STEAM In The Classroom - Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union Central Office

STEM

STEM is an acronym for the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM occupations are projected to grow over two times faster than the total for all occupations in the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2019–29 employment projections show that occupations in the STEM field are expected to grow 8.0 percent by 2029, compared with 3.7 percent for all occupations, a rate which exceeds the current workforce capacity.

A Deloitte study found that the skills gap within the manufacturing industry alone could leave an estimated 2.4 million jobs unfulfilled between 2018 and 2028.

STEAM

STEAM integrates Art into the mix – and the acronym! By including the arts, STEAM appeals to a broader, more diverse student population and offers an important pathway for creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. STEAM is not a new concept. Leonardo Da Vinci understood this integration well, incorporating scientific observation, experimentation and study of the natural world into his art with meticulous precision and making connections concerning pattern, nature and anatomy across disciplines.

Schools within Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union offer a number of STEM/STEAM resources for students. In addition to education in art, many of our schools have makerspaces with 3D printers, lasers, robotics and single-board microcontrollers. Students are able to design, build and program many unique and wonderful things in the classroom.