STEM / STEM Questions and Answers

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STEM Education, at its core, simply means educating students in four specific disciplines, namely, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (collectively shortened as STEM). Instead of training students in any one of these domains

STEM / STEM Questions and Answers

 

1. What is STEM Education?

Answer

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). STEM education can be used for any grade levels (i.e. elementary, middle and high school). STEM education combines math, science, reading and writing, instead of teaching them separately. STEM education is not based on a specific curriculum, but a combination of several instructional practices that have been proven to improve student achievement:

1. Combining math and science for better understanding
2. Solving problems through hands-on projects
3. Working together in teams
4. Conducting investigation and research to solve problems
5. Creating projects that are focused on “real-world” issues
6. STEAM education is STEM education that incorporates “the Arts,” for example: drawing, painting, music, dance, and film production.

 

2. Why use STEM education programs?

Answer

STEM education is more engaging for students and helps them retain what they learn. STEM is hands-on, it is based on real-world projects and problems, it combines math and science to help students master difficult concepts, and it helps students perform better on Georgia standardized tests. In order to develop STEM projects, teachers work with representatives from businesses, colleges and universities. As a result, students also develop skills, abilities, and knowledge that will prepare them for college and future careers.

1. In addition to academic outcomes, a STEM education enables students to eventually earn higher wages in high demand occupations. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over the past 10 years:
2. Growth in STEM jobs was 3 times faster than growth in non-STEM jobs
3. STEM workers command higher wages
4. STEM workers earn 26% more than those in non-STEM jobs

 

3. Does STEM help improve literacy skills?

Answer

In addition to academic outcomes, a STEM education enables students to eventually earn higher wages in high demand occupations. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over the past 10 years:

 

4. Is STEM for the average student?


Answer

Yes, a STEM educational program would be an excellent choice for any student. There is no mandatory GPA requirement for STEM. In many cases, students who do not perform well in traditional educational programs do much better in STEM because they find the “real world” problem solving and hands-on projects are more fun and engaging. STEM is equally appropriate for high achieving students because of the focus on research and investigation.

 

5. Does APS have STEM Programs?


Answer
1. Yes, the following APS schools are implementing STEM education:
2. E.S.T Academy (Male Single Gender, grades 6 through 12)
3. Washington Cluster (i.e. Washington HS*, Brown MS, Hollis Academy, Jones ES*, Tuskegee Academy ES)

 

6. If a school has a STEM program, do all the students have to participate?


Answer

No, a school may decide to have a STEM “program” instead of being a “whole school” model. In that case, only the students in the STEM program would participate

 

7. Is STEM education nationally recognized?


Answer

Yes, in general, STEM programs that are rooted in best practices are recognized as good instructional programs. In Georgia, the Department of Education (GADOE) has a STEM certification process to validate high quality STEM and STEAM education programs and to provide guidance for new programs. There are other organizations, such as Cognia, that also offer STEM certifications

 

8. How can I obtain more information on STEM and/or STEAM?


Answer

Every STEM school in APS has a STEM Program Specialist. This person can provide information on the specific STEM activities.