Musings of an Old Chemist

A Chemist's Perspective on the Habits and Skills STEM Students Need For Success

Tag: problem-solving

  • Beyond the Textbook: Why Critical Thinking is Your Ultimate STEM Skill

    Beyond the Textbook: Why Critical Thinking is Your Ultimate STEM Skill

    As a STEM student, you’re constantly immersed in data, complex equations, and technical concepts. You’ve known and mastered the Scientific Method—observing, hypothesizing, experimenting, and concluding—but that structured process is only half the battle. The other, perhaps more crucial, half is Critical Thinking. While the Scientific Method is a rigid framework for inquiry, critical thinking is the flexible process that drives it. It’s the difference between merely memorizing a formula and truly understanding its foundations and limitations. For you, this means going beyond rote learning to actively and skillfully analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the information you encounter in the lab, the lecture hall, and the world around you.

    This analytical mindset comprises several core skills essential to your future, regardless of which career path you choose.. 

    First, you must develop a relentless habit of questioning information. Don’t just question external sources; turn that rigorous examination onto your own work. You must constantly ask: Is this data truly reproducible? Are my initial assumptions that led to this result reliable? This internal skepticism is key. 

    Second, the ability to perform careful error analysis is primary. This means moving past simply reporting a “failed” test and instead recognizing the subtle flaws in your experimental design, data collection methods, or calculations. Master the ability to identify the sources of error in your experiment. This isn’t about placing the blame on yourself or others; it’s about learning and improving. 

    Third, you must effectively evaluate information sources. When researching a project, learn to distinguish sound, evidence-based conclusions from claims based upon false assumptions or bias. This skill is vital when designing an experiment or reading specialized technical literature.

    Real-world Example: Evaluating an Information Source

    A thoughtful, analytical evaluation of an Information source serves as an excellent example of applying this critical evaluation skill—essential for navigating the complex media environment today. All too frequently, we accept what we encounter online or on message boards as fact. Regardless of whether we agree with the content or not, we rarely take the time to determine its validity. This requires a rigorous assessment of the information’s credibility, accuracy, and fairness. 

    Your process begins with understanding who the source is; this means performing quick additional research to assess who created the content, including the purpose behind the creation of the content and any editorial bias, while verifying the author’s expertise. Highly sensational headlines or anonymity should immediately raise your suspicion. 

    Next, shift your focus to fact-checking the content itself. Examine the quality of evidence, looking specifically for hard data, statistics with cited methodologies, and primary sources, while simultaneously checking the language for emotional arguments or wording that signals an intent to persuade or distract you intentionally, versus simply reporting objectively. 

    Finally, your evaluation must thoroughly assess the argument’s fairness and completeness. This means checking that the source acknowledges and fairly represents opposing viewpoints, offers criticized parties a chance to respond or rebut the information or opinion, and avoids relying on unstated, implied assumptions.

    Ultimately, this comprehensive process moves you beyond merely accepting the Information as fact, leading you to an informed decision about the material’s actual validity and practical usefulness.

    Conclusion

    Critical thinking is the key factor that elevates a capable STEM student into an innovative and successful scientist or engineer. It’s the powerful mechanism that allows you to process complex, unstructured data, recognize underlying patterns, and formulate valid logical conclusions where standard solutions may not exist. This skill deepens comprehension and improves retention, translating theoretical concepts into practical, usable knowledge for your future development.

    I strongly urge you to cultivate your expertise in challenging assumptions, analyzing evidence, and applying logical reasoning now. By doing so, you position yourself as an active contributor in your field, not merely a passive learner and recipient of information. As the volume of data and pace of technology accelerate, remember this lasting truth: your most indispensable tool for lifelong learning and effective problem-solving isn’t the newest gadget or a sophisticated piece of machinery. It is your inherent capacity to think in an evidence-based, exact, and open-minded manner. 

