Taken alone, the STEM acronym seemingly
portrays four separate subject matters that are taught in separate
classrooms. But STEM is indeed more than the sum of its parts.
STEM embraces a comprehensive education philosophy, based on student inquiry and experience.1
STEM schools thrive in a connected P-16 education continuum, where
students cultivate a passion for mathematics and science in the early
grades and earn college credit and work experiences in the later grades.2
STEM schools educate the “whole” child, incorporating the arts, languages and humanities into student curricula.
STEM schools reflect an interdisciplinary approach, offering students
the opportunity to make sense of the world around them, rather than
learn isolated bits and pieces of subjects in separate forums.3
STEM schools engage students in the “technological design process,” using technology to meet the challenges of life.4
STEM schools are collaborative and innovative, built on strong
partnerships among K-12 education, higher education and business. They
might be co-located on a college campus or a corporate center.
STEM schools employ a specific set of design principles that distinguish them from other schools.
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1 Teaching Institute for Essential Science (TIES), Attributes of STEM Education, 2006
2 Seek-16, Workforce and School, Janice S. Morrison, February 20
3 TIES, Attributes of STEM Education, Janice S. Morrison, 2006
4 Learning Science Through Design, David L. Haury, October 2002
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