Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics

Is Fun

An acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

1. Interdisciplinary – formal, physical, life, social, & applied science

2. Curriculum driven by problem-solving, discovery, exploratory learning, active learning to find solutions

3. “a meta-discipline” transforming subject matter by incorporating technology & engineering

STEM

Science seeks to understand the natural

world.National Science

Education Standards, National Research

Council, 1996.

What is Technology?It is the innovation, change, or modification of the natural environment in order to satisfy perceived human wants and needs. (Standards for Technological Literacy, ITEA, 2000)The goal of technology is to make modifications in the world to meet human needs. (National Science Education Standards, NRC, 1996)

What is Technology ? (Continued)In the broadest sense, technology extends our abilities to change the world: to cut, shape, or put together materials; to move things from one place to another; to reach farther with our hands, voices, and senses. (Benchmarks for Science Literacy, AAAS, 1993)Technology is the process by which humans modify nature to meet their needs and wants. (Technically Speaking: Why All Americans Need to Know More About Technology, NAE/NRC,2002)

Updated Definition of Technology• Technology is the modification of the natural

world to meet to human wants and needs. It helps us to improve our health; to grow and processed food and fiber better; to harness and use energy more efficiently; to communicate more effectively; to process data faster and accurately; to move people and things easier; to make products to enhance our lives; and to build structures that provide shelter and comfort.

What is Engineering?Design under constraint. Engineers design solutions to problems. However there are a set of constraints that we have to satisfy -- size, weight, reliability, safety, economic factors, environmental impact, manufacturability, and a whole list of “--abilities” (Wulf)

The profession in which a knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences gained by study, experience, and practices are applied with judgments to develop ways to utilize economically the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind. (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET, 2002)

What is Mathematics?The study of any patterns or relationships (AAAS, 1993)The science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations, and abstractions and of space configurations and their structure, measurement, transformations, and generalizations (Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary

STEM: Integrated or Separated?

Integrated STEM: The principles of science and the analysis of mathematics are combined with the design process of technology and engineering in the classroom.Separated S.T.E.M.: Each subject is taught separately with the hope that the synthesis of disciplinary knowledge will be applied. This may be referred to as STEM being taught as “Silos”

Overall STEM Education…• Integrates science, technology,

engineering, & math into one learning experience

• Uses project-based learning• Reinforces real world application• Prepares students for integrated

careers• Develops “soft” &

technical skills

STEM Skills• Analytical skills to research a topic, develop a project and

timeline, and draw conclusions from research results.• Science skills to break down a complex scientific system into

smaller parts, recognize cause and effect relationships, and defend opinions using facts.

• Mathematic skills for calculations and measurements.• Attention to detail by following technical directions, recording

data accurately, formative and summative assessment.

STEM Skills• Technical skills, troubleshooting, repairing, and utilizing software

and modern equipment.• Communication and cooperation skills to listen to customer

needs or interact with project partners.• Teamwork skills for successful project completion.• Creativity to solve problems and develop new ideas.• Leadership skills to lead projects or help customers.• Organization skills to keep track of lots of different information.• Time management skills to function efficiently.

21st Century Skills• Core subjects and 21st Century themes

• Global awareness• Financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy• Civic literacy• Health literacy• Environmental literacy

• Learning and innovation skills• Creativity and innovation• Critical thinking and problem solving• Communication and collaboration

• Information, media, and technology skills• Life and career skills

Soft Skills“personal qualities, habits, attitudes & social

behaviors that make an individual a good employee”

• Teamwork skills• Time management• Following directions• Desire to learn• Creative problem-solving

skills

• Verbal/written communication skills

• Leadership skills• Organization skills• Curiosity & imagination• Technology experience

Report your Results

Analyze your Data and Draw a Conclusion

Test your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment

Construct a Hypothesis

Do Background Research

Ask a Question

(Scientific Method)

Share Solution

Build, Redesign, Test, and Evaluate

Design

Brainstorm

Identify Problem

(Engineering Approach)

All FCS Careers are Based in ….

(family studies)

Careers arebased in…

Biology

Economics(financial literacy)

Chemistry(cooking/baking)

Anthropology(family studies)

Psychology(consumer decision making)

Design

Sociology

Business Nutrition

Architecture(housing styles)

Communications& Media

Engineering(fashion/textiles)

Ecology

MicrobiologyFood Safety

Physics

EXAMPLE: Identifying STEM in Textiles & Apparel

• Biology: Animal fibers• Botany: Plant fibers• Physics: Functional clothing• Physiology & Anatomy:

Thermal regulation, garmentmotion studies, fitting

• Chemistry: Synthetic fibers, textile treatment, laundry

OTHER EXAMPLES• Manufacturing technology: knitting, cutting,

sewing, pressing• Garment engineering: product design, fit,

patterning• Industrial Engineering:

sequence of operations, ergonomics

• Geometry: drafting, grading, scale