STEM education stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
In reality, STEM is an educational approach that integrates these four disciplines into a coherent learning model.
The goal of STEM-based education is to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a world driven by scientific and technological advances toward the future and changing rapidly.
The concepts of the key components of STEM education are as follows:
Science: STEM education emphasizes scientific research and discovery. Students learn to ask questions, make observations, conduct experiments, and draw conclusions based on evidence.
This focuses more on developing a deep understanding of the natural world.
Technologie (Technology):
In the field of STEM, technology refers to the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. Students engage with different technologies, learn how to use them, and in some cases, how to innovate using technology. This includes understanding digital tools, programming and solving technological problems.
Engineering (Engineering):
Likewise, STEM education encompasses the principles and methods of engineering. Students are encouraged to think like engineers, engage in design processes, solve problems, and use mathematical and scientific concepts to create solutions. This encourages critical thinking and creativity.
Mathematik (Mathematics):
Mathematics is a fundamental part of STEM education. It provides the language and tools to accurately represent scientific and engineering concepts. Students develop mathematical reasoning skills and apply them to solving real-world problems.
STEM education is often practical and project-based, with students encouraged to work collaboratively, think critically, and apply their knowledge in practical ways.
The interdisciplinary nature of STEM demonstrates the connection between these fields in solving complex problems.
Additionally, STEM education promotes skills such as problem solving, innovation, communication, and adaptability
– Traits that are valuable not only in STEM-related careers, but also across a wide range of careers.
– STEM education integrates these four disciplines to create a comprehensive and interdisciplinary learning experience.
Instead of teaching these topics separately, STEM offers an interdisciplinary approach to solving real-world problems.
Benefits of STEM Education
1- Real World Applications
In general, STEM education emphasizes the practical application of knowledge and skills. Students are assessed through authentic and practical projects that represent a list of challenges they face in professional settings.
This approach helps students see the connection between what they are learning and how they can apply it in their future careers.
2- Problem solving and critical thinking
Problem solving is at the core of STEM education. Students learn to approach problems analytically, break them down into manageable parts, and use logical thinking to develop solutions.
This strengthens critical thinking skills that are valuable in various disciplines and industries today.
3- Innovation and Creative
ity
STEM promotes creativity and innovation. Students are given the freedom to explore, experiment and find their own solutions to problems.
This not only increases their creative thinking skills, but also encourages curiosity and willingness to take risks, which is a key aspect of innovation in our world.
4- Collaboration and teamwork
– Collaboration is a key element of STEM education. Students often work in teams on projects, reflecting the collaborative nature of scientific research and technological development.
Effective communication, sharing ideas, and collaborating as part of a team are important skills in STEM fields.
5- Integration of technology
As previously mentioned, technology is an inseparable part of STEM education. Students learn to use various technological tools, software and hardware associated with their studies.
This includes programming, working with digital simulations and the use of technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Competence in these areas can help students implement ideas.
6- Career preparation
STEM education is designed to prepare students for careers in fields such as engineering, computer science, biotechnology, environmental science, etc.
The skills gained through STEM education are not only applicable to STEM careers, but are also transferable to a wide range of careers in the modern workforce.
7- Global connections
STEM education addresses global challenges and is aligned with the need for solutions to problems such as climate change, healthcare, energy and sustainable development.
This prepares students to think globally and help solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.
Overall, STEM education aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary for advancement, fostering a lifelong love of learning, adaptability, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
In one of the cities in North America, the Staples Business Advantage team has compiled a list of 7 innovative education products to add to the education chart for improved STEM/STEAM education, some of which we will look at together below.
1. micro:bit, a small computer board
BBC micro:bit is available to families, clubs and schools in the USA and Canada.
The BBC Foundation’s aim in distributing this device is to ensure that 2 million primary and secondary school students in these two countries will have such a device by 2020.
This tool helps children learn programming and critical thinking.
