We are now well into an era dominated by rapidly changing technologies including information processing.  With the increasing sophistication of the workplace, there are corresponding demands for a larger share of the population to be at ease with technology, skilled with numbers, and be able to use basic scientific knowledge.  Even if one does not engage directly in science-related or technical jobs, the understanding of science, math, and technology is crucial for Americans to form educated opinions and to evaluate potential solutions to many global issues.

      Schools traditionally offer "textbook" science where students are taught facts and concepts, but are not given enough hands-on experiences to grasp the underlying scientific principles.  Although we cannot eliminate the use of textbooks or lectures, it is paramount to the learning environment of all students that the science program include sufficient hands-on activities which emphasize process skills and inquiry.  Science should be a stimulating program that enables students to work in a cooperative manner through experiences which are carefully selected to develop informed attitudes and an increased responsibility in their academic studies.

   In our efforts to improve each student's scientific and technological understanding, we must create curricula consisting of hands-on and computer based activities that encompass visual, auditory, and kinesthetic information sources.  We must enable students to develop skills, attain knowledge, and form positive inquiring attitudes toward science and technology within a context that is personally meaningful, relevant, and enjoyable.  The science curricula should require students to integrate their reading, writing, speaking, listening, mathematical and problem solving skills. 

STEM is] an interdisciplinary approach to learning where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world lessons as students apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in contexts that make connections between school, community, work, and the global enterprise enabling the development of STEM literacy and with it the ability to compete in the new economy.

How do we believe STEM should be taught?

“Ingraining in students the confidence, determination and aptitude to face the world's most sophisticated and challenging problems through the Engineering and Design Process while employing an interdisciplinary approach of applying Scientific and Mathematical knowledge to develop products or processes in the form of innovative and inventive Technologies that serve as the potential solutions to these 21st century problems and beyond.”

We work hand in hand with the Applied Engineering and Technology Education Department and the Mathematics Department to provide this interdisciplinary connection.  We believe they have a rich STEM curriculum for the delivery.  Please visit the AE/TE STEM site here