We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

STEM Education

Save

STEM education is an approach to learning that integrates the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st-century workforce. STEM education is important for a number of reasons.

Why is STEM education important?

First, STEM education helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills are essential for success in any field, but they are especially important in STEM fields. STEM education also helps students develop creativity and innovation skills. These skills are necessary for developing new technologies and solving complex problems.

Second, STEM education helps students prepare for the workforce. The demand for STEM workers is growing rapidly, and STEM education can help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in these fields. STEM education can also help students develop the skills they need to be successful entrepreneurs.

Third, STEM education helps students become informed citizens. STEM issues are increasingly important in our society, and STEM education can help students understand these issues and make informed decisions about them.

How can I learn about STEM education?

There are many ways to learn about STEM education. One way is to take online courses. There are many online courses available that can teach you about the basics of STEM education, as well as more advanced topics. Online courses are a great way to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Another way to learn about STEM education is to read books and articles about the topic. There are many books and articles available that can provide you with information about the history of STEM education, the benefits of STEM education, and the challenges of STEM education.

Finally, you can also learn about STEM education by attending conferences and workshops. Conferences and workshops are a great way to meet other people who are interested in STEM education, and to learn about the latest research and best practices in the field.

What are the benefits of learning about STEM education?

There are many benefits to learning about STEM education. Some of the benefits include:

  • Improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Enhanced creativity and innovation skills
  • Preparation for the workforce
  • Increased knowledge of STEM issues
  • Development of informed opinions about STEM issues

What are the challenges of learning about STEM education?

There are also some challenges to learning about STEM education. Some of the challenges include:

  • The amount of information that is available about STEM education can be overwhelming.
  • The terminology used in STEM education can be difficult to understand.
  • The math and science involved in STEM education can be challenging.

Is learning about STEM education worth it?

Despite the challenges, learning about STEM education is definitely worth it. STEM education can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the 21st-century workforce. It can also help you become an informed citizen and make informed decisions about STEM issues.

How can I get started learning about STEM education?

If you are interested in learning more about STEM education, there are many resources available to help you get started. You can take online courses, read books and articles, and attend conferences and workshops. You can also find many resources online, including websites, blogs, and videos.

No matter how you choose to learn about STEM education, the important thing is to get started. STEM education is an essential part of 21st-century education, and it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the workforce and in life.

Path to STEM Education

Take the first step.
We've curated 24 courses to help you on your path to STEM Education. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Share

Help others find this page about STEM Education: by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Reading list