  • Weekly Quotation: August, 6, 2025: Rethinking Education to Prioritize Personal Growth

    Weekly Quotation: August, 6, 2025: Rethinking Education to Prioritize Personal Growth

    “We are a culture that worships the winning result: the league championship, the high test score. Coaches are paid to win, teachers are valued for getting students into the best colleges. Less glamorous gains made a long the way – learning, wisdom, growth, confidence, dealing with failure – aren’t given the same respect because they can’t be given a grade.”

    – William Zinnser (On Writing Well, 30th edition) (pg. 253)

    I wonder if the same can be said about the process of personal growth. I am absolutely certain that there are teachers whose passion lies in seeing they’re students grow as people of substance, encouraging their passion for learning, challenging students with inquiry-based lessons. I know this because I have worked alongside many of them. However, the pressure to meet state and federal established testing benchmarks by which schools are judged and state curriculum standards leaves little time for creativity and discussion in the classroom. So many feel like they are fighting a losing battle. And it not only these restrictions that affect the development of our students’ personal growth in the classroom.

    I have also experienced a paradigm shift in the STEM students I work with. While there are still some who are open to new ideas and are willing to explore and develop the foundations of personal growth: curiosity, a passion for solving problems, and a passion for learning. There is a growing majority of students whose primary interest is in just getting the grade, whose focus is on getting the highest ACT score possible, not through learning the baseline knowledge to support the score, but only in the quick techniques to “cheat” the test with the least amount of effort. And, with minimum ACT test score standards being implemented in school systems as graduation requirements, schools now offer courses teaching these methods. ” Memorize and forget” is now the status quo for many of our students.

    We are doing a disservice to our students. For when they get to college, and especially when they graduate and join the workforce without a solid foundation in knowing how to deal with failure, learn from their mistakes, develop a strong support network, to be resilient and to persevere – essential skills and traits that cannot be given a grade – I guarantee you they will struggle.

  • The Essential Traits for Personal Growth

    The Essential Traits for Personal Growth

    “You can’t build a skyscraper on an outhouse foundation.”

    Dr. John Walkup

    Three integral, interrelated traits: curiosity, a passion for learning, and a passion for solving problems, when combined with self-awareness, are the foundation or prerequisites for personal growth and eventual success, regardless of which career path you may choose.

    By definition, prerequisite is something that has to happen first, something that must occur, or in this case, a personality trait that must be developed, before you can get to the next step or goal.

    For example, in education, a prerequisite is a course or subject that a student must complete before enrolling in a more advanced course. This ensures that a student has the foundational knowledge or skills needed to succeed in the more complex material.

    For the sake of our discussion, these three prerequisites, curiosity, a passion for learning, and the passion for solving problems, ensure that we have the necessary foundation, the skills necessary to succeed on our journey of personal growth.

    Curiosity

    “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths”.

    Walt Disney

    It all begins with curiosity – always asking “why?” and “how?”. Curiosity is a fundamental human trait, our longing to understand the world around us. Curiosity is the spark for our desire to learn and explore, to ask questions, and to seek knowledge beyond the obvious. It opens the door for new experiences and perspectives. And enriches our understanding of the world around us.

    When you’re curious, learning isn’t just memorizing facts. It’s actively exploring ideas, solving problems, and discovering what truly interests you. This makes learning more engaging, turns you into a better thinker, and fuels your creativity. It’s also key to understanding yourself and what you’re passionate about, setting you up for a lifetime of exciting discoveries and personal growth.

    And when combined with open-mindedness, seeking answers to questions in areas that interest us stimulates our passion for learning and our desire to solve problems, to investigate, experiment, and discover.

    While some people may be more naturally curious than others, the good news is that curiosity can be cultivated and nurtured.

