Life Skills Beyond Curriculum: Using STEM SMART Shortcuts to Guide Parents of Gifted and Talented Students

Flourishing in STEM fields involves more than content knowledge. Success in STEM disciplines requires a child to become an intellectual risk taker with the tenacity to tackle tough problems and the critical thinking skills to separate scientific information from opinions. To support busy parents and caregivers, we use the acronym S.M.A.R.T. to explain in accessible language these essential life skills for STEM success. We also use the acronym to help evaluate which STEM toys and tools really help develop these essential aspects of a “STEM SMART” mindset. Participants will leave with sample phrases, actions, and no-cost activities to share.