The Lakes South Morang College Newsletter COLLEGE CONNECTIONS WHY IS STEM IMPORTANT?
STEM skills are crucial for Australia ’ s changing future The world is changing around us. Digital technology has become a core part of our everyday lives. Advances in technology impact everything, especially the world of work. Entire job sectors are emerging or disappearing, and workforces are rushing to keep up with change. Automation and globalisation are changing the way we think about, and define, careers. Employment is becoming fluid, and people will go from having one profession to several in their working life. These may be entirely different roles, across entirely different sectors. As the world of work changes, we will need to change our skills to match. The gap between the knowledge generated in the education system and the skills demanded by employers and individuals is widening. Overcoming these limitations requires a priority focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), including the development of workplace skills in STEM. Future careers will also rely heavily on ‘21 st century skills ’ — for example, critical thinking, creativity, cultural awareness, collaboration and problem - solving. When done well, STEM education complements the development of 21st century skills. It ’ s predicted that future workers will spend more than twice as much time on job tasks requiring science, maths and critical thinking than today. It ’ s vital that Australia keeps pace with technological change to advance its economy and prosperity. Without adequate STEM skills and understanding in Australia, there is a risk that companies searching for these skills will be forced to set up elsewhere. But if we prepare Australians for the jobs of the future, we will enjoy a thriving cycle of jobs and opportunities. STEM learning is also important for students in their everyday life in our contemporary world, with the rise of new technologies in biomedicine, microfabrication, robotics and artificial intelligence. The ability to understand and apply data, and develop solutions to complex problems, will be important life skills.
WE NEED A COLLECTIVE EFFORT TO CHANGE AUSTRALIA ’ S FUTURE IN STEM Industry and education both play a key role in changing Australia ’ s future. They can:
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Support students to understand the realities and needs of the STEM workforce.
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Prepare students for the big career challenges and opportunities ahead.
Schools, businesses and other groups have already started working together to create STEM programs to improve student outcomes in STEM. But there is more work to do. Together, industry and education can work to improve Australia ’ s STEM future. There are lots of others who can make important contributions, too. Many not - for - profit groups and community organisations support STEM education, or would like to. Parents also play a critical role in shaping the attitudes of young people and helping them succeed.
Original article published:
www.education.gov.au/australian - curriculum/national - stem - education - resources - toolkit/introductory - material - what - stem/why - stem - important
STEM ON PRIMARY On the Primary campus students have been introduced to STEM and its interdisciplinary approach to learning that
integrates the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics. Through STEM, students develop their skills in problem solving, creativity, teamwork, independent thinking and are introduced to careers that utilise these skills. Students have been undertaking projects that use the engineering design process to allow them to further extend on their knowledge.
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