Summary Of Stem Curricula Offered Around The world
WHAT IS STEM?
STEM stands for Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics is an acronym formed from the initials.
The aim of STEM education is to bring together science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines holistically. Thus, STEM education aims to raise individuals who ask questions, produce solutions with creative thinking, and turn solutions into products. STEM can be applied at every stage of education, from kindergarten to university.
The concepts of STEAM and STEM+A are also very closely related to STEM. The first letter of the English word art is also included. With this, it is emphasized that the field of aesthetics and art is also important and a discipline that needs to be included. There were also those who drew attention to the letter S, which is the first letter of the word social, in terms of its effects and importance on society, and those who stated that the letter S in STEM expresses the concepts of Science and Social together.
What is STEM Approach?:
1- Create question
2- Design a product/invention
3- Test the product
4- Draw conclusions
5- Evaluate
6- Share
7- Makes you think again
What are STEM Benefits?
With STEM-based education, it is aimed to develop the skills of critical thinking, collaborative work, creative solutions to problems, planning, evaluation, research, invention and innovation.
The self-confidence of students who produce products and results develops. It contributes to the training of risk-taking and entrepreneurial individuals. STEM helps students absorb the fundamental principles of science and technology.
How STEM Emerged:
The United States founded NASA in 1958 to make a breakthrough in the space race. This increased interest in science. In the ongoing process, there have been developments in the field of communication, as well as NASA’s journey to the moon. When the need for qualified human resources to work on these issues became evident, it was decided to disseminate the education content related to science and technology in schools in the 1990s. The first concept that was put forward was abbreviated as SMET, and over time it began to be used as STEM
STEM Education in the World:
It has been understood that the future success of countries and societies depends on having adequately knowledgeable and equipped human resources in the field of science and engineering. Many countries gave importance to STEM and started to do things like action plans, educational content, education system regulations, teacher trainings and activities
European Union member states are also working on this issue. With the project called Scientix under the ownership of the European Schoolnet, it is aimed to increase the cooperation of member and participating countries. It is aimed that teachers cooperate with each other to produce educational materials on STEM and increase teachers’ knowledge. Various festivals, educational organizations and competitions are organized. Our country is also included in this organization.
