What is STEM to this STEM teacher?

S.T.E.M., or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, is much more than just the content.  First of all STEM is a way of thinking.  It's an intensional integration of the content in such a way to make it something more than just facts and nuggets of knowledge; more than the sum of the pieces.  Using the processes of scientific method and engineering design, STEM education is driven by questions and problems (not answers and solutions), failures and do-overs (not rehearsed or cook-book style labs), critical (not criticizing) communication, and continual evaluation (not summative assessment) with others (not in isolation).  Good STEM instruction becomes an infusion of understanding through experiences that includes and requires creativity, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and art:  so much more than just the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics that gets marketed as STEM.  

In STEM, educators tend toward science-dominant,  engineering-dominant instruction, or tech-dominant. Thatʼs 100% natural and appropriate based on comfort levels and strengths of the teachers. However, with true STEM education, I feel that it is important to endeavor toward a harmonious balance. After all, engineering is applied science: without the science, the engineering lacks foundation and without engineering, science lacks intent. Tech brings it all conveniently and beautifully into our lives. So, with little steps as you do your own STEM instruction, continue to challenge yourself with “why?” for science, “so what?” for engineering, and "how" for technology -  embracing all is a process which require many iterations for success!

Another contested discussion in STEM education involves technology. Fact: we live and work and teach in a world that requires gadget savvy and fluency. Myth: technology is bright-shiny objects. So as you struggle to infuse technology into your STEM classroom, remember that Leonardo da Vinci was a brilliant technologist! Technology is the tools of science and math - rulers, rubber bands, paperclips, whatever you have that makes science, engineering and math happen. So there!

Kristina Stem - 2016