Why is STEAM Important for kids?
Many parents ask me what is STEAM? STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math. Why is exposure to STEAM fields important? Technology is advancing so quickly our children need to be ready for jobs that don’t even exist yet. The opportunities of the future belong to the innovators, the entrepreneurs, and those in the fields of STEAM.
Our children are simply not getting the opportunities they need to learn how to invent, develop, and innovate. They do not have enough opportunities to engage in the processes of STEAM fields in meaningful ways at an early age.
The Joint Economic Committee on STEAM (2012) states that there is a great need for workers with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEAM) skills to keep our country on the forefront of innovation. “The existing STEAM pipeline leaves too many students without access to quality STEAM education and without the interest and ability to obtain a degree or work in STEAM.
Part of the problem comes from a lack of early exposure to these fields. Students are not typically exposed in a meaningful way to STEAM subjects until Middle School, which many studies have concluded is too late.
The Joint Economic Committee report states that “Younger students may lack appropriate mentors, or there may be inadequate hands-on activities in the classroom to pique their interest. Having a mentor significantly influences students’ decisions to pursue STEAM degrees and occupations, especially for women and minorities. Further, those with more opportunities to engage in STEAM-related activities, such as science fairs, projects, and clubs, are more likely to go onto STEAM careers and have accomplishments in STEAM fields.
SMARTS is dedicated to giving young children the opportunities they need to be able to succeed for the future. We use a cross-disciplinary and hands-on approach to complete the STEAM formula and create an innovative atmosphere and a well-rounded educational experience. Our after school program includes classes on technology, robotics, and programming. We nurture the creativity and problem-solving abilities of a child by exposing them to different science and engineering projects as a workshop during after school. We have a state of Art Science Lab for our young scientists. Come see how we are integrating science and making a difference in each of our kids’ lives.