What are STEM Education Myths?
STEM education myths are myths that are often heard about STEM education. These myths are often told as being the truth about STEM education, but they are not.
There are many myths about STEM education. Some are true, while others are false. This article will focus on 15 myths that are often heard about STEM education.
Myth #1. “STEM Skills are so Hard to Teach”
Reality: STEM skills are not by definition difficult. In fact, the following skills are some of the easiest to teach:
Inclusive teaching methods
Solving a specific problem
It’s important to note that STEM skills are not only taught in the STEM disciplines. They are taught in all disciplines in all subjects.
Myth #2. “STEM Doesn’t Fit the Curriculum for an Arts School”
While art schools may not have a standard curriculum, most schools are using STEM in some capacity. The arts are most commonly found in the following disciplines:
Narrative-based learning is an important form of STEM integration. When students are given the opportunity to integrate narrative-based learning, they are more engaged and are more likely to remember what they learn. Narrative-based learning also prepares students for reading comprehension.
Myth #3. “STEM Isn’t Creative Enough”
Engineers are problem solvers and are often faced with challenges that require creative solutions. Engineers often have to use creativity to develop new ideas for design.
Engineering is a creative process. Engineers are problem-solvers, and the engineering design process requires creativity to conceive new ideas for design.
If you or your child is interested in engineering, it’s important to know that engineering is advancing, and to be on the cutting edge, you need to know about the latest developments so you can guide your students.
Myth #4. “STEM Programs Aren’t Exclusive to Boys”
The myth that STEM programs are just for boys is a product of a narrow-minded view of education. The truth is that girls can be as successful as boys in STEM subjects, and this idea needs to be broken down to allow for future generations to break these stereotypes.
With the vast improvement in technology, STEM fields have never been more popular with women as well as men. It’s important that we encourage more girls to enter these fields and not let this preconceived notion that they’re only for boys stop them from going into them.
Myth #5 – Math and Science are the only subjects you need to teach
The misconception that science, math, and English are the only subjects that students need to learn in school is easily debunked.
The idea that only these three subjects are important has led to many people neglecting other topics like history, economics, geography, art, music, and physical education.
These areas of study are often seen as less crucial than math or science; however they are essential for understanding how society works.
As children grow up in this environment of neglectful education they eventually leave high school with a narrow view on the world.
This can be a problem when it comes time to vote because they will have a limited understanding of what is going on in their country and what needs to be changed.
Myth #6 – STEM supports an economy of innovation and growth
Some believe that the STEM fields are the future for education and innovation, but this is not true. There are many reasons for this myth.
There are some people who argue that STEM is simply about solving problems, but it is just as likely that the solution to a problem may come from an artist or engineer as it might come from someone in STEM.
Another argument for this myth is that there has not been enough innovation in other fields, but this is also false.
The arts have always been important to society, and currently, their importance seems to be on the rise.
The arts may change our perspective on problems and create new solution possibilities by looking at things differently than someone in STEM would.
Myth #7 – “STEM Toys are too Expensive”
STEM toys are not too expensive, they are an investment in children’s future. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. These four skillsets will be necessary for the workforce of the future to be successful. STEM toys provide the best platform to nurture these skillsets in children at a very early age and can even motivate them to explore other subjects that have a STEM component as well.
Myth #8 – “STEM Isn’t a Girl Thing”
This myth is quite popular – it’s based on the idea that girls are not interested in STEM fields and they don’t possess the necessary skills to succeed in these fields. The reality couldn’t be more different. Girls are just as interested in science, technology, engineering, and math as boys. They just need an opportunity to explore their interests and pursue them.
Myth #9- “Kids Play with What They Already Know”
A child’s play is often an attempt to understand their world. When they play, kids are solving complex problems they come across in their daily lives. This understanding is one of the most important things your child does when they’re playing with toys.
Kids naturally want to play with what they know and like for a variety of reasons. They may find it more comfortable, feel more successful, or enjoy exploring something familiar. But kids also want to learn about new things and explore their world. Playtime offers them the chance to do both!
Some kids might only be interested in playing with toys that are related to what they already know or like-especially if it’s something that’s just out of reach for them in terms of skill level or age range.
Myth #10 – “STEM is Too Complicated”
STEM refers to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The acronym was coined in the early 2000s to encourage interest in STEM subjects.
Some people believe that STEM is too complicated because it requires advanced math skills. While others think that it’s not for them because they are not good at math or interested in science or technology. Students often believe that they are either good at the arts or good at the sciences and as such do not need to be proficient at both areas.
This is a myth as STEM education typically forces students to develop an understanding of how all four disciplines tie together – which can be challenging but also open many doors for those who persevere.
Myth #11 – “My Child is Already Too Old to Benefit from a STEM Toy!”
As parents, we often think that the younger the child is, the better. In reality, it’s not always true. For example, a 12-year-old can still benefit from a STEM toy because they are developing the spatial skills that will prepare them for certain careers in STEM fields.
Children of this age are still interested in learning and playing with new things. They don’t need to be old enough to start a career in a STEM field to benefit from a STEM toy – they just need motivation and encouragement!
Myth # 12 – “Math is Too Hard”
There is a common misconception that math is difficult or math is too hard. This myth is propagated through the idea that the only people who are good at math are those who have had experience with it earlier on in life. However, this simply isn’t true.
Mathematics can be learned by anybody if they are willing to invest their time into it. It is not something that is inherent to any of us, but rather something that can be taught to anyone with patience and dedication.
Myth #13 – “Parents can’t Help with STEM Learning at Home”
At home, your parents can help you with STEM learning by providing you with the right environment and materials. Parents play an important role in the STEM learning process of their children. They provide both physical and mental support to their kids by teaching them new things, interacting with them on a daily basis, and helping them solve problems. One way they can do this is to provide their children with the tools they need for STEM learning at home.
Myth # 14. “STEM is Boring”
STEM subjects have been constantly put down as being boring and uninspiring. Yet, a lot of the most successful and innovative people today attribute their success and ingenuity to STEM education. This begs the question: is there really anything wrong with STEM education, or is it just a matter of perception?
Myth #15 – Non- STEM Jobs are Always Better Than STEM Jobs
This is not true. STEM jobs are in demand but require hard work and dedication. Anyone who has the opportunity to pursue a career in STEM should take it.
There are many reasons that people believe that non-STEM jobs are better than STEM jobs. Some of the reasons include:
– Non-STEM degree will provide more opportunities in the future
– Non-STEM degree will provide more benefits in the future
– Non-STEM degree is less complicated than a STEM degree, which leads to better work/life balance
The truth is that STEM jobs are also very rewarding and give people great opportunities for their futures. Anyone who has the opportunity to pursue a career in STEM should take it because these careers offer great benefits and opportunities for their future careers.
Conclusion: STEM Education Myths
The STEM education myths are very common in many schools. Teachers should be aware of these myths and address them in their classrooms. Teachers are often looking for ways to engage their students, but may not know-how. The STEM education myths can be a great way to introduce STEM in the classroom. The myths are presented in a way that is both interesting and engaging for all learners.