So I realized I have not addressed why STEM? Mostly because it is so ingrained in me that I feel like… doesn’t everyone know?
But that’s the problem. Many of us as parents, teachers, and just people, have forgotten the joy in learning. There is so much focus on tests and scores that science and social studies took a real turn in education: something that we could manage in 45 minutes or less. That is not cool. And it is an impossible task.
Which could not be farther from the truth. Reading helps us apply and understand social studies. Math is much more interesting when you know what you are going to do with it. And so though the acronym stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, I believe STEM is much more of a whole curriculum integration. As simple as read about the Wright Brothers, make a plane. George Washington Carver? Ever made peanut butter kids? (note: unless there are peanut allergies OF COURSE!) Writing about science fosters argumentation skills. Adding literacy to science helps us understand the importance of both.
Science is merely investigating how the world works. As children, we are also trying to find our place in it. Giving them the skills to think critically and use their natural curiosity about things, we can truly build life long learners. And STEM gives them the power in their learning and lets students fully embrace their curiosity. I have seen more “Aha moments” through STEM than any other type of teaching.
*dismounts from soapbox* OK so the website. I stumbled upon Encounter Edu quite by accident. But it turns out to be an incredible resource for STEM and STEAM lessons and resources. They have live lessons that are recorded for watching later, Professional Development and entire units on Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering for all. grade. levels. This is particularly exciting to me, as it can be difficult to find good resources for Elementary. You have to sign up, but it’s FREE! Yay! They have a lot going on about the Arctic right now (April 2022).
This particular video could be a great phenomena!
https://encounteredu.com/multimedia/videos/ride-an-arctic-skidoo-in-360