What is STEM? What is STEAM?

STEM is an acronym for four interrelated subjects of academic discipline: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics.

STEM learning incorporates these 4 subjects into lessons that immerse students into hands-on, project-based curriculum leading to critical thinking and reasoning. It prepares students for complex real-world issues and equips them with cognitive tools to assist them as they go through life.

Even though the term was introduced to the modern world in 2001 by the National Science Foundation, the roots of these cross-over studies can be traced back to the launch of the first satellite by the Soviet Union in 1957. The US was on a path to keep up and reach beyond what Sputnik and its engineers had accomplished.

As a result, new math, science and engineering curriculums were introduced, and it was found to benefit learning, in general, across the board. Increased government funding allowed for the foundations of STEM to take shape into a movement that would increase student achievement as well as international competitiveness.

STEAM takes STEM to the next level! Whereas STEM covers the areas of what is black and white, STEAM adds the principles of Art to complete the pallet of learning by incorporating innovation, creativity, wonder and critical thinking. Learning is not limited to STEM subjects but rather needs the inquiry and collaboration of process-based learning. Integrating STEM with Art aligns more positive standards for success.

STEM/STEAM remains a work in progress across most schools in the US today, despite technological advances that provide educators with cheaper, easier to access state-of-the-art instructional tools. Polarized political climates, economic budget constraints, and gender and race bias hamper equal access and advancement.

ChildrenConnect prides itself on its STEAM based approach to learning by play, exploring the world, and unveiling a child’s creativity.