We've selected 25 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in STEM Education.
This comprehensive handbook synthesizes research and policy in STEM education, with a focus on the integration of the disciplines. It covers a wide range of topics, including STEM learning, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, critical issues, teacher education, and policy. It's a valuable reference tool for researchers, graduate students, and policymakers seeking an in-depth understanding of the field. is best suited for those with a strong interest in the research and theoretical underpinnings of STEM education.
Offers a practical guide for instructors in STEM fields, covering essential topics like course design, effective instruction, and active learning. It's highly relevant for those seeking to improve their teaching practices in STEM, particularly at the secondary and postsecondary levels. The strategies presented are intended for gradual integration and can significantly enhance student learning outcomes. It's a valuable reference for both new and experienced educators.
This consensus study report examines equity in K-12 STEM education and provides a framework for addressing existing inequities. It highlights the uneven distribution of STEM learning opportunities and offers guidance for decision-makers at all levels of the education system. This critical resource for policymakers, administrators, and educators committed to creating more just and equitable STEM learning experiences for all students.
Critically examines how racialization in STEM education negatively impacts innovation. It sheds light on the experiences of Black and Brown students in STEM and argues for the need for more equitable and inclusive practices. This crucial read for anyone involved in STEM education who is committed to addressing systemic inequalities and fostering a more diverse and innovative STEM workforce.
Defines a framework for understanding 'success' in K-12 STEM education and identifies effective approaches. It examines different school models and highlights research on effective practices. This valuable guide for policymakers, administrators, and educators seeking to identify and implement successful STEM programs. It provides a research-based perspective on what constitutes effective STEM education.
Explores the intersection of language, culture, and STEM education, providing strategies for making STEM learning relevant to students' backgrounds and identities. It connects theory and practice, offering educators guidance on creating culturally responsive STEM classrooms. This book is particularly valuable for teachers working with diverse student populations and is relevant for all levels of education.
Explores equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts in science fields within higher education. It examines how field-specific cultures can perpetuate exclusion and offers recommendations for creating systemic change. While focused on science, its insights are highly relevant to the broader STEM context and are valuable for fostering more equitable environments in universities and research institutions.
Provides a framework for science and engineering education in grades 6-12. It emphasizes inquiry-based learning and design-based learning.
Provides a global perspective on STEM education. It discusses the challenges and opportunities of STEM education in different countries and provides insights into how STEM education can be improved.
Provides a comprehensive overview of engineering education research. It covers a variety of topics, including student learning, curriculum development, and assessment.
This powerful book examines achievement gaps and challenges conventional reform efforts. It provides a framework for raising expectations for all students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. While not solely focused on STEM, its themes of equity and culturally relevant pedagogy are crucial for effective STEM education. This must-read for all educators and policymakers committed to creating inclusive and equitable learning environments.
Provides a comprehensive guide to integrating engineering into elementary STEM education. It covers curriculum design, instruction, learning, and assessment, offering practical strategies and examples. Based on extensive experience, it's a valuable resource for elementary teachers and educators looking to incorporate hands-on engineering activities into their classrooms. This book is particularly relevant for those working with younger students.
Explores the maker movement and its application in educational settings, focusing on hands-on learning, tinkering, and engineering. It provides practical ideas and best practices for incorporating making into STEM lessons. This is particularly useful for educators looking to create engaging and project-based learning experiences. It serves as both an introductory guide and a source of ongoing inspiration for integrating maker education into the curriculum.
Similar to 'Limitless Mind,' this book specifically focuses on fostering a growth mindset in mathematics education. It provides strategies for creative math teaching and inspiring students to believe in their mathematical abilities. This must-read for any educator teaching mathematics within a STEM framework, offering practical ways to improve math instruction and student engagement.
This volume explores the application of inquiry-based learning (IBL) in STEM programs. It serves as a resource for educators interested in implementing IBL strategies, offering practical examples and diverse approaches. is suitable for pre-service and in-service teachers looking to incorporate more student-led inquiry into their STEM teaching.
Likely focuses on designing effective STEM learning experiences that open up possibilities for students. It may cover frameworks and strategies for creating engaging and impactful STEM projects. This would be a valuable resource for educators interested in curriculum design and developing innovative STEM lessons.
Explores gender equity in STEM within higher education, offering international perspectives on policy, institutional culture, and individual choices. It examines the barriers and enablers for women in STEM fields and provides insights for promoting gender equity. This relevant resource for researchers, administrators, and faculty in higher education interested in addressing gender disparities in STEM.
Offers practical ideas and support for integrating STEM into the primary school curriculum. It explores the nature of STEM education at an early age and provides guidance on designing engaging learning experiences. This is an excellent resource for primary school teachers and teacher educators focused on foundational STEM learning.
Delves into how teachers' understanding of science education evolves, particularly in the context of promoting equity. Through case studies, it explores the challenges and transformations teachers experience in their practice. It valuable resource for pre-service and in-service science teachers seeking to deepen their pedagogical content knowledge and address issues of equity in their classrooms. This book is more suitable for those with some foundational knowledge of teaching practices.
Focuses on shifting educational practices towards a more integrated STEM approach. It likely offers practical strategies and a vision for transforming classrooms and schools to embrace STEM education effectively. This would be a useful resource for educators and administrators looking to implement school-wide changes and foster a STEM culture.
Explores the use of educational robotics in STEM education, drawing on research and practical examples. It discusses how robotics can enhance student learning and understanding in STEM disciplines. This relevant resource for educators interested in incorporating robotics into their teaching and leveraging technology for STEM learning.
Focusing on the concept of a growth mindset, this book challenges the idea of fixed intelligence and provides strategies for unlocking learning potential. While not exclusively about STEM, its principles are highly applicable to STEM education, where students often face challenging concepts. It offers valuable insights for educators on fostering perseverance and a positive attitude towards learning in their students. is beneficial for all levels of educators and can inform pedagogical approaches.
Provides practical advice on how to engage students in STEM. It covers a variety of topics, including project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and differentiated instruction.
Provides practical advice on how to teach STEM in the secondary school setting. It covers a variety of topics, including curriculum development, assessment, and classroom management.
Table of Contents
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser