So some people use the term STEM, which can be defined as...
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 [succeed] in the new economy” (Tsupros, Kohler & Hallinen, 2009).
To break it down for you...
The acronym STEM is made up of the words Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Teaching STEM concepts in school aims to help students develop skills that can be used regardless of the career they have in the future. These skills can be teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, organization, communication, etc. It's hard to connect topics in school to things in "real life" but STEM education aims to show students how they can solve problems through the use of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
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But others use the term STEAM, which can be defined as...
STEAM is an acronym that represents how all topics in subject areas relate to each other and to the real world. |