Micro:bit is programmable. Almost the size of a credit card, this card has 25 LEDs to display text and basic images. It also has multiple sensors and a Bluetooth connection to connect to other devices.
Students can program micro:bit using Scratch, a block-based programming language.
On the other hand, users can also program with Microsoft MakeCode on the device, which allows them to switch between text-based and block-based programming.
2. VR Learn
VR Learn is a multifunctional K-12 educational VR headset.
This headset comes with a controller and a mobile device. It is available for mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. Teachers can customize teaching models for any curriculum or language and implement interactive activities such as simulations, exercises, tasks, 360-degree animations and 3D models
grasp.
VR Learn also offers a classroom management and intelligent analytics program for teachers.
3. pi-topOS
pi-top built its first laptop that uses Raspberry Pi and runs a native operating system called pi-topOS. This operating system enables schools from anywhere to use a cloud-based ecosystem to increase the efficiency of their computer science classes.
This gives children access to the tools they need to learn computer-related skills.
The vision of pi-topOS is to democratize programming by making it accessible to anyone who wants to learn. This product is not only affordable but also easy to upgrade.
It promises to bring about a global transformation in STEAM education. Here is a short video about pi-topOS explaining its capabilities.
4. Soundtrap
Soundtrap is an online learning tool that allows teachers to use podcasts and music to follow STEAM curriculum.
Users work in the walled garden – a secure and closed environment that keeps Soundtrap in a sandbox from the rest of the internet.
Teachers can use this tool to create and monitor groups within a class, the entire school, or multiple schools or classes working together on projects.
5. STEAM Curriculum and Ambassador Program
The Dremel desktop 3D printer designed specifically for the STEAM curriculum based on the Next Generation Science Standards for K-12. This company offers a comprehensive educational solution that includes software, hardware, and an extensive list of 3D printing curricula.
Additionally, the Dremel Desktop 3D Printer gives many schools the opportunity to participate in their Ambassador Program, where educators can share their knowledge of 3D printing and their innovations in successfully using 3D printing technology for education.
6. Augie Robot
Pai Technology developed the Augie Robot to help teachers use augmented reality for STEAM teaching.
This robot brings the world of programming and robotics together. Students can use Augie to learn how to write sequences in apps. The robot also playfully integrates augmented reality to create a unique and engaging learning environment and equip students with technology skills.
Early childhood and elementary school children are the primary beneficiaries of Augie, a product of the latest technology and research from experts in child development.
Students use Augie to explore programming by controlling multiple robot movements. You can also use video features to create movies.
7. CollabSpace
Cornell University’s College of Engineering created the social network CollabSpace to support the widespread maker movement. This resource is available free to students who want to learn technology topics such as programming, autonomous vehicles, robotics, 3D printing, rockets, circuits, and sustainability.
Students can learn and meet on this platform by sharing projects and skills, receiving suggestions from other students, and requesting help from Cornell students, professors, and alumni. Many students do not have access to clubs and after-school counselors, so CollabSpace aims to provide an alternative community to encourage and support students who want to advance in STEM/STEAM fields.
These and other STEM/STEAM educational tools can help teachers prepare children for the L
learning about topics in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the arts.
Staples Business Advantage Canada specializes in educational materials and has helped several schools implement STEM and STEAM projects. With multiple technology suppliers in the industry,
21st Century Skills Movement:
In the 21st century, with the rapid advancement of technology, the need for a more integrated and interdisciplinary approach to education has been increasingly recognized. The 21st Century Skills movement emphasized the importance of skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and creativity, which are core components of STEM education.
Global Emphasis on STEM:
Internationally, many countries recognized the importance of STEM education to remain competitive in the global economy. Various countries implemented STEM-focused initiatives and education reforms to prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Although there is no single person or event credited with the creation of STEM education, it has evolved in response to social and technological changes. Today, STEM education remains a dynamic and evolving field with ongoing efforts to broaden and deepen its impact on education worldwide.
