What is STEM?
STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM education focuses on teaching these disciplines in an integrated way so that students can apply knowledge from one area to another. For example, a student might use math principles to solve a science problem. Let’s understand this in relation to a particular problem: For a Kaleidoscope, the concepts of science such as total internal reflection are used with the help of mirrors. However, while constructing a Kaleidoscope the concepts of Math are used for the calculation of slides of the mirror with respect to the diameter of the circular enclosure.
Why is STEM important?
STEM disciplines are important because they
- Provides students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied to any number of real-world situations.
- STEM jobs are also some of the fastest-growing and highest-paying jobs in the United States. By 2020, there will be 1.4 million job openings in STEM fields, but only about 40% of them will be filled by qualified workers.
- STEM workers are often responsible for developing new technologies and products that make our lives easier and more enjoyable.
- STEM jobs are expected to grow at twice the rate of other occupations over the next decade, so it’s no wonder that many schools are putting a greater emphasis on STEM education.
How the STEM concept started in K12 Education
A group of U.S. business, education, and government leaders banded together in 2001 to promote STEM education. The goal was to better prepare students for the workforce and keep America economically competitive. The National STEM Consortium was born, and the STEM concept started to take root in K-12 education.
When President Barack Obama took office in 2009, he made STEM education a priority. One of his first initiatives was to create the Educate to Innovate campaign, which pumped $4 billion into STEM education programs. The initiative had two main goals: to improve STEM teaching and to get more girls and minorities interested in STEM disciplines.
The campaign helped make STEM education a national conversation. In the years since STEM has become an educational buzzword.
The current state of STEM Education in the United States
Despite all the attention STEM has received in recent years, there’s still a long way to go before STEM education is where it needs to be in the United States. A 2017 report from the National Academy of Sciences found that STEM teaching is often “fragmented,” with different disciplines being taught in isolation from one another. The report also found that STEM courses are often taught by teachers who don’t have adequate training in the subject matter.
One solution to this problem is coding. Coding is a skill that can be applied to any STEM discipline. By teaching coding, we can give students a tool that they can use to improve their STEM skills across the board. STEM has evolved into STEAM with the addition of Arts. So now we have Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.
STEAM education is an approach to teaching that integrates the five disciplines of STEM—science, technology, engineering, arts, and math—into one cohesive curriculum. The goal of STEAM education is to prepare students for the future by providing them with the skills they need to succeed in a world that is increasingly driven by technology. More information about STEM and STEAM can be accessed here.
What is coding?
Coding is the process of transforming computer instructions into a form a computer can understand. In other words, it’s a way to tell a computer what to do.
Why is coding important?
Coding is important because it helps people communicate with computers. Without code, we wouldn’t be able to use the many computer-based devices and applications we rely on every day, such as phones, laptops, and websites.
Who uses coding?
People who use coding include:
-Computer programmers
-Software developers
-Web developers
-App designers
How can I learn more about coding?
If you’re interested in learning more about coding, then SkoolofCode offers online coding classes for kids in which we offer project-based learning modules where students use live code to find logical and inventive solutions to problems. So, why wait and Book a FREE trial class today?
What is International STEM Day?
STEM day is an international day that celebrates the importance of STEM disciplines. It’s a day to encourage people, especially young people, to get interested in STEM subjects and careers.
The first STEM Day was celebrated on November 10, 2015. The date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the launch of Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite.
International STEM Day is an international day that recognizes the importance of STEM education. This year STEM Day will be on November 8, 2022. National events, activities, or initiatives can be scheduled on that day or before that date as long as they align with the objectives of this initiative.
STEM Activities parents can do with their kids
STEM Day doesn’t have to be all about lectures and displays. You can also use it as an opportunity to bond with your kids over some STEM activities. Try one of these at home:
– Build a simple circuit together using a battery, some wires, and a light bulb.
– Create a homemade volcano using vinegar and baking soda.
– Make some bouncy balls using Borax powder and water.
– Learn about the states of matter by doing some fun experiments with ice, water, and vapor.
– Help your child build a simple circuit using a battery, some wire, and a light bulb.
– Go on a nature walk and have your child identify all the different STEM principles they see around them.
– Have your child bake a cake or cookies, and talk about the science of baking as you measure ingredients and follow the recipe.
STEM day is a great opportunity to encourage your child to explore STEM disciplines and consider a career in one of these fields. With the right support, STEM education can open up a world of opportunities for young people.
SkoolofCode STEM celebrations
STEM day is a special day to celebrate coding classes for kids because it provides them with an opportunity to explore STEM fields and consider new career opportunities in science and technology. STEM day also stresses the importance of STEM as a foundation for innovation and solving global challenges. By celebrating STEM Day, we can raise awareness about the importance of STEM education among the general public. And what better way to celebrate STEM Day than by enrolling in coding classes for kids at SkoolofCode!
That’s why we’re excited to offer STEM coding classes for kids of all ages, from kindergarten to high school. These classes will give your child the opportunity to learn about coding in a fun and interactive environment. Not only that, but they’ll also be able to explore STEM concepts and consider new career possibilities in science and technology.
So, if you’re looking for a STEM coding class for your child, look no further than SkoolofCode! We’ll provide your child with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the STEM field of their choice. Let’s be a part of this STEM revolution! Join SkoolofCode in celebrating STEM during the month of November 2022 and share your STEM projects with the world! Post your STEM project on social media using the hashtag #Skoolofcode. We can’t wait to see what you create! Also, SkoolofCode will be sharing some of our STEM projects on our YouTube channel and social media, so be sure to check us out!
Conclusion
STEM education is necessary in today’s ever-changing world, where technology is rapidly evolving and bringing new and exciting opportunities. STEM events are a great way to educate and excite children about the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Learning about STEM and how it applies to everyday life is a great way to inspire young people to pursue a STEM-related career.
By – Dr. Kadam Bhambari , an Educator at SkoolofCode with Ph.D. and MTech in Electronics. She is an expert in Microbit, Arduino, and Artificial intelligence.