By Deborah Holmén, M.Ed., NBCT
Florida, being a diverse bellwether state, has identified the need to build world-class talent in science and mathematics. Lawmakers, universities and companies are now developing innovative strategies to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education in Greater Gainesville to build an elite workforce.
With Gainesville named the Top STEM city in Florida, there is a grassroots effort in GG to prepare students for these readily available jobs. Alachua County is rich with STEM companies like biotech incubators, health care systems, life science companies, research centers and startups, and local schools are the perfect place to equip this dynamic workforce.
Alachua County Public Schools have adopted integrative educational programming promoting inquiry-based learning. This dynamic curriculum teaches students to solve real-world problems by integrating STEM.
STEM programming teaches students to solve problems creatively, use critical thinking, innovate and collaborate, among many other skills. STEM curricula have been proven to lead to success in STEM fields for students who participate.
However, teachers noticed a fundamental learning discrepancy once STEM programs were adopted. Some students had trouble thinking critically and utilizing multiple methods of inquiry and investigation.
Leonardo Da Vince said it best, “To develop a complete mind: Study the science of art; Study the art of science. Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.”
Integrating the Arts was a necessary addition to enhance and enrich STEM classrooms.
STEAM fosters the natural innovation that comes with converging the mind of an artist or designer with a technologist or scientist. STEAM encourages students to collaborate by leveraging soft and hard skills to understand a STEM concept. This out-of-the-box thinking uses tools such as fine art imagery or data visualization to deepen one’s understanding of STEM.
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It is estimated that over 3.5 million STEM jobs will be available by 2025 in the U.S.
Students graduating from a STEM/STEAM school in Florida can expect to hit the ground running with employment opportunities across various industries. Depending on the type of degree and concentration, students will be equipped for employment in manufacturing, health care, technical services, transportation, energy and telecommunications, among others.
Related article here, Library for STEAM Schools
Alachua County Public Schools are implementing three new IAM STEAM programs. Alachua Elementary, Irby Elementary, and Mebane Middle aim to prepare students for post-secondary education and a range of new, in-demand careers by providing various STEM programs.
The students in the City of Alachua will all receive laptops or iPads to aid in homework and assignments under the new STEAM initiative.
Other STEM/STEAM schools include:
The Center for Gifted and Talented Studies @ Archer Elementary
The STEAM Magnet @ Metcalfe Elementary
Center for Fine Arts @ Rawlings Elementary
The STEM Magnet @ Stephen Foster Elementary
Dual Language Immersion Magnet @ Terwilliger Elementary
Williams Magnet Program @ Williams Elementary
GainesvilleSTEM.com STEM programs