Friday, 31 May 2013

Understanding The Importance Of STEM Classes

By George Siretska


Everyday, people are finding new ways of integrating technology into their lives. From microwave ovens to heart transplants, it is important to be able to keep up with the technological changes. Realizing students were lacking understanding in theses subjects, certain companies began to develop STEM programs. STEM education focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Not limited to those exact field, the programs integrate the basics of engineering with other topics such as chemistry, physics, geosciences, psychology and computer science.

When people ask what is STEM, the acronym stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. However, the actual program focuses on providing students and educators the foundation needed to make advances in these fields. Beginning as soon as the sixth grade, in addition to course work, interested students have the opportunity to participate in hands on learning programs outside of the classroom. Once only limited to gifted students, STEM schools are available to all students. These additional learning programs typically take place in the summer months.

Despite its name, this type of program covers a vast selection of science-based fields. Some of the areas include information technology science, computer science, physics, geoscience, chemistry and astronomy. Students in these fields will begin with a basic understand of engineering and how it applies to their particular area of study. Generally, as part of the course work, students are required complete a project demonstrating the skills learned in the classroom.

In the past 50 years, the United State's economic growth can be attributed to the increase in technology uses. Experts also believe within the next decade, the top 30 fastest growing jobs will require a background in this type of education. Following the guidelines set by the National Science Foundation, this program also covers those in various fields such as chemistry, information technology science, computer science, life sciences, geoscience, physics as well as social science.

Taking advantage of the summer learning opportunities has many benefits. Not only does it make the student more employable, the experience is attractive on an academic application. The program will challenge students to think out of the box. Other goals of the program are to create leaders and build the student's confidence in the decision making process.

In addition to the hands on experience, participants develop confidence in themselves. Some programs run multiple sessions either in the same summer or in concurrent summers. However, in order to be eligible for the next part, the student must successful complete the last session. Although the learning sessions are not graded, it is important that students take them seriously.

Students also gain self confidence participating in these programs. They learn to develop problem solving skills as well as methods for testing the solutions. During the course of the program, the students learn to effectively communicate to each through leadership building skills as well as teamwork.

They may also receive the opportunity to stay with the company after graduation. These programs help increase the student's chance of being accepted to their preferred college. A good education in the various STEM fields help students gain the skill necessary to stay employable in a technological society.




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