PembsSTEM
MHS Cluster Schools
Science / Technology / Engineering / Maths
MHS Cluster Schools
Science / Technology / Engineering / Maths
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, in Milford Haven Cluster of Schools we recognise the importance of these subjects and support STEM learning throughout all Key Stages.
"Science, technology, mathematics and engineering are the bedrock for innovation in business and industry and the Welsh Government will continue to push forward links between these and education – helping young people get a real grasp of the real world of work."
Carwyn Jones (2012)
STEM skills will equip our students for the rapidly changing future, below you can see the sort of skills we aim to focus on.
STEM problems require you to quickly work to make sense of problems as they are presented, and work productively to propose real and appropriate solutions.
Creativity
STEM requires the ability to look at and propose solutions to a problem through multiple approaches, including ones that are highly creative or “out-of-the-box.” In STEM, mistakes and failed attempts are positive experiences, offering opportunities for deeper learning.
STEM requires hands-on, active participation to effectively solve problems. Students are the drivers of solutions and should be asking the questions, proposing the ideas, generating and testing solutions, and making decisions based on data to understand how to refine ideas further.
The mathematics and science skills you are learning in school are the foundation of STEM and must be applied in pursuit of solutions. The maths and science used to solve problems will connect to and extend your project work, as well as highlight connections between ideas and subject areas.
In solving STEM problems, the use of engineering-design thinking is vital. In this kind of thinking, you must identify the problem at hand, research potential solutions, build prototypes, test, redesign, test again, and iterate (make improvement steps) further as needed. Each step in the process moves you closer to creating a functional solution.
Effective STEM learning requires you to analyse information, evaluate designs, reflect on your thinking, synthesise new ideas, and propose creative solutions. All of these skills are vital to becoming an independent, critical thinker.
Big challenges are rarely solved by individuals. Working on STEM problems also involves learning to work as a productive part of a collaborative team.