Why is STEM so important?
There must have been millions of articles written on STEM. Many of them speak to the importance of STEM for our children, from different perspectives. And that’s great, we agree. But why is it so important that we keep talking about it? As a multi-disciplinary approach, encompassing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM infiltrates all aspects of our lives, without us always being aware. It is concerned with computer science, health, medicine, construction, to name a few. Often, when we talk about STEM, we think of the white lab coats, goggles, and research. STEM is so much more than that!
In fact, it has become critical for our future and development that Federal Government developed a five-year strategic plan for STEM education, “based on a vision for a future where all Americans will have lifelong access to high-quality STEM education and the United States will be the global leader in STEM literacy, innovation, and employment. This vision will be achieved by pursuing the following three goals representing aspirational intentions to be strived for as a Nation:
Build Strong Foundations for STEM Literacy
Increase Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM
Prepare the STEM Workforce for the Future “
” Charting a course for success: America’s strategy for STEM education”
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/STEM-Education-Strategic-Plan-2018.pdf
In 2018, there was a 2.4 million job deficit in the STEM field. What will 2019 look like? And how are we going to fill that gap? Are we on the right track?
To understand where our students are when it comes to possessing relevant skillset and preparation for the future, every three years there is an international testing in reading, science, and math conducted on a representative sample of 15-year-olds from 71 participating countries. Compared to other countries, in the PISA global testing, the US placed 24th in science and 38th in math.
According to the National Science Foundation, studies show that activities applying real-life science, technology, engineering, and math help students excel in other subjects and demonstrate direct ways they can benefit society. Compared to traditional education, STEM education provides students with a much clearer vision of potential careers.
Our future depends on our children’s education, investment in STEM and encouraging our children early on to love science and to explore, question, and challenge.
Let’s take future in our hands! We are in this together!