The Power of Storytelling

A traditional approach to teaching STEM subjects could involve rote memorization of facts and formulas, which can disengage many students. Using stories to explain scientific concepts can make them more engaging and easier to understand, contextualizing abstract ideas and showing their relevance to everyday life.

I noticed while researching children’s books on immunology to share with my young niece and nephew that there were few children's books on the topic, and those that did often read like dry lists of facts. Recognizing this gap in children’s literature, I wrote “Immune Heroes,” where I introduce big concepts in immunology to kids through the anthropomorphism of immune cells and using narrative. This storytelling approach taps into multimodal learning with visuals and repetition to ground the concepts.

Storytelling is also essential in professional, scientific work. What else is a presentation to an executive board or an investor pitch but a well-crafted story? Grant writing weaves a narrative of hope to secure funding. Scientific journal articles follow a story structure: introduction, method, and results relay a sequence of escalating events in time, sometimes with tension when unexpected findings or a pivot in the research until the resolution and meaning are summarized in the discussion.

Using stories in the curriculum is a way to intuitively structure dense information in a relatable and memorable way. Making connections, demonstrating cause and effect, and tapping into emotion with multimedia storytelling are powerful tools for making STEM subjects more appealing.

Growing Conceptual Thinkers and Engaged Innovators

The ultimate goal of STEM education is not only to impart knowledge but to cultivate a generation of conceptual thinkers, curious learners, and resourceful problem-solvers. Developing curricula and learning environments that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and inclusion is essential. By dispelling myths about what a scientist or innovator looks like, I hope students will see one in their mirror.

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