What is STEM Education?

STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines, such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications.

Giving children a head start on STEM topics, not only teaches them useful technical skills, but imparts lifelong mindsets for innovation and soft skills. They learn to take risks, create, learn that it’s okay to fail, work with others and think outside of the box.

Programs outside of school can assist kids with seeing that STEM is in excess of a class to wrap up. Having exercises that show genuine outcome of STEM can arrange the thoughts exhibited in school and help to show how they advantage our society and even our world all in all. Kids can see that what they are learning now is appropriate to their future, creating an interest frequently lacking with regards to when learning new ideas that don’t appear to convey true application. Engineering for Kids, for example, offers a suite of STEM enhancement programs for children ages 4 to 16.

Afterschool programs are well placed to deliver on these needs by not only providing additional time to engage in STEM topics but also by doing so in a manner that is different from school and that engages different types of learners.Eearly encouragement of elementary and middle school students in STEM fields can be very effective in influencing their choice of college majors.

During STEM education activities, kids learn in a safe environment that allows them to fall and try again. STEM education stresses the value of failure as a learning exercise, which will enable students to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. This allows students to build confidence and resilience, which will enable them to keep going when the going gets rough. After all, failure is part of a process that ultimately leads to success.

STEM learning teaches kids about the power of technology and innovation. So, when students encounter new technologies, they will be prepared to embrace them, instead of being hesitant or fearful. This will give them the upper hand in the global landscape, as the world is becoming increasingly tech-centered.

However, STEM education in school is important to spark an interest in pursuing a STEM career in students. However, teachers do not carry the whole burden of STEM education. Parents also must encourage their children to pursue STEM activities and increases awareness and interest at home and in extracurricular activities of the merits of STEM education.