In the September/October issue of Principal magazine, author Bill Costello addresses science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and the disparity between American and non-American students’ interest in these subjects. More specifically, the Speaking Out article reveals Costello’s belief  that American students are losing ground to non-Americans when it comes to obtaining degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)—and elementary schools are partly responsible for this trend.

Is there truth to Costello’s argument? What are your teachers doing to pique students’ interests in STEM classes? Do you see a difference in your school between boys and girls regarding their interest in these subjects?