Stem Definition and 171 Threads

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is a broad term used to group together these academic disciplines. This term is typically used to address an education policy or curriculum choices in schools. It has implications for workforce development, national security concerns and immigration policy. The science in STEM typically refers to two out of the three major branches of science: natural sciences, including biology, physics, and chemistry; and formal sciences, of which mathematics is an example, along with logic and statistics. The third major branch of science, social science such as: psychology, sociology, and political science, are categorized separately from the other two branches of science, and are instead grouped together with humanities and arts to form another counterpart acronym named HASS (Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences), rebranded in the UK in 2020 as SHAPE.The acronym was adopted by Rita Colwell and other science administrators in the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 2001. However, the acronym STEM predates NSF and was used by a variety of educators including Charles E. Vela, the founder and director of the Center for the Advancement of Hispanics in Science and Engineering Education (CAHSEE). In the early 1990s, CAHSEE started a summer program for talented under-represented students in the Washington, DC area called the STEM Institute. Based on the program's recognized success and his expertise in STEM education, Charles Vela was asked to serve on numerous NSF and Congressional panels in science, mathematics and engineering education; it is through this manner that NSF was first introduced to the acronym STEM. One of the first NSF projects to use the acronym was STEMTEC, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Teacher Education Collaborative at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, which was founded in 1998.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. F

    Fortune Cookies (in STEM fields)

    I just had an idea. I thought of two bits of advice today that I often give as common mottoes. They are as general as the aphorisms found in fortune cookies. I could imagine that others have similar phrases they use or used to advise their students. So here it is, the thread that gathers such...
  2. bhobba

    Programs What Do People Think Of Competency Based Degrees Such as Texas A&M Commerce

    See: https://www.tamuc.edu/cbe/ The degree people interested in STEM would do is the degree in General Studies with the free 66 electives done in their STEM field eg Math: https://www.tamuc.edu/programs/general-studies-competency-based/#tamuc-section-307935 Because it is so cheap and fast...
  3. MsH

    The Forever Learning Physics Teacher

    Hello, I am a high school Physics teacher. I have always loved Physics and took every physics class I could in college. Studying and teaching physics are indeed two entirely different processes. I have an associates of engineering, chemistry, and education degree. My father was heartbroken...
  4. M

    Other Am I too old to become a Prof?

    A little bit about myself. I am BSc graduate (in math and physics combined), graduated in 2011. After graduating my BSc I then pursued MSc also in both of them, though I didn't finish writing my theses in both of them. Last year I started an MSc in EE without thesis component, since my work as...
  5. S

    Schools Is a top physics grad school possible with a lower tier undergrad?

    I am a senior living in New York state getting ready to submit my college applications. Colleges I Have Looked At: RPI, UoR, RIT, Clarkson, WPI, Stony Brook, and Binghamton My stats: 3/309 in my class 99% unweighted gpa 1440 SAT (790 Math, 650 Reading) (This score is likely to improve (I...
  6. rohithyenni

    Engineering I completed my Bachelor's in ECE in 2022

    Hi everyone, I completed my Bachelor's in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) in 2022 and worked at a company for one year. However, I decided to quit, and now I find myself struggling to recall much of what I studied during my degree. I'm passionate about science but feeling...
  7. Luca Moraglio

    Admissions What are my chances of being admitted into good graduate schools?

    I've just finished my third year at a spanish university, majoring in Physics, next year being my last one (4 years major). The issue I have is that I have a pretty low average score, of 6.3/10. I failed 3/10 classes in my first year, and instead of taking less classes and finishing in 5 years...
  8. Gendibal

    Looking to start a new career in physics, need some advice

    Hello, I will start with some background, I'm 35, I have 2 bachelor's degrees: one in chemical engineering and the other in genetics/biotechnology. In my country there is no major/minor system, so I studied both careers at the same time in different colleges. You would say I have two majors. It...
  9. Z

    Admissions Advice about doing 1 or 2 masters during 2 yrs before doing PhD?

