They call it STEM - But is it?

So many schools and after-school service providers call their schools and clubs STEM. But just because they say it's STEM doesn't make it STEM! But what is STEM? Going beyond the acronym how do you know if that program you signed up your child for really is STEM? Here's how:

STEM IS ABOUT CONTENT – In other words any strong STEM program, club or school must include the academic disciplines outlined in the acronym. Recently the Arts has been included i.e. STEAM to ensure that Creativity is also an outcome of the STEM curriculum.

STEM IS A SKILL SET - It must include systematic problem-solving through project-based learning. And when you think about it, this analytical thinking is derived from the Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics.

STEM CONNECTS COURSE WORK TO REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS USING HANDS-ON METHODS. – How do we achieve this? Through project-based learning. This part objective tends to be met at after-school clubs. But in an ideal world this aspect should be integrated into in-school curricula.

STEM MUST INCLUDE TECHNOLOGY. – STEM is supposed to prepare the next generation to tackle the problems of the future. Most of the jobs in the future will require innovations in technology. For e.g. How do we make robots more life-like? How do we improve data management? Now these problems may not only require Coders they will require experts in Mathematics and Humanities etc but those who understand how technology can be applied to their skill set may be able to make more informed contributions.

STEM MUST INTEGRATE MULTIPLE SUBJECTS - Unlike popular belief the aim of STEM isn't to produce more engineers, scientists and doctors. The aim of STEM is to ensure that no matter which field a student chooses he/she has the ability to systematically approach problem-solving. The aim of STEM is to produce a collaborative society that doesn't just complain about problems but is resourceful and creative to innovate solutions to the problems they face! STEM is not just about content it's a SKILL SET!

So many times I see Science Clubs pose as STEM Clubs. And even though there’s nothing wrong with a Science Club it often lacks 2 to 3 important aspects of STEM 1. Integration of Multiple Subjects 2. Using Technology to solve problems 3. Hands-on Real-World Project-based Activities.

EXAMPLE 1: STEM IN THE CLASSROOM

As outlined above a STEM course must include real-world problems normally linked to Science (the Physical or Natural world) or using Science or Engineering principles (logical and systematic steps) to solve a non-Scientific problem. For example, I met an English teacher at Maple Leaf International School that had the students engineer Miguel Street with Lego bricks. Students had to do pretty in depth research of the book to ensure their model; colours, positioning, heights matched V.S. Naipaul's descriptions. They then used their mobile phones to take photos and make a storyboard of various scenes. #cool #englishcanbefun #nowthatsaSTEMschool

EXAMPLE 2: STEM AT CAMP

A major outcome of STEM is that students learn how to use technology to solve problems or create something new! At our Summer STEM Camp we had 5-7 year old create their own stories, develop characters, scenes and a dialogue and then helped them to make Stop Motion Animation videos about their stories. The reality is that at that age it is difficult for a group of kids to work together and then remember what they came up with. It is even challenging for most kids at that age to write! However, the process of building their scenes and characters with Lego bricks, PlayDoh, markers and bristol board really helped them to remember what they came up with and to develop their story lines further! At the end of the camp they not only built their scenes but also their confidence, creativity, screen-writing, directing and production skills!