While much focus has been put on so-called STEM education (training in science, technology, engineering, and math), some education advocates are demanding that acronym become STEAM, so it incorporates the arts, as well. Among the proponents, according to a recent blog post at the site of the journal Science, is a cadre of Hollywood actors, including Wings' Tim Daly, Richard Schiff of The West Wing, Entourage's Adrian Grenier, and Dana Delany of Desperate Housewives.
Said Daly: "The acronym STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) blows. Everybody thinks you're talking about stem cells. It should be STEAM. It's not only a better acronym, but it will enhance what they are doing."
What do you think?
More on the issue from the Boston Globe: "Grade-A ideas"
Here in Missouri we don't call it STEM beacuse of the stem cell controversy, we call it METS--METS to MEATS doesn't sound nearly as good!
ReplyDeletePeople should become educated on the actual meaning of "STEM." First, its a meta-discipline. To involve the "A" and call it "STEAM" would water down the purpose of STEM. To me it sounds like the arts are not getting enough attention and are trying to rob what STEM actually is. They can perform cross-curricular activities to fill their needs. The design aspect that everyone talks about with "A"rt is completed in "E"ngineering classes and AutoCAD classes. If we add "A"rt why not just add every curriculum and totally water down STEM and make it obsolete.
ReplyDeleteLeonardo da Vince would be a perfect example of STEAM!
ReplyDelete