Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education

Although some of the most developing 21st Century jobs in our country require abilities in science and mathematics, more and more college students choose not to major in these particular areas (Jones, 2008). STEM stands for "science, technology, education and mathematics." To ensure our children's successful future, it is the job of STEM Education to encourage students at a young age to follow a science and math related career by heavily emphasizing STEM in daily education.

Over one hundred schools in the United States belong to this program. Out of those schools, 37,000 students focus solely on science, technology, engineering and mathematics on a daily basis. Several of these state and district level STEM education programs include The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Project Lead the Way (PLTW), The Missouri METS Coalition, STEM Curriculum for K-12 Students in Halifax County, Virginia, and Middle and Elementary School Mathematics and Science Programs in Prince William County, Virginia (Jones, 2008). All of these programs aim to prepare and encourage roles in STEM related fields for students' future opportunities. By increasing their knowledge and interest in STEM, the probability of pursuing a science or math career is much more likely.

The STEM ideas will affect all teachers and their testing methods. By integrating science and technology into a classroom's entire curriculum, the assessments must be advanced in technology as well. Testing on computers or handheld devices will become increasingly more common to ensure that students have proper understanding of technology. Teachers will also need to incorporate more 21st Century skills into their testing procedures. Inquiry based approaches like problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking and research will frequently be followed in the classroom (Jones, 2008).

Several major changes will occur once the STEM programs become more and more regular throughout schools in the United States. In the elementary level, classes like science and computer lab will be held every day instead of just one or two times a week (Jones, 2008). The STEM process will begin as early as kindergarten, to expose the children to science and technology as quickly as possible. In middle school and secondary levels, the students will be exposed to STEM careers and their benefits to peak their interest in the science and math related work fields. This will hopefully encourage the pupils to choose an engineering, mathematics or science degree in their future. Most importantly, the biggest change should be districts receiving STEM programs that previously could not.

Several teachers will also be affected by the STEM programs. As the STEM program's popularity increases, more qualified teachers in fields like science, technology,