science, technology, engineering, and math that we can positively impact their futures and the future of the world. But, one thing we don’t talk about much is computer science, another incredibly important skill and subject area for today’s students. While on the surface it might not seem like the two areas have much in common, but when you dig deeper, you’ll discover that STEM and computer science are very closely linked together.
What exactly is STEM?
STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The purpose of STEM education is to expose students to all four subjects at one time through hands-on learning and project-based learning. It’s important for students to understand early on that these subjects are highly intertwined with each other. By showing through hands-on projects how these subjects work together, students are more encouraged and excited about studying subject areas likes science and math.
What exactly is Computer Science?
Computer science is a huge area of study that includes learning how to create new software, solve computing problems, and developing different ways to use technology. Computer scientists can be programmers, developers, and coders. They invent new technologies, pave the way with the Internet of Things, build robots, develop SmartPhone apps, and even program self driving cars!
How do STEM education and Computer Science link together?
Computer science is actually a blend of all the STEM subjects. It involves science, technology, engineering, and math. In order to become a computer scientist, students have to study the STEM subjects, but why become a computer scientist? It’s important for students to understand STEM and computer science because computers and technology are literally all around us. Most of us understand how to use technology, but we don’t necessary know how technology works. In order to continue innovating and creating new technologies, though, we need to understand how those technologies work.
Because technology is all around us, it’s important for students to begin understanding and learning about STEM and computer science early on. One of the biggest benefits of learning these concepts is that studies prove it can increase critical thinking and a student’s overall ability to learn. STEM and computer science both focus on breaking down complex problems and finding solutions, which can be applied to multiple areas of life, not just school
Learn more about the benefits of STEM education.
StratoStar recently helped complete a research project that shows how important project based learning and STEM education are to a student’s success. You can read more about our results and how weather balloon curriculum can positively impact your students by downloading our free e-book, “High-Altitude Weather Balloon Curriculum and Project Based Learning.”