    Hello! As the topic suggests, atm I am a math grad student, beginning my 2nd and last year after the summer. Note that I have allmost taking more physics courses than math courses during my first year, and to me theoretical physics research seem more appealing than pure math research. Would...
  10. QuantumPhyZ

    Which degree should I take?

    Due to economic problems I only can take one of these two degrees, in my local university, Software Engineer degree or a Math degree. However after taking one of those degrees I’m thinking of saving money to take a Physics degree in another University (I will be 26 after taking the Bachelor of...
  11. U

    Admissions How to improve graduate school applications after college?

    I graduated 2 years ago with a degree in astrophysics. I went to a top school (depends on the source but top 3-5) but didn't do well or participate in research, I focused more on education and teaching. I've worked the past two years (one year as a physics teacher, the other as a data analyst)...
  12. A

    Physics Instructor Minimum Education to Teach Community College

    For California Community Colleges the minimum requirement for Physics instructor is: Master's in physics, astronomy or astrophysics OR Bachelor's in physics or astronomy AND Master's or above in engineering, mathematics, meteorology, or geophysics OR the equivalent. If the MS Physics program...
  13. warhammer

    Other [Astrophysics] Topics for Academic Projects

    I've sought admission to a Master's Program in a foreign country. One of the requirements to get funding is to propose a detailed scientific project that the student would possibly carry out under one of the advisors. The Astrophysics topics that could fall into this are under the broad brush...
  14. Diracobama2181

    Physics What are the Options for a PhD student who missed Postdoc Deadlines?

    So I plan on defending my PhD in the summer. I want to continue my career as a physicist, however I have not applied for any postdocs yet, the reason being I technically have not gotten any published yet, however, I should be getting published within the next month. My question is what are my...
  15. NullSector

    Programs Pros and Cons of Nuclear Engineering

    Hey all. Quick questions for all you NEs and nuclear lovers out there. I am currently finishing up HS and need to decide a major for college. I am trying to decide between EE and NE, but am strongly considering NE. I have always loved nuclear energy and anything related to nuclear in general...
  16. Frabjous

    The changing physics curriculum in 1961

    Phillip Morse (of Morse and Feshbach) wrote this preface for the preliminary* edition of his book Thermal Physics. It has some interesting comments about curriculum reform. * First time I have heard of a preliminary edition of a book
  17. Ronald_James

    Admissions Seeking Feedback on my Physics Personal Statement for Uni Application

    Hello everyone, I am a mature student applying to an undergraduate course with a foundation year, and as I finalize my university application, I'm seeking valuable feedback on the content and structure of my personal statement. I would greatly appreciate any insights and perspectives you may...
  18. sbrothy

    Is N. David Mermin's Autobiography Relevant for Today's STEM Scholars?

    [rant clipped] I digress, meander even...I found this: Autobiographical Notes of a Physicist under physics.hist.ph. A place I suspect not many of you look regularly ;) Which sounds pretty prejudiced I'm aware. :) ) This guy's experiences may well be out of date for the need of todays STEM...
  19. KittyPaine

    Courses I can't figure out what field I should study

    I'm looking at Computer Science and IT but I'd like to narrow it down. As far as I can tell CS is programming software, IT delves into different areas of technology. I thought about accounting but I struggled with advanced mathematics and I also thought about database management, but what...
  20. what_is_going_on

    Admissions Is it too late to pursue a career in physics at 32 years old?

    Hello! I am 32 now and wanting to go a totally different direction in life. I have obtained two bachelors in Criminology and Psychology. Took a year off, then ended up going into a graduate program for Chinese Medicine. Life events happened that led to me not finishing with just a year left. I...
  21. TheMysticB

    Schools Which College Should I Choose for a Career in Fusion System Design?

    Hi guys, I'm a High School Senior from Oregon and need some suggestions on what I should do. I want to work on developing fusion and making it a viable energy source in our society. More specifically working on the materials that will withstand the actual conditions of the Fusion reaction. I...
  22. theoryboi

    Admissions Can I get away with retaking E&M, even if I got a B?

    I am in my first semester of physics after transferring from engineering, and I arrogantly took E&M instead of the recommended courses, and I am on track to get a B- or a B in the class. I plan to apply to PhD programs in a few years and even with this grade I don't thing a 3.7 or 3.8 is...
  23. pozykepler

    Other What do most Electrical Engineers end up doing? Is this degree right for me?

