With a focus on problem solving and critical thinking, the integration of STEM education into schools has the ability to transform the future of our education system and influence the leaders of tomorrow. The idea of integrating STEM principles into education was first introduced by the National Science Foundation in the early 2000s and was initially used in the discussion concerning education and immigration.

 

The conversation was sparked by a lack of qualified U.S. candidates for high-tech jobs and the international race for strong leaders in STEM fields, in which the United States is currently falling behind. Fields such as physics, computer science, engineering, nanotechnology, actuarial science, software engineering, architecture, and educational research are just some areas of emerging STEM disciplines.[2] A STEM education seeks to expose students to these career options earlier in life by generating interest in these fields and creating strong STEM leaders for our country.

 

Today’s students will be the next leaders in STEM fields. This upcoming generation will have to fill a large demand; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that demand for STEM fields will grow to more than 9 million jobs between 2012 and 2022.[3]  The number of STEM programs continues to grow every year, exposing more and more students to opportunities within these fields. Although access to STEM opportunities has increased, engaging students has been harder than originally anticipated.  According to the U.S. Department of Education, of those high school seniors who are proficient in math, only 16% of them express an interest in a field that falls within the definition of STEM.[4]

 

Our world is changing at an unprecedented pace, demanding students to learn more and to learn in different ways.  It seems that every second new technology and jobs are created that did not exist five or ten years ago. These jobs fall primarily within the realm of STEM and require people who are creative, collaborative, communicate well, and think critically.  

 

A STEM education creates an interdisciplinary approach to learning by integrating STEM topics into the curriculum to create cross disciplinary subjects.  Subjects traditionally taught independently of one another occur together to create more meaningful lessons. This approach encourages students to become more innovative, think critically, and make meaningful connections between school, community, work, and global issues. These skills all come from the interdisciplinary approach that is taken by combining science, technology, engineering and math. This allows for new teaching methods to emerge that are inquiry-based and student-centered, where students engage in teamwork and learn to communicate effectively.

 

In recent years the founding principles of STEM have expanded to recognize the importance of creativity found in art and design fields.  Initiated by a group at the Rhode Island School of Design in 2011, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) seeks to fill the creative void in the STEM curriculum. The importance of student success in STEM subjects is unquestionable, however a focus solely on these subjects ignores the important influence that art and design have on our world and on the areas of STEM. To see the impact of art and design on today’s technology we need look no further than the Apple products in our pocket. Not only have they pushed the envelope of science and technology, they have built their success on creative innovation and design excellence.

 

When art and design are with traditional STEM subjects the ideas generated are more likely to be innovative and have the ability to transform our world for the needs of the 21st century. Science and Technology were driving forces in transforming the 20th century; today we must look for inventive ways of thinking through art and design to expand on ideas necessary for the future.  Applying art to real life situations creates a pathway to explore the concepts taught in a STEM curriculum and taps into another side of the brain. This fosters an environment of innovation, elevating creative and analytical skills. 

 

In a STEM/STEAM environment students have the freedom to think with criticism, creativity and innovation. They are given opportunities to fail and to try again; they are encouraged to learn, unlearn, and relearn.  These are all skills needed for 21st century success. With both private and public sectors reporting a lack of these skills in new workers[5], it is time to integrate STEM principals into education in order to prepare today’s students for tomorrow.

 

Preparing today’s students for the demands of tomorrow is crucial for continued success.  As the number of STEM programs continues to grow in schools throughout the country, the increased opportunities will prepare students to meet the needs of the future. Everyone can benefit from a STEM education. No matter what field a child goes into, the skills taught in a STEM curriculum will lead to more well-rounded life-long learners capable of handling tomorrow’s challenges.