STEM education is essential for all student grades K-12 but over the last 15 years, STEM has fallen victim to the latest educational bandwagon trend. In this episode we discuss what STEM is, why it is essential and how it can effectively be incorporated into your classroom.
What is STEM?
When students apply science and math concepts to solve a real world problem via the engineering design process and technology.
STEM was introduced in 2001 by administrators at the National Science Foundation (NSF).
It is NOT traditional science and math teaching.
Why is STEM essential?
STEM Careers have uneven representation across races and genders. Giving students STEM experiences can help them see themselves in STEM careers and help to close that gap.
STEM has 3 steps or stages
Stage 1: Ice Breaker Stage. Students are learning to work together using the 4Cs; communication, collaboration
Stage 2: Problem Solving Stage. In this stage students are introduced to the science and engineering practices and begin to apply science and math concepts and use technology to real world problems.
Stage 3: Open-Ended Problems Stage. Students in this stage use all of their STEM skills with an added research component to solve a more complex problem. Usually a final presentation is involved.
Other STEM acronyms (STEAM, ExTREAM, STREAM, SHREAM, STREAMS)
A lot of people miss the point and/or people are jumping on the bandwagon.
STEM was created because there is a lack of qualified people entering the workforce
STEM is not education…if all of the subjects are included that is called SCHOOL
STEM done correctly does not need more letters!!
This is not to downplay arts
There is already art (the creative process) is STEM without the letter. The engineering design process already involves art. Technology can encompass arts. Drawing, 3D modeling, TinkerCAD…these are all “art”.
STEM Day - November 8th
Check out the resources below for great ideas for a great STEM Day.
Resources:
STEM Education History https://www.britannica.com/topic/STEM-education
STEM Resources by Mrs. Badesso https://sites.google.com/view/mrsbadessoteaches/resources/stem-day
Vivify STEM - one of the best STEM websites and they have a podcast! https://www.vivifystem.com/