STEM vs STEAM (What are they and why are they important?)

 

 

 

 

 

STEM and STEAM are fairly new and popular terms that you’ll hear a lot in your child’s school or care facility. They both engage and enamor kids’ interests and unique strengths, and they help kids develop important skills that they’ll use for the rest of their lives. Read on to learn some more information about each, and how you can even implement these concepts and strategies in your own home.

STEM

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. It’s a term and strategy for implementing lessons, skills, and activities. Students use one, some, or all of the categories to build, engage, learn, and apply knowledge and concepts.  This term was coined because many employers today have a need to fill spaces in these specific fields, but have noticed that the supply isn’t there, despite the demand. Young children and teens need to train their brains and formulate thoughts that correspond with these concepts. Basically, they need to become more innovative and forward thinking 

All in all, educators are helping students become more prepared for a diverse work place by designing STEM lessons.

STEM is important because it helps kids of all ages, genders, and backgrounds develop a skill set for success. Certain characteristics necessary to work on STEM projects include critical thinking skills, problem solving abilities, creativity, innovation, communication, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

STEM activities are motivating and engaging to all. While some students may not be “STEM” inclined, they have fun trying! And, many kids just need some simple structure and guidance in order to be successful. Others may take to the activities naturally, but STEM can be taught to anyone.

This concept also helps teachers adjust the way they are teaching, so their instruction is more inquiry-based and student centered; rather than lecturing and passing out worksheets.

STEM works best when all subject areas are integrated in some way, but for younger children, just the exposure to a few of the areas helps them focus, think creativity, and participate in a variety of unique activities.

STEAM

STEAM is similar to STEM. Just throw in an “A” and an art component is put into the mix. Many individuals believe that art can go hand in hand with development, math, design, and building. So, STEAM is the hot, new thing!

It allows children of all ages the ability to express themselves while tackling more concrete subjects.

In an effort to broaden the term, many educators don’t just literally add art projects into STEM activities. They consider “art” to fall into the category of language arts (communication) and social studies and history. They feel these background skills and creativity can combine in order to produce a more successful STEM project over all.

STEM is beneficial because it serves underrepresented students who may excel in the arts, but need more help with STEM. Also, anytime you engage students’ strengths by using art activities, motivation will increase; as does the probability of cusses.

STEM and STEAM doesn’t have to be expensive. It can be implemented anywhere-not just in school. It provides the opportunity for hands on learning, which is more meaningful than reading out of any textbook. Be sure to look more into these innovative topics so you can start presenting your kids with beneficial activities that will help set them up for success professionally and creatively in the real world!