STEM is a specialized curriculum that blends Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to relate classroom subjects to parts of the real-world, from current events to growing professions and industries. By proving the interconnectivity of these technical subjects, teachers can emphasize the importance of each and, hopefully, inspire students to investigate them further. Here are some ways in which math teachers can discuss STEM in their own classrooms.
Discuss the universal importance of mathematics
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) has written extensively on the importance of mathematics in STEM. NCTM recognizes that math is the oft-overlooked member of the STEM quartet, but emphasizes that an understanding of it is vital for overall success in many industries:
“Problems involving mathematical models of finance might or might not connect to science (S) or engineering (E) and might or might not involve in-depth uses of technology (T). Likewise, art might be integrated into a mathematics lesson that does not involve either science or engineering. Mathematics goes beyond serving as a tool for science, engineering, and technology to develop content unique to mathematics and apply content in relevant applications outside of STEM fields.”
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Brianna Bao 