Many families have inquired: What is STEM education? This is a short post that explains STEM education and the state of Virginia's standards for elementary students.
What is STEM Education?
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education entails authentic learning experiences for all students with an interdisciplinary and applied approach where all fields connect in complex relationships. In today’s economy, problems are not solved in isolation of a specific discipline, but are solved through multiple approaches and perspectives. A strong STEM educational foundation helps to prepare our students for tomorrow’s world by emphasizing collaborative, innovative, quantitative and logical analysis rooted in a solid understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
How is STEM Education being refocused?
Recently there has been a shift in beliefs about the purpose of STEM education. Traditionally a STEM education focused on creating a pipeline of students whose educational backgrounds prepared them for a STEM-specific workforce. Today, the focus is on developing STEM-literate citizens necessary for success in any 21st century profession. STEM literacy is the ability to identify and acknowledge science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts and processes in everyday life.
STEM literacy comes from an understanding that it takes
a scientific approach to observe and interpret the world; technology to serve as a tool to solve problems or reach a goal; engineering to design, test and solve a problem through the creation of products or processes; and mathematics to help quantify, comprehend and evaluate the problem and solution’s success.
As students become STEM literate citizens, they have the foundational content and the discipline processes to allow them make informed decisions and to participate in public/civil discourse concerning future STEM issues and technologies. Learn more here.
Engineering students utilize the design process to solve problems.
Why is STEM education important?
STEM is hands-on learning involving college, career, and life skills. It's challenging and fun.
Here are a few excellent articles explaining the benefits of STEM education:
Hope this helps. STEM is wonderful for students of all shapes and sizes.
It is fabulous to have a school that values the importance of STEM.
It's a treat to teach your children as we solve problems together.
Have a wonderful day!
Mrs. Pamela Hall
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