STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
The acronym was coined in 2001 by the National Science Foundation to describe their focus on developing curriculum to enhance learning in these four areas.
The rationale for targeting these four areas is that while Science and Math are important to achieve a basic understanding of the universe, Engineering and Technology are needed for people to interact with the universe.
When we refer to STEM, we are referring to a real-world, inquiry-based exploration of the world around us, with the goal of breaking down artificial barriers between disciplines.
In STEM education, we want to foster STEM mindsets. Watch this clip from a panel discussion to learn more.
We believe that STEM is connected to a wide range of human activities, including art, architecture, the humanities, and design thinking. We work with lots of art spaces and organizations to highlight the STEM connections.
This concept is encompassed in the most recent term, ‘STEAM’ for science, technology, engineering, art and math.
So why not be called talkSTEAM instead of talkSTEM?
The answer is simple – talkSTEM was founded before the term ‘STEAM’ was understood as it is today. However, talkSTEM actively chooses to celebrate the vast connections between STEM and the arts.