STEM is more than a clever acronym. It is a way of thinking and presenting lessons to students that are more engaging—and relevant—to their lives. 

Whether you’re familiar with STEM or it is new for you, there are benefits to gain from adding STEM to your teaching tool kit. You can scroll down for the top three benefits of STEM if you’re already familiar with the concepts. 

What is STEM?

STEM is a set of curricula that prioritizes lessons around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The acronym is STEM.

STEM lessons are backed by research that studies how students learn best. For example, some studies suggest that students may grasp subjects best when the lessons are integrated and inquiry-based.  

Historically, STEM was designed under the Obama Administration to inspire the current and next generation of innovators. Careers rooted in STEM-based education include computing, traditional engineering, physical sciences, life sciences, and mathematics.

STEM vs. STEAM

STEAM is the same STEM curricula with the addition of Art. Which brings us to the lovely acronym, STEAM. 

The addition of the arts to STEM curriculum is growing. A lot of STEM lessons already incorporate art—the leap from STEM to STEAM is not unrealistic. Art can fortify the same concepts that are integral to STEM.  

You can read more about the “STEM vs. STEAM” dialogue here.  

Top 3 Benefits of STEM

There are a lot of ways that STEM-based learning can enhance learning experiences. Here are the top three, according to recent studies.

1. Blending Subjects is More Interesting for Students

Not every student loves math the way they love science. And not every student loves science the way they love art. With STEM and STEAM curriculum, there is more likely to be something for everyone. 

Conversations from this curriculum focus on the need for combining fields and subjects—as well as hearing the voices of more students in the classroom. 

In this way, STEM-learning encourages collaboration. Class subjects are not presented as independent and isolated boxes. Over the course of many lessons, educators can present the interrelatedness of these subjects.

This kind of learning encourages all types of learners to participate.

2. STEM Education is Solution-Focused 

Many students are overwhelmed. In the news and in school, there is no lack of social and environmental issues—students are aware of “big issues” of our time. 

Luckily, solution-driven thinking is a core part of STEM. More specifically, students are more likely to partake in lessons that present solutions and investigate real “societal” issues. What is the greenest way to build that new overpass? What is the best way to add wildlife corridors to the architectural revamp of a downtown? Should we keep this dam or remove it?

Here’s a link to STEM projects for students that uses solution-focused learning.  

3. STEM Promotes Curiosity and Inquiry

In a world with distraction, nature-deficit disorder, and abundant screen time, STEM encourages curiosity. With the inquiry-based approach in STEM, students are not fed answers—they are fed questions. 

Questions beget questions. Questions foster curiosity and student-led inquiry.

This type of inquiry means that students get to communicate their ideas with each other, as well as with the primary educator. This is great for fostering a classroom culture of collaboration with lively discussions.

Here are some of our top-selling STEM kits, with activities for all ages. 

Wrap-Up: To STEM or Not to STEM?

Imagine if every student received an education that encouraged critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation. It would be incredible.  

There are valid concerns with STEM. Not every student has equitable access to a STEM-based curriculum in their school, and many schools do not have the infrastructure to incorporate STEM into their school. Another valid concern is if the arts and humanities are left out of most STEM curriculum. All of these questions deserve attention and action.

Educators, policymakers, and researchers need to explore and address these concerns. Schools that find success with STEM need to share their strategies. How were they able to implement STEM? What obstacles were presented and how were they addressed?

What is your relationship with STEM-based learning and concepts? Do you use it? What additional resources would be helpful for educators looking into STEM? 

Feel free to leave us a comment below. We would love to hear from you.