When launching K-12 STEM Education in January 2015, we had high hopes, but really had no idea what to expect in terms of the response and types of articles we would receive. Since then, we have had a variety of subjects under the umbrella of STEM Education, written by educators and students from many parts of the world. Our review board and board of Associate Editors have grown to include educators from seven countries. Without them, we would not be able to provide the high quality of articles

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... hat are in each issue. In this issue, we present articles from authors in the U.S. and Malaysia that stretch the boundaries of the typical conceptions people have about STEM education. In these, we see that 21st century skills are being emphasized more. Cindy Tomovic, Sueanne McKinney and Clair Berube explain how scientific literacy can be improved by linking to literature; they propose "a new conceptual approach that includes attention to meeting the Next Generation Science Standards while being responsive to the importance of 21st century skills". In the second article, Emily Dare, Dave Rafferty, Elizabeth Scheidel and Gillian Roehrig describe the results of a study of a curriculum design that "combines girl-friendly instructional strategies with an integrated STEM framework". The third article by Lay Ah-Nam and Kamisah Osman proposes "an instructional strategy that enhances a constructivist-constructionist learning environment that simultaneously enhances chemistry knowledge and 21st century skills", which was sparked by their country's concern that far too few students are showing interest in STEM careers. It is with great sadness and regret that we say goodbye to Managing Editor Prakaikan Treearporn, who will be leaving our team and the journal's parent organization, the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST) in Bangkok. Prakaikan has been not only an important fixture at IPST, but also one of the critical organizers of many of the agency's projects, overseeing activities in the office of International Relations. Joining her husband in Jakarta, Prakaikan will be greatly missed at IPST, not only for her incredible work here, but also for her helpful and friendly demeanor. Thank you, Khun Prakaikan! We wish you all the best in your new venture! As usual, we encourage readers of K-12 STEM Education to consider sending a manuscript to share with other STEM educators around the world. There are so many outstanding projects, curricular designs, lessons, units and research studies in STEM education; please share yours by sending a draft to us at stemjournal@ipst.ac.th. Abstract Scientific literacy matters. It matters because it is vitally important to the education and development of America's children, tomorrow's workforce, and the keepers of our future. If