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On advice I now add my self-signed certificate to this wall, or rather Hall of Fame.

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It seems IT has yet to fix the "missing name", however, here is my certificate

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As a student teacher, I highly value mathematics and the ability to develop a child’s problem-solving skills through mathematics. I believe in the importance of teaching to problem solve, problem solving skills are one of the most important skills we can teach our students and these skills translate into many different areas of academics and personal development. From my research of Project-based STEM education, I have learnt that STEM education builds on a child’s problem-solving skills through several different areas of learning. STEM education encompasses science but also mathematics, technology and engineering. STEM is multi-faceted approach to developing children’s independent and collaborative thinking, communication skills, transferable problem- solving skills and helps to prepare children for work in the ever-changing 21st century. 

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As a student teacher, I highly value mathematics and the ability to develop a child’s problem-solving skills through mathematics. I believe in the importance of teaching to problem solve, problem solving skills are one of the most important skills we can teach our students and these skills translate into many different areas of academics and personal development. From my research of Project-based STEM education, I have learnt that STEM education builds on a child’s problem-solving skills through several different areas of learning. STEM education encompasses science but also mathematics, technology and engineering. STEM is multi-faceted approach to developing children’s independent and collaborative thinking, communication skills, transferable problem- solving skills and helps to prepare children for work in the ever-changing 21st century. 

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Being a teacher in the ever changing 21st century is a difficult task. STEM literacy for children has a large effect on their everyday life, therefore our job as educators is vital. STEM powers our nation’s economy and students require authentic experiences that integrate all four of these competencies of the curriculum and more, including literacy and the arts. We need to be inspiring the children of today by becoming positive role models who encourage inquisitive students. My philosophy has a huge belief in student centred learning which aligns perfectly with project based learning which involves open ended tasks scaffolded by the teacher. I believe STEM offers the ideal world for the 21st century learner by promoting hands on experiences and encouraging curiosity. STEM allows students to work collaboratively and develop their creative thinking and problem solving skills and at the same time, create resilient learners. I believe STEM offers the technological skills needed for children to live and work in the 21st century. If I can inspire young children through STEM, not be afraid to adapt to the time and keep them engaged, they will become active participants in today’s globalised world.

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Early childhood Education should not be about pouring science and number facts into children, it should be about developing and nurturing their natural curiosity through project - based and  inquiry - based learning, through hands on experiences. Whether it be playing with Mobilo or Lego, building 3D objects with pasta and marshmallows, growing grass heads or using non-standard units of measurement to see how far one thing is from another or how tall "Jake" is - children are grasping concepts and forming ideas through hands on experience. They are learning skills that will carry them into the future. STEM is not about learning to enable students to pass a standardised test, it is about interpreting and comprehending their world, it is developing a curiosity and an intrinsic desire to understand how things and the world works.
I believe children are naturally curious and as an educator, I must foster that curiosity and extend on what is already understood = for example: grass grows - what makes grass grow, where do grass seeds come from, how can we get grass to grow quicker/thicker, what if there is not enough sunlight, what if there is not enough water?
I believe  STEM is more than Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, it incorporates communication, social skills, team building, it fosters a sense of achievement for all students, it develops creativity and problem solving skills, it allows children to express and display their thoughts.
Link to my Padlet: .https://padlet.com/karenhowie70/znw43ddpcfao

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My philosophy of STEM is that it’s akin to weaving with different coloured threads - although the thread looks different on its own, combined it can create the most beautiful tapestry of colour. STEM is the same, the interlinking of science, technology, engineering and mathematics makes a rich and enjoyable learning experience. It’s a fun and engaging way of thinking and teaching, and it’s hands on nature means retention of the material is more likely (we learn, by doing!). I also feel that STEM encourages a way of thinking (inquiring with the world around us, questioning everything and problem solving) which is transferable in everyday life, such as distinguishing between biased news and how to solve problems as they approach in life.

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It is the responsibility of teachers to ensure learning opportunities develop not only knowledge but valuable life skills in students. Integrated STEM education has the potential to do this. Integrated STEM education creates an environment of learning that truly reflects the structure of the real world as it combines different areas of knowledge, thus authentic learning is achieved. In STEM, teachers are learning facilitators, who guide students through carefully planned and scaffolded but open-ended steps. Further authenticity is achieved when STEM education utilises open ended problems and projects based on situations relevant to students and the community. STEM supports worthwhile learning as students’ present solutions to relevant problems, students learn through actions, trial and error, failure and success.

