STEM programs stress Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These are the many fields that lead to a successful future for employment. Jobs related to STEM degrees are in demand and they will continue to grow within the next decade along with new technological development. Students who begin STEM learning at the primary school level are the scientists and innovators of the future.
Future Jobs
STEM relates to the earth and life sciences as well as to computer technology and engineering. These disciplines interact in the businesses and industries devoted to medical and scientific research.
For example:
- Medical researchers must understand computer analysis in relation to their work.
- Computer scientists create new programs to help with scientific research.
- Engineers may develop new tools and robotics or they can work in the technology sector to continue exploring outer space.
- Specialists in environmental sciences will use new programs to develop better sustainable products.
All of the jobs in these fields relate to STEM education fundamentals.
More schools continue to emphasize the importance of motivating students to become interested in science and technology. Children today are born into the era of computers and cell phones along with microwave ovens and robots that sweep floors. They take for granted the technology developed over the past 50 years. It is now their responsibility to create the new technology that future generations will take for granted!
Only 13% of the students in the US graduated with STEM-related degrees while 41% of the students in China and 26% in India held degrees related to these subjects by 2011. On average, the STEM graduates with a bachelor's degree earned more than many people with masters degrees in other fields. The opportunities are there now for college graduates with a STEM background as the field continues to expand.
Technology Education in the Past
The 1957 launch of the Sputnik satellite by the Russians started the space race in the US. It was inconceivable that the old Soviet Union could get ahead of the US in technology! Engineers were in demand with colleges and universities offering many engineering programs. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy announced that the US would put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. That was accomplished in 1969 with more moon landings in succeeding years.
The space race continued with new missiles, satellites, and weapons for the military. New passenger aircraft and other technological innovations were also developed along with the growth of the computer industry. The job market created new positions for people with 21st-century skills that include knowledge of advancements in computer science and engineering.
Future of Education
The technology race continues and education must move forward with robust STEM programs in schools offered to young, interested students. Individual learning is important, yet students are encouraged to work in teams to solve problems and create new products. Although computer technology and mathematics were responsible for job growth over the past decade, new jobs will require knowledge in other related fields.
Much emphasis is placed on earth, biological, and environmental sciences. Medical research will continue along with technology that uses renewable resources. This is a more recent integration of science and technology that uses 3D printing to explore ideas and product development.
Dremel DigiLab EDU 3D packages with 3D printers for schools help students to create products of their young imaginations. These 3D lesson plans stimulate interest in engineering and technology that will help them build careers within the next two decades.
The 3D40 3D printer enables students to create miniature airplanes, buildings, robots, spaceships, and other design concepts. The students use various coded programs to design and develop their ideas. 3D printing programs build miniature prototypes and encourage critical thinking. Every classroom will benefit from a 3D printer as an integral part of the STEM program.
Dremel's 3D40 3D printers for education provide an innovative curriculum and resources to encourage proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and math for future generations. Contact us to buy a 3D printer for your school and learn more about our programs.