About STEM education
STEM education is vital for Australia's future, equipping students with essential skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
STEM prepares students to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world and supports Australia's innovation and economic growth by fostering inquiry-based learning and practical problem-solving,
What is STEM education?
Key to STEM education is the integration of curriculum areas along with general capabilities to solve authentic, real-world problems.
When students learn within the context of authentic projects, they can see clear connections between syllabus outcomes and real-world application. Through STEM, students apply skills, knowledge and understanding the way they will be applied in the workforce and in their daily lives.
STEM education refers collectively to the teaching of the disciplines within its umbrella – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – and also to a cross-disciplinary approach to teaching that increases student interest in STEM-related fields and improves students' problem solving and critical analysis skills (National STEM School Education Strategy 2016–2026External link).
STEM education in NSW public schools
The workforce of the future requires high levels of skills, responsible thinkers and creative thinkers.
STEM education in NSW public schools:
- is an approach to teaching science, technology, and mathematics
- fosters inquiry-learning in our complex world
- helps teachers guide students to apply their knowledge and understandings, inquire into their world, and solve complex, authentic problems involving contextually rich projects.
Through a range of quality STEM programs, students from pre-school to Year 12 engage with their curriculum, acquiring skills that lay strong foundations for their career aspirations.