7 Essential STEM Lesson Features Every Educator Should Know

In order to establish an organizational approach for teaching a STEM lesson, you need to consider the following characteristics as outlined below.

What is STEM Learning?

STEM is a compound term from the following English words:

• Science (science)
• Technology (technology)
• Engineering (engineering)
• Mathematics (math)

STEM is an educational model which teaches children knowledge and skills in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math in an integrated (interdisciplinary) way. It involves linking knowledge of subjects together, combining theory with practice, putting knowledge in a practical context, and blurring the boundary between school and society, with the aim to create a close-knit educational environment with high applicability.

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What is the Meaning of STEM Education?

Instead of having to study 4 separate subjects or approach a problem from one perspective, with the STEM method, children learn through integrated subjects and get used to seeing problems from multiple viewpoints and under various influences. From there, children learn to choose the most suitable solution for each problem.

What are the Basic STEM Features?

1. A STEM Lesson is Associated with Real-Life Situations and Problems

The situations or practical issues raised are related to social, economic and environmental issues that need solutions and efforts to be implemented. These practical issues may be relevant to each of the students, local realities, or global issues.

2. STEM Lessons are Often Modeled After the Engineering Design Process

Students are required to design, manufacture, test, and optimize a product for a defined need in society. To accomplish those tasks, students can be guided through text, video, or under the direct guidance of teachers. With the guidance and support of the teacher, students will pose problems themselves, which can include learning the principles of product operation, manufacturing steps, and finding solutions. In the process of finding solutions, new ideas and approaches will arise. The “design-test-tuning process” operates continuously.

3. STEM Lessons Lead Students into an Open-Ended Series of Exploration and Discovery Activities

In STEM lessons, the learning path is open-ended, following a non-binding process. Constraints, if any, are only available materials or ways of limiting the application conditions of the product. Limiting resources to create products does not limit students’ creativity but increases students’ adaptability and problem-solving ability in specific circumstances.

4. STEM Lessons Provide Career Orientation

STEM activities give students the opportunity to tackle the tasks of STEM careers. While it is challenging for students to work in groups, such as implementing a production process, it provides opportunities for career-oriented education. Through STEM activities, students understand the requirements of different STEM careers compared with their own abilities and strengths, helping them form attitudes towards future careers.

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5. STEM Lessons Feature Closely Linked Math and Science Content

In STEM lessons, math and science content should be connected and integrated. Mathematical and scientific knowledge and skills are the foundation for students to get involved in solving problems through engineering tools and developing technological processes.

6. STEM Lessons Don’t Have a Single Right Answer

The “design – test – adjust” cycle is a necessary part of the lesson. Scientific experiments for groups will be held simultaneously and may yield similar but not necessarily identical results. Through this process, students can accept similar results or reject certain hypotheses. The STEM classroom supports students with multiple correct answers and multiple approaches. When implementing solutions, failing and adjusting are also integral parts of the STEM lesson. This guides assessment in STEM lessons to ensure they are process-based and not just outcome-based.

7. STEM Lessons Aim to Develop Students’ Qualities and Abilities

Through the process of applying knowledge and skills from different fields in STEM education, favorable conditions are created for students to develop their capacities. Solving practical problems often provides opportunities for students to demonstrate high levels of competence in their ability development process.