STEM is the most widely used term for the curriculum and focus on science, technology, engineering, and math, but some argue that in order to make this complete, art must be added. Thus, the term STEAM has been created: science, technology, engineering, art, and math. No matter what you call it-STEM or STEAM-it is undeniable that the elements of critical thinking, curiosity, problem-solving, teamwork, and inquiry are crucial to the education of the future generation.
Elements of a STEM Lesson
STEM lessons are planned very specifically to include a framework that allows for teamwork, critical thinking skills, creativity, and investigative skills and practices that can be applied in the real world in many ways.
Some of the elements of a STEM lesson plan include:
Teambuilding skills and collaborative processes
Connections to real-world problems, processes, focuses
Hands-on components that encourage further advancement of theories and ideas
Multiple correct solutions
Failure is a lesson in itself, and is necessary to further learning
Connections to math, science, and art knowledge
STEM lessons are a process which begins with identifying a problem and then working through a system in order to solve it