Fostering innovation in STEM through the application of science and technology history

The history of science and technology has an important place in the education of STEM professionals, particularly when it comes to helping to support their desire to successfully invent, innovate, and disseminate new ideas. History, considered as one of the liberal arts, should be thought of as describing the different possibilities that had to be negotiated before arriving at the present. When presented as one of the liberal arts, constructivist insights can serve as a springboard for a student´s future research as well as a means for becoming more successful in meeting the challenges of dissemination. The STS approach known as social constructivism can be effectively demonstrated though historical analysis. Two methods of incorporating history into STEM education are discussed: a minilesson (or module) approach as part of a hands-on research program and an approach using general education courses for undergraduates.