What is STEM?

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. You will see STEM in the news frequently because there is an emphasis being placed on STEM courses in U.S. schools.

STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of teaching students about these four specific fields using an applied approach. In other words, rather than taking a purely academic approach in teaching these subjects, an applied approach, as is used with the STEM curriculum, means learning these subjects while using real-world examples. So the applied approach focuses on how these 4 subjects impact our daily lives and are used in our daily lives.

APPLIED APPROACH MAKES SENSE

It is pretty obvious that these four fields impact our everyday lives, now more than ever! In fact, sometimes it is so obvious that we are almost oblivious to the impact.

• Science, for instance, is our natural world, including earth, the planet we live on.
• Technology can mean the devices we have and use daily, and the appliances we are using in our houses.
• Have you wondered how buildings were made? Thanks to engineering!
• Have you been tracking your savings? Do you always check the prices of the merchandise? What could have happened without mathematics?

Of course, none of the above surprised you. The difference with the applied approach and STEM is that instead of teaching these four fields separately, each in an isolated academic bubble, STEM integrates them. STEM relates them to the real world and a student’s life.

That cell phone they are tied to is possible because of STEM. Instagram is because of STEM. Cars that brake by themselves are because of STEM. The special effects they love in movies are because of STEM. The microwave they use to heat pizza is because of STEM.

OK. BUT WHY THE EMPHASIS ON STEM NOW?

STEM is being emphasized more than ever now, because there is a need that we have to meet. In the U.S., it is estimated that by 2018, there will be a demand for 8.65 million workers in STEM-related jobs. That’s great news! There will be jobs! But the sad news is there is a large shortage of employees with these skills considering that the demand will increase over time. That is why it is very important to introduce STEM to students as early as elementary school. Early introduction makes it familiar, natural, and well-understood.

THE STEM GOAL

The goal of early STEM introduction is to awaken students interests in these fields by early exploration and creative learning experiences. Learning by fun and by doing! And growing enthusiasm and love for STEM and STEM-related fields by engendering success.

STEM also introduces high school and college students to potential careers they might want to pursue later on. The fact that STEM-related jobs in the U.S. are continuously increasing, at an exponential rate, makes ignoring STEM or worse yet, lack of exposure to STEM, a big loss for a student. Further, due to high demand, Stem workers can expect higher salaries over their lifetime, and with the high demand,better job security.

IT’S IMPORTANT TO AMERICA AS WELL

STEM mastery and a STEM-trained workforce is crucial to maintaining the economic growth of the country. In order to keep ahead of the demands of the technology of the future and the challenges of the future, the U.S. cannot be left behind with an under-educated and under- trained workforce. Technological advances are growing by leaps and bounds and it is important to be able to take advantage of new technology to maintain economic growth.

STEM education is a promising opportunity for everyone who wants a better future for their children. The best thing a parent can do is encourage their child to embrace STEM and love it. The best thing a high school or college student can do is to ensure STEM is part of their continuing education.