ИСТИНА

The report presents a number of aspects of engagement school students of different ages in STEM activity: from the beginning till participation in prestigious international contests. The role of both class and outclass activities is estimated. The role of teacher, the role of .equipment, etc also is analyzed. In Russia historically the main place in STEM education was occupied by specialized schools that were belonged to famous universities such as Moscow University, but nowadays there is a lot of opportunities to involve in STEM school students from rare parts of country. In presentation following questions are discussed and illustrated by Russian experience: 1. University high schools in Russia and their practice. First four schools belonged to universities were established in Russia in 194 by famous Academicians. The main idea was to pick up gifted boys and girls from rare parts of big country in order to provide them with better underuniversity education. A great number of graduates really became scientists, also politicians and businessmen. 2. “Gifted” students – do they really exists? The children who, for example, become the olimpiads winners, often are named as gifted students. What are the criteria? 3. Class cv and outclass (olimpiads, project making) – what is better? In schools children receive base or extended knowledge of science. But they demonstrate their skills in different kinds of outclass activities. Or not? Why creative skills are not the subject to exam in order to enter to university? 4. Do we really need modern and expansive equipment in schools? The problem is no equipment but is the student the “muster” of his work or not. 5. Modern challenges and “traditional” education. My farter received the education that was enough for all his professional life. But nowadays nobody knows what concrete knowledge and skills will be demanded in next 10 years, when our students begin their professional life. How to study them? 6. How to motivate? Motivation seems to be the main problem in STEM. How we involve students in STEM? What to do in order that the first visit of the student in STEM center wouldn’t become his last visit. 7. How to start? Examples of real starting projects. 8. How to prepare a science fair finalist. The report contains real examples and student live stories.