The areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, also known as STEM, is important as the world relies highly on them. Contrary to popular belief, STEM is more than just lab coats and coding. This field of study support healthcare, manufacturing, food production, and many more.
STEM education is commonly regarded in the field as “experiential learning” with it being hands-on and skill-based in nature. This type of education is fun and requires students to do tasks on their own. As a result, they discover certain knowledge or develop specific skills. There is a need for more developers who can code, innovative thinkers who can analyze, and engineers who can design. Students, while pursuing their interests in arts and humanities, can still be provided basic STEM skills to close the skills gap in that area.
Studying subjects that place emphasis on STEM enables students to have excellent attention to details, which is required in the workplace. Analytical skills are important as these are used in research, project planning, development, and drawing conclusions in research studies. STEM education creates a whole other world of opportunities for learners to become innovators. Project-based learning would enable them to find out for themselves solutions to everyday problems which can be helpful in making life easier for those who aren’t equipped with the same skills as them.
STEM skills aren’t taught in every classroom—however—students can enroll in STEM courses, programs, and even summer camps to encourage them to develop analytical skills at an early age.
Peter Zieve is an inventor and innovator with 23 patents to his name. He is also the founder and CEO of aerospace automation company Electroimpact, Inc. For more information about Peter, click here.
Peter Zieve 