Look at this pen. It is a pretty simple piece of human ingenuity, right?
Little thought goes into just how much experimentation, how many different educational disciplines are required to produce such a straightforward bit of technology. You may not realize it, but this pen is STEM (that’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). STEM is a simple term for an incredibly revolutionary idea.
Using STEM, teachers combine various subjects into a lesson that will strengthen students’ ability to solve real world issues as a team. Something surprising like building a catapult can become a pop quiz in physics, engineering, and critical thinking. By giving the students a task to complete that combines different academic areas, educators are better able to understand what students really have learned. They will have the skills to design the catapult, read up on its past uses, and repurpose it for a modern age.
Using STEM principles, students will graduate with a better understanding of the world — because science is all around us. They can take that knowledge and apply their newfound cooperation and problem-solving skills to better society. STEM is an investment in our children’s future.