STEM

Why STEM?

“STEM” –an effort to help prepare workforce of tomorrow…
All sectors of the workforce – from entry-level jobs to more advanced positions – are requiring workers to have a greater capacity to think critically, work independently, and apply an ever-widening set of sophisticated skills. Even entry-level jobs require these sophisticated skills from their “unskilled” workers.

What is STEM?

STEM literacy refers to an individual’s ability to apply his or her understanding of how the world works within and across four interrelated domains.

• Scientific literacy is the ability to use scientific knowledge (in physics, chemistry, biological sciences, and earth/space sciences) and processes to understand the natural world but to participate in decisions that affect it (in three main areas — science in life and health, science in Earth and environment, and science in technology).
• Technological literacy in the modern world means the ability to use, manage, understand, and assess technology. Students should know how to use new technologies, understand how new technologies are developed, and have skills to analyze how new technologies affect us, our nation, and the world. Technology is the innovation, change, or modification of the natural environment to satisfy perceived human needs and wants.
• Engineering literacy is the understanding of how technologies are developed via the engineering design process; lessons are project-based and integrate multiple subjects, making difficult concepts relevant and tangible to students and tapping into students’ natural interest in problem-solving. Engineering design is the systematic and creative application of scientific and mathematic principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes, and systems.
• Mathematical literacy means the ability of students to analyze, reason, and communicate ideas effectively as they pose, formulate, solve, and interpret solutions to mathematical problems in a variety of situations. STEM literacy is an interdisciplinary area of study that bridges the four areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM literacy does not simply mean achieving literacy in these four strands. Consequently, a STEM classroom shifts students away from learning discrete bits and pieces of phenomenon and rote procedures and toward having investigating and questioning the interrelated facets of the world.

STEM Education Coalition