What is STEM?

Adapted from Arizona STEM Network and North Carolina New Schools 
  • STEM education is an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to learning that provides hands-on and relevant learning experiences for students. 
  • STEM teaching and learning goes beyond the mere transfer of knowledge.  It engages students and equips them with critical thinking, problem solving, creative and collaborative skills, and ultimately establishes connections between the school, work place, community and the global economy. 
  • STEM guides students to understand and apply math and science content, the foundations for success in college and careers.
BUT MORE THAN ANYTHING... STEM = 

STRATEGIES THAT ENGAGE MINDS

NC Department of Public Instruction’s
NC STEM School Attributes  

  1. Integrated Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum, aligned with state, national, international and industry standards.
  2. On-going community and industry engagement.
  3. Connections with postsecondary education.
(adapted logo from NC New Schools Project)

Why Stem?

STEM Literacy

(Adapted from You for Youth)
STEM literacy relates to a student’s ability to understand and apply concepts from science, technology, engineering and mathematics in order to solve complex problems.
  • Scientific literacy is the ability to use knowledge in the sciences to understand the natural world.
  • Technological literacy is the ability to use new technologies to express ideas, understand how technologies are developed and analyze how they affect us.
  • Engineering literacy is the ability to put scientific and mathematical principles to practical use.
  • Mathematical literacy is the ability to analyze and communicate ideas effectively by posing, formulating, solving and interpreting solutions to mathematical problems.
It is my expressed desire to promote a space of creative commons and collaboration. Thus, I do not claim any content on this site as original unless specifically expressed as such. Several leading groups, companies, and organizations offer multiple explanations, ideas, and philosophies concerning these topics presented here so it is impossible to pull from just one. If there is any content here that you feel is being used incorrectly or you are the expressed owner, simply contact us through the contact page and it will be reviewed, revised, and or removed. Thank you.