STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. Learn why STEM is a great field to major in and pursue professionally.
These four fields share an emphasis on innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking. And together they make up a popular and fast-growing industry. Most STEM workers use computers and other technology in their day-to-day jobs. Many also use the scientific method to test hypotheses and theories.
What Are STEM Fields?
STEM comprises the following major areas of study:
- Natural, physical, and life sciences (sometimes including medicine)
- Computer, electronics, and other technology-related disciplines
- All types of engineering
- Mathematics, or any field involving a heavy application of mathematical principles
Many debate whether certain fields count as STEM. Some STEM definitions include the social sciences, such as psychology, economics, and anthropology. Most sources, however, consider these separate categories. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement maintains a list of college STEM majors, which includes the four basic subjects above, along with architecture, psychology, digital communication, and some pharmaceutical and social sciences. Notably, fields like accounting, political science, and nursing are excluded from this list. Architecture is a relatively new addition to STEM, only officially recognized by the U.S. government in 2019. Many also debate whether health and medical fields like nursing and dentistry should be considered STEM. ACT Inc. includes many health and medical fields in its 2016 Condition of STEM report, giving doctors, nurses, and dentists the designation of STEM professionals.
The STEM Solution
Robotics is not only the future, it is also the present. By familiarizing students with programming, sensors, and automation, they hone critical computational thinking skills needed to succeed in both the 21st century's workforce and in everyday life.
Beyond science and engineering principles, STEM also encourages creativity, teamwork, leadership, passion, and problem-solving among groups. That’s why we're committed to advancing education as one of the leaders in STEM, making it easy to implement and being a partner along the way!
Educational Robotics Gives Students Ownership Over Their Learning
Giving students real choices in the classroom through educational robotics can boost their engagement and motivation, allow them to capitalize on their strengths, and enable them to meet their learning needs. Educational robotics helps students feel a sense of autonomy, capability and relatedness.
Autonomy: Students feel autonomous when they understand the task, particularly if the tasks feels aligned with their values, interests, and goals.
Competence: Students feel competent when they believe they know what to do to be successful and feel capable of mastering challenges.
"Students feel a sense of relatedness from feeling close to people or a sense of belonging in a group."
Competition Brings STEM Skills to Life
All students are natural scientists and engineers. They love to question, tinker, experiment and play. VEX competitions foster these skills and capitalize on the motivational effects of competitions and robotics to help all students create an identity as a STEM learner.
VEX competitions are also a great way to expose students to valuable soft skills like communication, collaboration and time-management in a fun and authentic way. The VEX Robotics competition prepares students to become future innovators with 95% of participants reporting an increased interest in STEM subject areas and pursuing STEM-related careers. Tournaments are held year-round at the regional, state, and national levels and culminate at the VEX Robotics World Championship each April!
