Students enjoy different types of learning – whether it be creative or academic, they should be able to learn on their terms and pursue their interests in school. If your scholar is interested in pursuing a career in fields like computer science or engineering, or if math and science are their favorite subjects, they should indulge in STEM-based education.

STEM is a multidisciplinary approach to learning. By studying STEM, students can prepare for success in the real world and in future STEM careers if they so choose. Let’s review the benefits of STEM education and how students can use STEM to thrive!

What is STEM?

STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math. The United States Department of Education states, “If we want a nation where our future leaders, neighbors, and workers can understand and solve some of the complex challenges of today and tomorrow, and to meet the demands of the dynamic and evolving workforce, building students’ skills, content knowledge, and literacy in STEM fields is essential.”

Five benefits of STEM education

While STEM subjects such as math and science are taught in core curricula in public schools, STEM education goes beyond simply learning the basics. STEM learning develops and encourages the following skills in your child.

1. Tech knowledge: Technology is everywhere nowadays. While your child may be tech-savvy with a computer or cell phone, tech courses can teach your child cool and useful skills such as coding, game design, programming, web design, and tons more.
2. Adaptation: As students apply their developed knowledge to a variety of scenarios, they’ll learn to adapt in the classroom and in real-life scenarios.
3. Experimentation: STEM education is hands-on, project-based learning. Students experiment with a variety of STEM subjects. By experimenting, they’ll learn to think outside of the box and be encouraged to keep thinking creatively. Your child could become an inventor!
4. Collaboration: Students can be collaborative in STEM subjects. Students will be taught the valuables of teamwork in collaboration with their peers during projects, recording data, building robotics, and more.
5. Critical and independent thinking: STEM students are encouraged to actively engage in the material. They must conceptualize, apply, analyze, and evaluate information–not just memorize it. With engaged learning, students have the ability to problem solve in their courses and in real life.

STEM schools vs. Traditional high schools:

STEM exploration typically begins in middle school, but it is of great focus for college-bound high school students. Usually, STEM schools provide more course options than traditional schools. However, traditional schools may offer STEM programs for interested students.

Either way, students thrive when their curriculum is catered to their interests. If your current school doesn’t offer many STEM courses or options for your student, it may be time to supplement for them elsewhere.

Success in STEM

Most STEM-interested students plan to go to college and pursue a career in STEM. Students interested in industries like tech, engineering, computer science, and healthcare will strongly benefit from taking STEM courses of their interest!

At Laurel Springs School, we provide STEM-focused advanced placement and honors courses in an online learning environment. Students can explore our robust course catalog to go from student to scientist or anything they want to be! Learn more by exploring our schools and programs today.

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