    My interests are quite interdisciplinary: Brain Computer Interface, Neural Networks, Physics and Neuroscience. I would like to work on BCI research in the future. Is this the right path for me?
  24. P

    Physics Is returning to school sensible for me?

    Hi everyone, This will be a long post. I spent a few days mulling over what I wanted to say. I’m not sure I have thought of everything, but I covered a good body of what has gone through my mind, with any other details I’ll bring up as they pertain for any good Samaritan who can offer any...
  25. Lathropian

    Physics Looking to pivot to physics at 31, could use some guidance

    Hi all, I am looking for some advice (high-level-ish). I fundamentally enjoyed the subject material as an undergrad majoring in Physics. However, I ended up making a late change to Electrical Engineering for the sake of job applicability. I have worked as an engineer for a couple of firms but...
  26. Slimy0233

    Physics Badly Need Honest Advice to make an informed decision on my future in Physics

    This is going to be long, but I request you to read it completely. I finished my Bachelor's 1.5 years ago and it in 2022, I started studying, but I have been having issues with my family and I had to work part time while I was doing this. I had to care for my ailing grandparents and I many...
  27. SvenFromSkyrim

    Studying Chemistry or physics - which one is more suitable for self-studying?

    First of all, I realised that asking this on physics forum might give me answers different than I'd get in chemistry message board, or more "neutral" general science forums for that matter, but this site seems to be particularly helpful and active at the same time, so I'll take my chances. In...
  28. CRiley

    What is The FISTA and How Does it Promote STEM Education and Engagement?

    My name is Chris Riley, and I am excited to introduce myself as the STEM Lead for The FISTA. It is an honor to join this community of educators, experts, and enthusiasts who are dedicated to advancing STEM education and engagement within our local community.
  29. warhammer

    Physics Unable to settle on a specialisation

    Hi. I am having a hard time settle on a specialisation. To give some details- I will complete my 3 year UG Course with a GPA of 9.65/10. I have been selected & partaken in a healthy number of conferences intended for students mostly belonging to Astrophysics, Quantum Systems & QFTs. I have a...
  30. arkiv

    Can I Pursue MSBioPhys with a BEEE Background?

    Can I do a Master in Biophysics after a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering?
  31. shivajikobardan

    Other I want to leave my country for further studies and life

    But the problem is that I can't drive a car in road. I've not tried to learn it yet, but I've tried to learn motorcycle and I've partially succeeded till now. So, I'm handicapped basically. I want to move abroad to a country, a place where most people use public transportation. The country needs...
  32. S

    Other Engineering Physics vs Pure Physics

    I already tried looking up my questions, I could not find answers. Of course my experience will depend on the school I go to, but my questions are intended to be more general so I can get a better understanding of each major. In short, I'm a community college student who is choosing between Eng...
  33. CuriousGuy33

    Physics Is Physics Worth Pursuing Given Financial Responsibilities?

    I am planning to take undergrad physics but I am concerned about the pay scale of physicists. Since I am the leader of my family (after my father), I will be financially supporting my family soon as my father retires (we have a family system). I also will have my wife and children. The reason I...
  34. Astroparticle

    Admissions What are my chances for PhD in physics after my MSc physics?

    Hello, everyone, I have a BSc in physics with a GPA of 3.6 in a 4.0 system. After my BSc, I was working in my country for about 2 years at a research institute, and at that time I didn't truly understand what is research and what I should specialize furthermore in physics, etc. Now, I'm...
  35. S

    How is Physics taught without Calculus?

