What is STEM?
STEM is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and encompasses a vast array of subjects that fall into each of those terms. While it is almost impossible to list every discipline, some common STEM areas include: aerospace engineering, astrophysics, astronomy, biochemistry, biomechanics, chemical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, computer science, mathematical biology, nanotechnology, neurobiology, nuclear physics, physics, and robotics, among many, many others. As evidenced by the multitude of disciplines, it’s clear that STEM fields affect virtually every component of our everyday lives.
In Australia, STEM is of the utmost importance because of the role these subjects play at multiple levels of society, and the tremendous impact they have. Our country’s entire economy revolves around mathematics: accounting, economics, functions and logarithms, and calculus. The architecture industry is centered on math, as is urban development and city planning. Medical research is fueled by the study of chemistry and biology, and environmental efforts like sustainable energy and nuclear power are also steeped in the sciences. It’s impossible to find a part of society that does not, in some way, interact with these subjects, and since so many of these industries are coordinated by or connected to our government at some level, it’s safe to say that the very governing of our country depends on them. STEM is essential to our education system, as school districts across the country strive to build a stronger curriculum around these subjects.
STEM AND EDUCATION
Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. Occupations in STEM-related careers are some of the fastest growing and best paid of the 21st century, and they often have the greatest potential for job growth. As Australia strives to keep up with the current and projected demand for STEM output, it is important that our country remains competitive in fields of science, technology, medicine, and all of the other STEM fields we have mentioned so far. The best way to ensure future success and longevity it is to make sure that Australian students are well versed in these subjects. Building a solid STEM foundation through a well-rounded curriculum is the best way to ensure that students are exposed to math, science, and technology throughout their educational career.
Students are extremely curious and impressionable, so instilling an interest at an early age could spark a lasting desire to pursue a career in any of these fields. By the time a student is ready to enter the work force, they must have enough knowledge to make invaluable contributions to our nation’s STEM industries. It is also important that schools have an ample amount of teachers who are experts in STEM, and these subjects should always be considered as high demand subjects. Teachers who follow an alternative route to teacher certification are at an advantage to teach in a STEM field if they majored in one, or are transitioning from a STEM-related career. If you are interested in becoming a teacher and you have studied chemistry, biology, physics, calculus, engineering, or any other STEM subject, you will be a great asset to your school.
STEM is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and encompasses a vast array of subjects that fall into each of those terms. While it is almost impossible to list every discipline, some common STEM areas include: aerospace engineering, astrophysics, astronomy, biochemistry, biomechanics, chemical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, computer science, mathematical biology, nanotechnology, neurobiology, nuclear physics, physics, and robotics, among many, many others. As evidenced by the multitude of disciplines, it’s clear that STEM fields affect virtually every component of our everyday lives.
In Australia, STEM is of the utmost importance because of the role these subjects play at multiple levels of society, and the tremendous impact they have. Our country’s entire economy revolves around mathematics: accounting, economics, functions and logarithms, and calculus. The architecture industry is centered on math, as is urban development and city planning. Medical research is fueled by the study of chemistry and biology, and environmental efforts like sustainable energy and nuclear power are also steeped in the sciences. It’s impossible to find a part of society that does not, in some way, interact with these subjects, and since so many of these industries are coordinated by or connected to our government at some level, it’s safe to say that the very governing of our country depends on them. STEM is essential to our education system, as school districts across the country strive to build a stronger curriculum around these subjects.
STEM AND EDUCATION
Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. Occupations in STEM-related careers are some of the fastest growing and best paid of the 21st century, and they often have the greatest potential for job growth. As Australia strives to keep up with the current and projected demand for STEM output, it is important that our country remains competitive in fields of science, technology, medicine, and all of the other STEM fields we have mentioned so far. The best way to ensure future success and longevity it is to make sure that Australian students are well versed in these subjects. Building a solid STEM foundation through a well-rounded curriculum is the best way to ensure that students are exposed to math, science, and technology throughout their educational career.
Students are extremely curious and impressionable, so instilling an interest at an early age could spark a lasting desire to pursue a career in any of these fields. By the time a student is ready to enter the work force, they must have enough knowledge to make invaluable contributions to our nation’s STEM industries. It is also important that schools have an ample amount of teachers who are experts in STEM, and these subjects should always be considered as high demand subjects. Teachers who follow an alternative route to teacher certification are at an advantage to teach in a STEM field if they majored in one, or are transitioning from a STEM-related career. If you are interested in becoming a teacher and you have studied chemistry, biology, physics, calculus, engineering, or any other STEM subject, you will be a great asset to your school.
