STEM education is the approach what most schools nowadays use to guide their students in learning the core subjects such as science, mathematics and engineering in life. This approach helps to integrate and apply knowledge of math and science in order to create technologies and solutions for real-world problems, using an engineering design approach. Although this system is proved to be efficient and effective, students are miss- out on the artistic piece of their education.
While many people argue that STEM lessons naturally involve art, the claim is that art is not being excluded yet it is being used incidentally as needed for engineering projects. By adding art into the core, by changing STEM to STEAM, students will not only know how to create art but will know how to apply art in real-life scenarios. Art can be integrated with various ways such as design and expression.
For example, a 2017 article published by the National Science Teachers Association, students were challenged with the task of doing research on the endangered sea turtles around the globe, and deciding what format to present their findings on (Quigley).
The students were also obligated to work together to create a sea turtle model for World Oceans Day at Greenville Zoo, which incorporates art by design. The students had a 200$ budget on all the wood, mesh, paint, and other supplies needed to complete the project.
This caused the students to experience a lesson in creating a sculpture within the parameters and with a deadline that can be applied in the real world. Art as expression is also displayed within the same lesson. The zoo did not set any specific requirements for the project so the students are encouraged to get creative with the sculpture. the zoo did not set specific requirements for the project, so the students were encouraged to get creative with the sculpture, demonstrating art as expression.
Students today need more in-depth knowledge of math and science. STEM education has been the best way to provide that knowledge since the early 2000s. It allows students to develop skills that are essential for most if not all jobs in the 21st century.By focussing on communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, STEM educations help students learn how to integrate and apply the knowledge they learn to solve challenges facing our nation today.
A 2014 study published by the America Society for Engineering Education identified characteristics of quality in STEM programs with the big one being that understudies have the opportunity to think fundamentally, inventively, and imaginatively, as well as opportunities to fail and try again in safe conditions (America Society for Engineering Education 3). STEM education prepares the world for the future. It is based on teamwork and the collaboration of professionals from different disciplines.
As a STEM student, you do not need to be an expert in each particular subject. You rather acquire a mindset that enables you to become a part of a highly qualified workforce, which functions in collaboration.This Teamwork brings a significant increase in productivity, work satisfaction, and profitability. Moreover, the Active engagement of experts from diverse fields will drive change in our society.
STEM education exposes students to effective interdisciplinary communication. Scientists research and experiment, offering the team discoveries. Technology experts provide gadgets that can make the work of the team more effective. Engineers help to solve challenges by designing and running platforms that enable change. Mathematicians analyze information to eliminate mistakes and provide precise calculations. Our world is continuously changing.
The only way we can be ready for its challenges is through communication and collaboration.Collaboration among experts from different field – helps to broaden the impact of STEM education. Working with local experts and our international colleagues, we can promote our values and move towards a single purpose. This way, we improve communities, offering new educational and employment opportunities. Such open access to world-class experience is only possible – when we combine our knowledge and capabilities.
