STEM Mindset

Schools and districts across the country have varying levels of support and funding to implement STEM. So, you may ask “How can a school or district, that has limited funds, teach 21st Century skills and learning?" The district needs to adopt a mindset/educational philosophy that supports and encourages students to approach learning challenges and experience as a STEM thinker:

Think like a Scientist = Questioning

Think like a Technologist = Select Tools

Think like an Engineer = Design Process

Think like Mathematician = Critical Thinking

USD 207, went one step further by adding the Arts to encompass all 4 C’s of 21st Century Skills (Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking). In addition, the district focused on integrating physical and technological tools (cyber) to further develop 21st Century Skills. This new mindset was launched as CYBER TEAMS Learning.

(STEM + Arts) × Collaboration = CYBER TEAMS Learning

Think like a Technologist = Select Tools

Think like an Engineer = Design Process

Think like an Artist = Creative Expression

Think like Mathematician = Critical Thinking

Think like a Scientist = Questioning

TEAMS = Collaboration. We have rearranged the letters in STEAM to form “TEAMS.” Teamwork is vital to professional success today. The image of the lone scientist toiling in the lab has been replaced by the reality of highly functional teams communicating and collaborating in multiple venues to solve life’s big problems. Teamwork is a highly valued transferrable skill in the 21st Century workplace.