    • The most effective way to build your curiosity, ask questions, lots of them. No question is too simple or too complex as long as the purpose is to gain more knowledge. Strive for deeper understanding in your learning, asking “why” and “how,” refusing to accept surface-level explanations. 
    • Listen and be open to different points of view, and actively seek out knowledge and understanding. Take time to research, participate in conversations, and explore diverse perspectives different than your own, which can broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding. Maintaining an open mind, willing to consider new ideas and perspectives, is essential to staying curious.
    • Embracing your passions is another powerful way to develop your curiosity. When we immerse ourselves in subjects that truly fascinate us, the desire to learn becomes naturally motivated.
    • Finally, persistence is the key. When faced with challenges or setbacks, a curious person will persevere, viewing obstacles as opportunities for learning and growth.

    Passion for Solving Problems

    Problems are a natural part of life, and the ability to solve them effectively is essential for success in both your personal and professional life. The passion for solving problems is the strong desire to identify and overcome challenges. It is the driving force that keeps you focused, motivated, and driven to find creative solutions to the complex and some not-so-complex problems you face in your lifetime. Without a passion for problem-solving, you may be less likely to take risks and try new things, and more importantly, less likely to persevere in the face of failure. This will greatly impact your career success regardless of what field you choose.

    Problem-solving skills are more important now than ever and are in demand by employers who want employees who can rapidly adapt to new situations and find innovative solutions to challenges they encounter in the workplace. People passionate about solving problems are looking for new challenges and ways to improve things. They are not afraid to think outside the box and create innovative solutions. This is a valuable skill in any field, as it allows people to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

    Here are some of the benefits of having a passion for solving problems:

    • It makes you more versatile. The ability to solve problems is essential for adapting to change. When things don’t go according to plan, people passionate about solving problems quickly come up with a new solution. This is a valuable skill in today’s rapidly changing world.
    • It makes you more creative and innovative. Problem solving requires creativity and innovation. People who are passionate about solving problems are always looking for new and better ways to do things. This is an important skill for success in any field, as it allows people to develop new products, services, and processes.
    • It makes you more competitive. In today’s competitive job market, it is important to stand out from the crowd. A passion for problem-solving is a great way to do this. Employers are always looking for people who can solve problems and improve things.
    • It makes you more successful in your career. Studies have shown that people who are passionate about their work are more likely to be successful in their careers. They are also more likely to be happy and fulfilled in their work.

    How can you develop or enhance your passion for solving problems?

    • The first step to developing a passion for problem solving is to find a problem that you are passionate about. This could be anything from a personal problem to a global issue.
    • Then, do your research. Once you have found a problem that you are passionate about, learn as much as you can about it. This will help you to better understand the problem and to develop potential solutions.
    • Be creative and think outside the box. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. The best solutions are often the ones that no one else has thought of.
    • Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is a natural part of the problem-solving process. It is an opportunity to learn and grow.
    • Finally, take time to celebrate your success. This will help you to stay motivated and to keep solving problems.

    Developing a passion for problem-solving takes time and effort, but it is worth it. A passion for problem-solving will help you to succeed in any career path you choose, making you a more valuable asset to your employer and to society as a whole.

    Passion for learning

    A passion for learning is important for success, in school and whichever career path you choose. This is because the world is constantly changing, and new technologies and ways of doing things are emerging all the time. In order to stay ahead of the curve and be successful in any field, it is important to be willing to learn new things and adapt to change.

    A need to be “the expert” about something rarely impresses others and can actually hinder your own growth. Always be in the process of learning. Seek the counsel of others. Listen to their experiences. Feel free to say, “I don’t know—instruct me.” And let them fuel your growth.

    Here are some of the ways a passion for learning can contribute to your success:

    • It makes you more adaptable. The ability to adapt to change is essential for success in today’s rapidly changing world. A passion for learning will help you to be more adaptable and to learn new things quickly.
    • It makes you more creative and innovative. A passion for learning will help you to think more creatively and come up with innovative solutions to problems. This is an important skill for success in any field.
    • It makes you more competitive. In today’s competitive job market, it is important to stand out from the crowd. A passion for learning will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be more competitive and to land your dream job.
    • It makes you more successful in your career. Studies have shown that people who are passionate about their work are more likely to be successful in their careers. They are also more likely to be happy and fulfilled in their work.

