What is STEM?
Stem stands for:
S- Science
T- Technology
E- Engineering
M- Mathematics
STEM is therefore an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Through STEM, students develop key skills including:
- problem solving
- creativity
- critical analysis
- teamwork
- independent thinking
- initiative
- communication
- digital literacy.
Where does STEM fall into our lives ?
Science is everywhere in the world around us whether it be in the kithchen baking (the science of yeast and baking powder or the heating and cooling of the oven through to precise measurements for flop proof cakes) or on the PS playing games (from the mechanism of the TV set or PC to the coding for an actual game to function) or in the cars we drive (from the aerodynamic designs through to the science of combustion that operates car engines).
Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes which is continuously expanding into every aspect of our lives like when using our smartphones , printers , 4G/5G or WIFI/LIFI.
Engineering is the designs of roads, bridges, circuitery, machine parts,etc. but also tackles the challenges of Climate change and global warming and now even COVID. The step sprays for hand sanitising, the face masks and cost effective ventilators are all designed by engineers whowork in multidisciplinary teams.
Mathematics is in every occupation, every activity we do in our lives. We use math to calculate how much flour to add to make a cake or to see how much one tank of fuel will last or even how much change to recieve when buying groceries.
Why is STEM education important for you?
The world is changing around us. Digital technology has become a core part of our everyday lives. Advances in technology impact everything, especially the world of work. Entire job sectors are emerging or disappearing, and workforces are rushing to keep up with change.
Automation and globalisation are changing the way we think about, and define, careers. Employment is becoming fluid, and people will go from having one profession to many in their working life. These may be entirely different roles, across entirely different sectors.
As the world of work changes, we will need to change our skills to match. The gap between the knowledge generated in schools and the skills needed by employers is widening. Overcoming these limitations requires that we focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Future careers will also rely heavily on ‘21st century skills’ — for example, critical thinking, creativity, cultural awareness, collaboration and problem-solving. When done well, STEM education incorporates all of this.
As the youth we need to keep pace with technological change. The rise of new technologies in biomedicine, microfabrication, robotics and artificial intelligence needs us to have the ability to understand and apply data, and develop solutions to complex problems.
At C4K we hope to assist you on this journey in a fun, easy and accessible way.