What is STEM?

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.  These disciplines can be defined as:

Science:

• A body of knowledge
• Seeks to describe and understand the natural world and its physical properties
• Scientific knowledge can be used to make predictions
• Science uses a process--the scientific method--to generate knowledge

Technology:

• The body of knowledge, processes, and artifacts that result from engineering
• Almost everything made by humans to solve a need is a technology
• Examples of technology include pencils, shoes, cell phones, and processes to treat water

Engineering:

• Design under constraint
• Seeks solutions for societal problems and needs
• Aims to produce the best solution given resources and constraints
• Engineering uses a process--the engineering design process--to produce solutions and technologies

Mathematics:

• The study of:
  • Quantity - e.g. numbers and arithmetic
  • Space - e.g. sets
  • Structure - e.g. geometry
  • Change - e.g. calculus