It’s that time of year to start thinking about next year’s curriculum choices. As you try to make your decisions, you may be wondering: what is STEM learning that keeps popping up?
Traditionally, subjects were taught in isolation of one another. Math class was only for math, science was only for science, etc. That started to change in the early 1990s as the STEM education curriculum began focusing on practical applications and problem-solving skills that made learning more relevant.
STEM Education Overview – Science, Tech, Engineering & Math
Are you wondering, what is STEM learning? In the education world, STEM is an integrated approach to teaching that includes:
Science
Technology
Engineering
Mathematics
This method of teaching is far more effective for students. It gives them a context for the skills or concepts taught, making them not only more interesting but also helping students retain them and take ownership of the knowledge. STEM education for students also encourages critical thinking skills and opens the door for projects that expand the learning process.
For example, an integrated learning approach is the basis for Common Sense Press’ language arts curriculum. In our Learning Language Arts through Literature program, language arts skills such as reading, writing, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and critical thinking are all taught in the same lesson using classic literature as a model. These skills are taught in a context that makes sense to students and helps them retain the information. You can check out our latest article to learn more about The Education Philosophy Behind Our Language Arts Program.
Another example of an integrated learning approach can be seen in our Common Sense Science series, which is designed for grades 1-6. Science is the main topic in each study, which includes plants, insects, vertebrates, tools, earth, oceans, space, and the human body, with matter and light/sound energy to be added soon. While the main topic of the lessons is science concepts and facts, they also incorporate aspects of STEM-based learning.
Technology is a part of the lessons as it applies to the topic. For example, in Common Sense Science – Space, students create a timeline to show how technological advancements have aided our learning about the solar system, through telescopes, space labs, and space travel. In Common Sense Science – Oceans, students explore advancements in navigation and underwater research. In Common Sense Science – Tools, students learn about work, energy, and the six basic tools. They use this knowledge, working alone or in a team, to create a machine that accomplishes a desired task.
Engineering is the process of designing tools and machines, based on the science we’ve learned, to expand our capability. Where we used to walk from place to place, now, through science and engineering, we can fly, even to the moon. Where we used to write a letter and send it across the country on a horse, now science and engineering enable almost instant communications around the world and beyond.
The practical use of mathematics is included in every study. Charts and graphs are made from data that is included in the lessons. This gives the students a different way to look at the data. Math is used in labs to measure, compare, and calculate. When learning about the solar system, students calculate how far the planet Mars is from Earth and how long it would take to travel across the Milky Way traveling at the speed of light.
How Can You Incorporate STEM into Your Science Lessons?
Here are a few ways you can use STEM-based learning in your science lessons:
- Look for ways to connect science with real-world problems.
- Encourage students to create their own experiments to explore concepts they are learning.
- When appropriate, have students build physical models that demonstrate what they have learned.
- Make use of the internet and computers so that your students will become familiar with technology.
- Provide time and space for working together as a team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is STEM education and why is it important?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM education blends these subjects together in a hands-on, real-world way that helps students think critically, solve problems, and get creative. It’s not just about memorizing facts or solving math equations, it’s about exploring, experimenting, and learning how things work.
STEM skills are a huge part of the world we live in today. From smartphones, to space travel, to clean energy, STEM is behind it all. By encouraging kids to dive into these subjects early on, we’re helping them build the skills they’ll need for the jobs of the future. Many of which haven’t even been invented yet!