PS: Here is the link to my Padlet: https://padlet.com/tahlia_smith90/pw9b2s9u7g9l

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STEM is the learning of Mathematics, Science, Engineering, and Technology and uses an integrated approach to teaching and learning. Teachers connect key learning disciplines throughout the curriculum. Integrated learning is considered integral in developing students’ 21st century skills, knowledge, and competencies. It allows children to acquire skills that they can apply and transfer to other content areas not only within the curriculum but in their everyday life. The expansion of technology is outstanding in today’s society, and it is up to teachers and educators to develop those new competencies that will allow students to cope with the demanding world they live in and prepare them in an increasingly changing world. STEM requires students to develop skills such as; critical and independent thinking, problem solving in real-life situations, building on their communications skills and working collaboratively. Teachers should provide students with opportunities to learn from hand-on experiences to develop their knowledge, their problem-solving skills, and deepen their understandings of the 4 key disciplines. It requires active involvement of students and teachers. Learning approaches should also be student-centred and inquiry-based approaches. This will help students take responsibility of their own learning and plan their own investigations to gather, analyse, and evaluate information. Students will be challenged and empowered to be involved, engaged, and motivated learners as they seek answers to their own questions and develop their own learning. Mostly, their learning will have personal value as it is relevant to them and their community.

My PADLET link: https://padlet.com/anais_co/8h0qxs5652fc

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STEM is something I'm only beginning to understand as I peel back the layers of how it develops. STEM appears to me at present to be a project based subject which leads students to become deeper thinkers and to drive them to take control over their learning. This motion is set up to inspire collaborative creativity and to drive future developments within society. As a teacher, it will be my role to create learning experiences to facilitate this creativity and collaboration by making connections to real-world settings and enabling students to build upon their knowledge and skills in projects incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and other subjects.

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I first heard of STEM when my son was invited to be a part of the STEM program at his High School. The school presented STEM to us as a program for high achievers which they still employ with only a selected amount of students whom are high achievers being accepted into their STEM program each year. Hopefully this will change by 2025 as they develop a better understanding of STEM education. I quickly learnt this was not what STEM was about and should be readily available to all students.
I believe STEM education plays an imperative role in education in the 21st century. STEM is everywhere in the world we live in. It involves the way that we learn and teach. STEM learning consists of both project and play based learning incorporating various areas of the curriculum, not only science, technology, engineering and mathematics with connections to the real world. The teaching of STEM allows for students to engage effectively in their learning through hands on experiences that provides opportunities for students to develop skills of critical and creative thinking and problem solving along with skills that will see them be successful citizens in this ever changing world.

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STEM was never something I truely understood. Yes, I have heard the term before but never investigated further on what STEM was. However, I now have developed a concept of what STEM is. I do not believe it is Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (whether worked together or separately), I see STEM as a combination of elements. It involves the core disciplines but isn't isolated. It should incorporate other subjects (such as literacy, the arts) and these other subjects are embedded into the process, as this provides students with opportunities to create, adapt, explore, share and embrace the key elements of STEM. STEM is a journey and isn't simply four subjects, it is a process which incorporates innovation, collaboration and creativity and us as teachers should facilitate these concepts when teaching STEM.

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I hold a high regard for integrated, hands on, pragmatic learning and the way in which knowledge is constructed through social experiences. I find that STEM avoids isolating learning areas, and instead focuses on integrating skills and encouraging collaboration in social settings. I firmly believe that 21stcentury learners need to be taught skills in correlation with current content to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary tools required to succeed in an unknown future. Research now indicates that 75% of the fastest growing jobs in Australia require STEM skills and knowledge (Hogan & D,own, 2015, p. 47). Through STEM ‘s cross-curricular connections, creativity is promoted during the learning process, allowing for individual learners to develop skills and make connections necessary for a politically, socially, technologically and economically changing world. Ultimately, I believe that through STEM education, participants will be able to function effectively in a technology-based society, be provided with a wide range of career opportunities, and productively drive a prosperous economy and compete in an ever-evolving world (Mursia & Peppa, 2016, p. 3).

