In order to prepare students for the modern world we now live in, STEM has become an integral part of student education. STEM is an approach to learning that integrates the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It is not a new subject or discipline that needs to be taught separately, instead it should be integrated into the curriculum across learning areas. STEM skills include; problem solving, higher order thinking, critical thinking, creativity ,communication, working as a team and entrepreneurship.
ICT and Technology skills are very important skills for children to develop in our modern world. As much as we want children to live a normal life being able to learn through play and to be exploring the outside world, we cannot deny the modern era requires our children to learn to use technology in some way or form. As both a parent and educator, I understand how difficult it is to find that perfect balance with children and the use of technology. Too many hours on a screen is detrimental for learning development, yet limiting technology exposure for children could be restricting learning about the modern world and future success. We cannot deny the technological world we now live in and to give our children the greatest chance for success, we need to prepare them for our revolutionised world.
Some STEM inventions that are changing the modern world:
Virtual Reality Medical Trianing
3D printers
Sustainable water filters
Space debris shields
Wind powered cars
Natural disasters prediction systems
Robotic rescue teams
STEM is essentially a creative design process using Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths using the trials of success and failure through reflection and modification. Students are encouraged to design and create by researching and applying their knowledge. Failure is opportunity for learning and design modifications can be made to improve design success. STEM is really a growth mindset model of learning. It involves identifying prior knowledge, researching, learning, growing, experimenting, adapting and adjusting. STEM education encourages invention and forward thinking for the future. STEM education is going to become an integral part of education, by encouraging the creative, innovative and critical thinkers of the world, helping solve global problems.
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