    I remember taking Physics in high school, so I guess it is possible, but it's been so long ago, I can't remember. It just seems that Calculus is indispensable when teaching Physics topics, except for a few like heat expansion or geometric optics. I would imagine that there is a lot of Δ this &...
  36. shivajikobardan

    My random nepali name generator project blew up

    And people are contributing to it. A guy made UI using tailwindcss. He fixed reloading data on every click. I don't know what to do. He's asking to convert this application to full stack application using vue and laravel. But I've no idea about these technology as I'm beginner. Neither do I've...
  37. F

    Admissions PhD Application in Physics: Age, Immigration, 2 PhDs

    I will start an M.S. in Physics this fall at SJSU. If I apply to a PhD program in Physics once I am done with the M.S., will they consider the fact that I already have a PhD in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, my age (38 years old now) and my immigration status (international student) for...
  38. L

    Can STEM education be made fun and engaging for K-12 students?

    Hello, I am a manager at a non-profit science centre. I manage a team of educators that develop and deliver STEM programming to students all across my province, with a focus on science/coding/technology. I am passionate about teaching, and I aim to find ways to integrate all of the scientific...
  39. Abhikamya M S

    Schools Which colleges in India are best for physics and/or mathematics BSc MSc and PhD?

    In 12th and considering a career in research. Ik most of the collages ( IIT Kanpur, IISc Bangalore, IISERs etc ) but I am not sure of the research possibilities provided so if anyone can help out please do
  40. et12

    Other Advice wanted for self-directed aerospace research as a sophomore

    Hi all, I'm a sophomore in aerospace engineering, and I haven’t been able to find any internships this summer. Instead, I'm looking to do some self-directed research, specifically in aerodynamics and propulsion, which I am both equally interested in. I have had experience with CAD software like...
  41. S

    Other Are too many students going into CompSci?

    I was reading this article (paywalled), and this graph stuck out like a sore thumb: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/05/19/college-majors-computer-science-humanities/
  42. Bertin

    Other Should I Pursue a Thesis Topic That Doesn't Initially Interest Me?

    Dear all, I open this thread hoping you can give me some advice on the situation that follows. I am ending my master degree in Physics, with a strong curiosity—and almost complete ignorance of—quantum gravity. It is relevant here to let you know that the reason I am attracted to this/these...
  43. D

    At a Crossroads Between STEM Majors (narrowing interests)

    Hey all, Long time forum lurker here. There's a lot on my mind, but I will do my best to keep it concise: I'm an undergrad chemical engineering student, just starting my junior year. I have found myself at somewhat of a crossroads concerning my career pathway: Originally, my plan was to finish...
  44. lyra-stem

    From a teacher’s perspective, what gaps do you see in STEM education?

    Hello everyone! I’m a college student interested in starting a nonprofit organization centered around supplementing classroom STEM education. After working with a few schools and teachers in my area (Northern NJ), I’ve been told that students could benefit from more learning opportunities...
  45. nomadreid

    Medical Brain Death: Tests & Secondary Reactions

    Looking at the site https://emcrit.org/ibcc/brain-death/ and similar sites, I see that there are a series of tests of secondary reactions for brain death. Isn't the lack of brain activity sufficient?
  46. Habib

    Testing STEM students with high GPAs (3.3+), how do you study for university?

    STEM students with high GPAs (3.3+), how do you study for university final exam?
  47. vela

    Who's tried Ungrading in STEM courses?

    I'm curious if anyone has tried "ungrading" in their STEM courses and if so, how it worked out. The idea is to get away from the using points to determine a student's grade and use different types of assessment that better motivate students to learn...
  48. G

    I What Conditions Ensure the Minimal Polynomial of α Divides P in Galois Theory?

    I'm not sure the following passage is so trivial as it was supposed to be: I mean, what does exactly prove it? That's my question. The step is the following: if ##P## has a root ##\alpha## in ##\mathbf L## - an extension of ##\mathbf K## of degree <= ##\frac n 2## where n is the degree of ##P##...
  49. Vin B

    Simulate mach reflection with mach stem generation using Ansys Fluent

    I need to simulate mach reflection with mach stem generation using on Ansys Fluent. The wedge angle is of 22deg at Mach 5.
  50. jedishrfu

    What are the latest STEM toys on the market?

    Clicbot robotics toy (pricey at $1000 but quite cool): whats cool is its easy to assemble, has a Scratch programming interface and a more advanced Python-based interface. There are several reviews online to checkout and to see its actual capabilities. I also found this cool toy from the...
Back
Top