No one doubts that science and technology

play a major role in sustaining our 21st century

lifestyle, but the educational system hasn’t

always emphasized this fact. In recent years

an educational movement has arisen that aims

to introduce young students to the various

aspects of STEM (Science, Technology,

Engineering, Mathematics). Let’s take a closer

look at the STEM education movement.

What Is

STEM?

STEM is an acronym for Science,

Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Devised in 2001 by Dr. Judith Ramaley, the term

has won widespread acceptance as a convenient

way of referring to these academic disciplines.

Trivia: The introduction of STEM as the preferred

acronym led to the retirement of “SMET,” which had

referred to the same concept.

The Need for STEM Education

The demand for reliable

workers with STEM-related

skills will only increase with

time. According to the National

Science Foundation,

approximately 80% of jobs that

will be created over the next

decade will demand the use of

math and/or science skills.

In response to this growing demand, the Obama

administration allocated $3.1 billion for

STEM education in its 2014 budget.

Overview of STEM Education

Of course, science and math

have been a part of the

educational system for

generations. So how is so-called

STEM education different from

the traditional kind?

STEM education is a

new trend that

emphasizes teaching

Science, Technology,

Engineering, and

Mathematics in an

integrated manner. It’s

intended to give

students a thorough

grounding in STEM

starting at an early age.

Traditionally it has been the practice to teach the four STEM

components more or less separately from one another.

By contrast, STEM education emphasizes an integrated

approach that underscores the interrelationship of science,

technology, engineering, and mathematics.

STEM Education vs. Traditional Education

STEM education emphasizes student

exploration and problem

solving as opposed to

rote learning.

STEM Education Elementary School

At this stage, the emphasis is on stimulating

student interest in STEM subjects.

With STEM education,

students during their

elementary school years will

be introduced to the basic

concepts associated with

science, technology,

engineering, and mathematics.

Students also become

acquainted with the range of

STEM-related occupations.

STEM Education Middle School

STEM courses

become increasingly

complex as

students' intellectual

capacity continues

to grow.

During this phase, the educational process also emphasizes

encouraging students from groups underrepresented in STEM

fields (e.g., women) to learn about these careers.

Additionally, students become

familiar with the requirements of

entering STEM-related careers.

STEM education at this stage

directs students toward

opportunities in STEM occupations

and continued education at the

collegiate level.

STEM Education High School

Students also increasingly combine in-class and extracurricular

STEM educational opportunities.

High school STEM

courses continue to

increase in complexity.

http://thepostoncollective.com/2013/05/15/the-stem-acronym-has-

become-a-policy-nightmare/

http://www.stemschool.com/articles/what-is-stem-education/

http://drpfconsults.com/understanding-the-basics-of-stem-education/

http://www.education.com/reference/article/what-stem-education-

science-technology/

http://www.livescience.com/43296-what-is-stem-education.html

About Ganesh Machinery

For more information, visit www.ganeshmachinery.com.

Established in 1985, Ganesh Machinery has become a leading manufacturer of industrial machines. The company's line of

products includes lathes, screw machines, mills, turning centers, and more. Ganesh Machinery is headquartered in

Chatsworth, California.