Igniting Minds: Looking at STEM+ for a Brighter Future
What is STEM?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, a term first
introduced by Judith Ramaley, an American biologist and educator. It focuses on building
knowledge and skills in these disciplines to prepare students for innovation-driven careers.
The concept gained momentum in the early 2000s in the U.S., when reports like Rising
Above the Gathering Storm (2005) highlighted the need for a strong STEM foundation to
ensure economic prosperity and solve societal challenges.
STEM in India
India has long recognized the value of STEM. The National Education Policy (NEP) 1968
laid the groundwork for integrating science and technology into education. Later, the
National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005 emphasized hands-on learning, creativity,
and reducing social disparities.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Access to STEM education varies significantly
across gender, rural-urban divides, and social groups. For example, rural male and female
enrolment in STEM courses is around 40%, while urban enrolment exceeds 50%.
STEM fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and a foundation for emerging fields like
machine learning, artificial intelligence, and life sciences.
From STEM to STEAM
Adding the “A” in STEAM introduces Arts
—visual arts, music, dance, and crafts—to
foster creativity, communication, and
collaboration. STEAM promotes holistic
development, encouraging students to
think beyond logic and explore creative
fields.
In schools, STEAM focuses on building
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTs) like
applying concepts, creating models, and
solving real-world problems. Teachers act
as facilitators, guiding students through
exploration and innovation.
STEAM as a curriculum in schools
The goal of STEAM education in schools is to build Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTs) in
students. By applying the concept of Bloom’s Taxonomy*, students learn to apply
concepts, create models, and analyse their results to test if their ideas work. They explore
solutions to real-world problems by designing prototypes. Teachers act as guides,
encouraging students to think and discover independently.
United Way Bengaluru’s Approach to STEAM
United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) has begun transforming STEM labs into STEAM labs.
These labs feature science and math models, enabling students to learn through hands-on
practice. Using of digital aids also help in enhancing the understanding of the concepts. The
models present in the labs are aligned with the state curriculum.
Next Steps to Enhance STEAM Labs:
1. Dedicated Problem-Solving Sessions: Weekly sessions for grades 6–8 to explore
local issues, hypothesize solutions, and build prototypes.
2. Team-Based Learning: Encourage collaboration and communication by solving
challenges in groups.
3. Showcase Innovation: Display student-created models in labs to inspire others.
4. Competitions: Motivate students to participate in state and national STEAM contests.
5. Introduce Robotics and Coding: For grades 7–9, integrate basic robotics and coding
into the curriculum.
6. Encourage Art and Craft: Cater to students interested in non-scientific fields,
fostering inclusivity.
By providing these opportunities, UWBe’s STEAM labs can evolve into vibrant spaces for
creativity, critical thinking, and innovation, building a solid foundation for students' futures.
With teacher training, structured sessions, and efficient monitoring, these labs can help
unlock students' full potential.
*Bloom's taxonomy is a framework for categorizing educational goals that helps educators create
learning goals and assessments.
