STEM 101

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, but what it teaches is far greater than the sum of its parts. Critical thinking learned through STEM education is applied across all disciplines, from the humanities through everyday problem solving and, of course, higher-level science.

The STEM acronym is becoming commonplace in the K-12, higher education and business communities, since:

• Thomas Friedman’s 2005 publication of The World is Flat
• The National Academy of Science’s 2006 release of Rising Above the Gathering Storm
• The Ohio Business Roundtable and Ohio Business Alliance for Higher Education and the Economy’s 2006 circulation of The Talent Challenge
• The Science and Mathematics Education Policy Advisory Council’s 2007 issuance of Science and Mathematics, A Formula for 21st Century Success.

Each creates a sense of urgency for preparing Americans for prosperity in the 21st century – a global economy that has STEM at its base.

STEM education can occur in any community, as long as important STEM design elements are embedded throughout the learning process. These key elements, common to best-in-class STEM schools, are outlined in this website.

STEM IS NOT…a movement to educate only the best and the brightest. STEM schools don’t just cater to the economically well off or the geographically providential.

STEM schools are most often public schools. They draw students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, basing their admission on little more than the child’s will to achieve.

The goal of a STEM focused curriculum is to drive STEM-literacy for all students as they prepare for college, work and effective citizenship. After entering a STEM school, many students have already made the decision to move on to careers in the rapidly evolving technology and science sectors, two areas where American industry struggles to keep in step with foreign competition.

STEM schools are working hard to educate the future leaders and innovators of America.