STEM careers are on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in STEM occupations is expected to grow by 10.4% from 2023 to 2033, compared to just 3.6% for non-STEM occupations. Despite this demand, many students lack the foundational interest or skills needed to pursue these opportunities. Hands-on STEM learning can bridge this gap. 

Allowing students to explore and actively engage with real-world phenomena sparks curiosity, deepens understanding, and levels the playing field for learners with diverse needs and experiences. This blog post explores how Vernier STEM solutions make these positive outcomes possible.

Why Hands-On STEM Learning Works

Research shows experiential learning is a powerful way to keep students engaged in STEM. In one study, 92.6% of participants identified hands-on lab work as the key factor inspiring them to pursue STEM degrees and careers. This data demonstrates how giving students direct, tangible experiences with STEM concepts can leave a lasting impression.

One of the most effective ways to create these meaningful learning experiences is through the use of probeware. Research shows that integrating probeware in STEM instruction boosts student motivation, particularly in subjects that are often perceived as difficult or abstract. Using tools that provide immediate, tangible feedback, students can engage in investigations that mirror the work of real scientists and connect data to the real-world processes they observe. 

As science education continues to shift toward hands-on, three-dimensional learning, probeware plays a pivotal role in helping students make sense of scientific concepts in the ways envisioned by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), ultimately strengthening their ability to think critically and solve problems.

Supports All Students

Research shows that STEM education has long faced challenges in engaging historically underrepresented groups, including students of color, girls, and those from low-income and rural communities. Disparities in access to quality STEM learning opportunities often begin early, compounded by a lack of representation. Visual, tactile, and relevant learning offers a solution to these disparities.

Incorporating student-centered activities that align with their interests and backgrounds creates a relatable learning environment for every student, making the classroom an exciting place to be. And when students from diverse backgrounds work together on meaningful projects, they bring unique perspectives to the table, promoting deeper engagement and broadening perspectives.

Connects Learning to Tangible, Real-World Outcomes

As students explore STEM topics through their own lenses and experiences, their enthusiasm and investment in learning naturally increase. For instance, localized projects like investigating the environmental impacts of neighborhood pollutants not only teach core STEM concepts but also connect students to their communities.

In Volusia County, Florida, Volusia County School students navigate wetlands, test water quality, and track environmental shifts using Vernier technology. These tools bring science to life, allowing them to collect, graph, and analyze real-world data with precision while making a measurable impact in their community. This field-based approach to investigations has helped high school students identify and track declining river health, share findings that prompted action from local and federal agencies, and restore local conch populations. 

Students see the impact of their work firsthand when participating in projects that address real-world issues they care about. These experiences build a sense of purpose and demonstrate how STEM skills can drive relevant, positive change locally and globally.

Builds Critical Thinking and Teamwork Skills

Hands-on STEM learning also builds essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis. Probeware supports this by giving students opportunities to engage in real-world investigations, test hypotheses, and interpret data in meaningful ways. Rather than just memorizing facts, students take a more active role in asking questions, investigating phenomena, and constructing explanations, strengthening their computational thinking and scientific reasoning.

Hands-on investigations also promote teamwork and collaboration. For example, KidWind Challenges bring students together as they use KidWind products to design, build, and test functional wind turbines and solar structures. These teamwork-driven experiences prepare students for STEM careers while equipping them with transferable skills like communication, creativity, and adaptability—qualities that will serve them in any profession.

Overcoming Challenges in STEM Implementation

So how can educators bring the benefits of hands-on STEM learning to their schools? As discussed in The State of STEM Learning, one of the biggest challenges is that many school systems still separate science, technology, engineering, and math into distinct subjects. This makes it harder for students to see the connections between disciplines and apply their learning to real-world problems.

Hands-on investigations help bridge this gap. When students ask questions about real-world phenomena, engage in real-time data collection, or think critically about engineering design challenges, they naturally integrate concepts across STEM fields—just like scientists and engineers do in their work. However, transitioning to this integrated STEM approach requires shifts in pedagogy and curricula, and access to the right tools.

The good news? Implementing new or expanded STEM programming doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Vernier provides the resources and support to help educators incorporate hands-on technology, connect STEM concepts, and create engaging, student-led learning experiences across their district.

Professional Development to Build Educator Confidence

Research highlights the pivotal role that professional development and educator support plays when successfully implementing and delivering integrated STEM learning. That’s why Vernier offers a variety of in-person and online professional development opportunities that support teachers across all experience levels. 

From subject-specific webinars to personalized professional development with our science education experts, we help teachers address their unique challenges and equip them with the skills, confidence, and resources they need to succeed in STEM teaching.

Ready-to-Use Experiments to Simplify Instruction

Vernier also provides hundreds of educator-tested, ready-to-use experiments and investigations. Vernier Connections, for example, is rooted in best practices for STEM education and is specifically designed to align with three-dimensional learning.

These materials ease the burden on educators as they facilitate meaningful, hands-on STEM learning that engages students and supports district-wide proficiency goals. 

Reliable Technical Support Every Step of the Way

Our commitment to educators doesn’t stop with custom professional development and resources. The renowned Vernier technical support team, which includes former educators, offers on-demand assistance to help teachers troubleshoot challenges and maximize the impact of Vernier solutions. 

Whether educators are new to STEM tools or experienced users seeking advanced tips, Vernier’s technical support ensures every teacher in your district has access to the guidance they need.

Keep Students Excited about STEM with Vernier STEM Solutions

Hands-on STEM learning engages students in meaningful ways, addresses inequities, and prepares them for bright futures. By making science relevant and aligned with students’ interests, schools can ignite curiosity and drive district-wide STEM proficiency.

Explore Vernier STEM Solutions today to learn how you can drive engagement across your district and keep students coming back for more.