dissection. Although these topics are necessary in addressing real-world issues, they may not always help students recognize issues they can immediately take part in solving.(3)