Over the course of three days, Michael DiSpezio, author of HMH′s Science Fusion K′8 program, will be visiting Children−s Hospital Boston to film a series of videos that will highlight the conceptual skills required for future technology and medical/engineering careers. This video series will culminate with DiSpezio observing a robotic micro−surgery and viewing some of the other technology used at the hospital, which includes medical imaging and micro−surgical tools. Each video will eventually become part of the Science Fusion curriculum and, using a project−based learning approach, will highlight the opportunities available to all students in STEM careers, which address challenges using a math and technology−focused approach.

“For the United States to continue to innovate and remain a competitive technological leader for years to come, it is critical that our students understand the importance of STEM education and how its concepts impact their daily lives,” said DiSpezio. &ldqup;Without this knowledge, it will become increasingly difficult for us to compete with our global colleagues.”

STEM education continues to be a hot−button topic among educators and legislators. Over the last several months the White House has hosted the first annual White House Science Fair, while also launching a public−private collaborative initiative called Educate to Innovate − a program aimed at boosting the participation and performance of American students in STEM.

For more information about Houghton Mifflin Harcourt′s STEM programs, visit: http://hmheducation.com/stem.