    If you are passionate about learning, you will be more likely to succeed in any career path you choose. You will be more adaptable, more creative, more innovative, and more competitive. You will also be more likely to be happy and fulfilled in your work.

    Here are some tips to develop or enhance your passion for learning:

    • Find something you are interested in. The first step to developing a passion for learning is to find something that you are interested in. This could be anything from a hobby to a subject in school.
    • Set goals for yourself. Once you have found something you are interested in, set some goals for yourself. What do you want to learn about it? How can you learn it?
    • Find a mentor. If you are serious about learning about something, find a mentor, a friend, a teacher, or a boss who can help you. And be willing to listen and open to their instruction. A mentor can provide you with guidance and support and help you to stay on track.
    • Join a group of people with similar interests and goals. There are many cohorts of people who are passionate about learning. Joining a group can help you stay motivated and connect with other people who share your interests.
    • And finally, make an investment to make learning a part of your daily routine. Set aside some time each day to learn something new. This could be reading a book, watching a documentary, or taking a class.

    Commentary

    I would like to think that my foundational skills were sufficient for me to succeed. I was, and still am, extremely curious about the subjects I am passionate about. I still keep up on discoveries in chemistry, physics, and education, and have acquired new interests such as gardening and writing, with this blog being an example.

    I had the passion for solving problems throughout my childhood, then, nurtured in college under the mentorship of Dr. Walkup and then the technical training I received in my years with Hewlett-Packard’s Analytical Products Division, it has become a major strength.

    Looking back, I can clearly see my past and present weaknesses. While my passion for learning is a strength, I’ve always been an independent learner, often to a fault. This reluctance to seek direction or advice from others is a significant weakness. I cannot stress enough the importance of developing and nurturing the skill of asking for guidance and humbly accepting instruction without defensiveness. My pride and arrogance led me to believe I knew more than those around me, and I deeply regret the missed opportunities to learn from them.

  • Introducing Essential Skills: Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

    Introducing Essential Skills: Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

    The terms “hard skills” and “soft skills” were first used by the U.S. Army in the early 1970’s to distinguish between technical and interpersonal abilities (Britannica Money, 2025). The term “soft skills” is specifically attributed to researcher Paul G. Whitmore, who used it in a 1972 U.S. Army training conference (MDPI, 2023; PMC, 2023).

    You’re presented with and expected to learn and master a great deal of technical information (hard skills) in your STEM coursework and on-the-job training. These “hard skills” are the specific, teachable abilities related to your particular field of interest. And while that know-how is important, it’s not the only thing that matters. Instructors tend to focus so heavily on teaching the technical aspects (computer programming, data analysis, math, and scientific principles) that they tend to neglect or overlook equally important soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, leadership, perseverance, resilience, problem-solving, and time management. 

    Soft skills, like hard skills, may be developed through practice, self-awareness, training, and experience. These four are essential for your success: practice (you must make an investment in time and effort), self-awareness (recognize your strengths and weaknesses, your goals and aspirations), training (throughout your career there is a need for continuing education), and experience (success does not happen overnight, it accrues over your lifetime.)

    Commentary

    Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn many skills, from operating and maintaining advanced analytical instrumentation to chemical applications development to curriculum design. Yet, I did not develop the foundational “soft skills” I needed to be successful. Yes, I had the communication skills; I could sell ice cubes to an Eskimo, as one of my administrators used to say, I was passionate about solving problems, and I excelled at critical thinking. But no one had discussed with me, so I never truly developed or practiced the skills of perseverance and resilience. Nor did I recognize the dangers of my pride and the importance of humility. The lack of these traits caused me to struggle, to alienate the people I worked for and with, and when things got tough, to give up and switch directions, never accomplishing what I intended to do. Additionally, I was not introduced to the concept of self-awareness until late in life, a skill that would have assisted me greatly throughout my career.