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Link to my padlet

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To understand the importance of STEM I think you first need to look at the past. To see the leaps and bounds we have come on as a species in the last 60 or so years is phenomenal. All of which would not have happened without innovation or 'stretching the envelope'. STEM, to me, is a journey with endless possibility; a journey that will allow our children and grand children to live on a flourishing planet. Innovation and creativity coupled with collaboration. What will the future bring?
A STEMpede of ideas. ;-)

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Hi All,
I also used to think STEM meant Science and Maths. From what I have seen already in this unit though, I'm begining to think of it as a project based approach to teaching. I'm sure that its much more than just a project based approach to teaching, but we'll see how my understanding develops as the unit progresses.

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When I first thought of STEM I thought it was just about science and why things work. My philosophy has change since looking more in depth into STEM over the past week. STEM is the way we learn, the way we teach and a way to connect it all together. STEM is everywhere and is everything, it is a way we can learn about our health, relationships, homes, jobs, leisure activities and more through a combination of learning areas such as, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Teaching STEM in our classrooms is a fun and hands on way of learning that allows students to actively engage in problem solving, discover, explore, while learning to find a solution. STEM allows student to think creatively, critically while working in groups or independently. These skills are sort after for our students today to become our leaders of tomorrow.

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I believe that STEM should be a major focus in our education to equip children with the appropriate skills and mindset for 21 century requirements and life-long learning. Thus, keeping up with our every changing society and progressing world.  My philosophy in teaching young children will be: to encourage students to become deep thinkers and to be creative, to challenge themselves, be persistent and to problem-solve. My goal is to develop creative thinkers who can be resilient, and problem-solve when faced with challenges. These qualities will be developed from real-world, authentic, meaningful and hands-on experiences where children’s input and choices are valued. I believe STEM can be transparent in most, (if not all), teaching areas and feel that teaching these attributes in the early years are the necessary foundations for all future STEM learning.

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When I first heard about STEM, I originally thought that it was another word for science. It is still for science but learning more about the meaning of STEM opened my eyes up to a whole lot more then first thought. STEM has given the opportunity for us to learn and develop our understandings further of the world around us. It allows for further connections in a variety of learning areas. This enhances our ability to have skills in new things that will better our future and the world we live in. Our world is forever changing and what a better way then allowing for STEM to increase ours and students knowledge and skills for the future.

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This is my padlet for this unit. It is a collection of hopefully useful resources and course related materials.

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I believe teaching STEM is more than just teaching skills for gaining employment and ensuring our industries have sufficient workers at hand. Though that is certainly also something that needs to be achieved. Teaching STEM is teaching a whole worldview and a skill set that embraces all aspects of life.

STEM to me has embeded a philosophy, one that believes in human progress. The idea of progress is based on the idea that humans are able to understand and in well defined instances control nature.

What do I mean by controlling nature? A cigarette lighter is technology that controls fire. WiFi controls radio emissions. Vaccines control diseases. Medication can keep our minds in check (e.g. those experiencing clinical depression). All this is possible because of STEM. It takes science to gain an understanding of the natural forces, and engineers to harness those forces by translating laws of nature into technology, which requires mathematics as a language to talk about nature as precisely as possible.

Further it is my belief, that STEM education enhances and supports all the other learning we require form students. Be it literacy or numeracy, creativity or critical thinking, social or personal skills, all found in the Australian Curriculum as General Capabilities are taught indirectly through STEM training. STEM is not just science, not just technology, not just engineering, and not just mathematics. It is cornucopia of all the skills our kids require.

Having the discussion about new acronyms is good, as it highlights all the skills we want our children to have. But I am convinced, that they are all already included in the package we call STEM. It just all comes down to how we define it, which sets out what we will do.

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STEM to me is not just a field, but a way of thinking, a way of teaching, and a way of making connections between various areas of the curriculum and the world. STEM is project based learning, play based learning and real world learning combined. Through STEM students find themselves engaging and expressing themselves within and through critical thinking/ problem solving tasks. Students form an appreciation for the connections all around us and learn to challenge themselves - that failure is not final and that as humans our ability to improve is as infinite as our resolve. Furthermore I feel STEM has the ability to instil values such as an appreciation for hard work, dedication, teamwork and delayed gratification. STEM empowers both teachers and students - engaging the school with it's community and local industries.