Celebrating National STEAM Day, November 8th Every November 8th, we come together to celebrate and recognize National STEM/STEAM Day. This day is not just about educators and curriculum, but about the entire community that encourages children to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math careers. It’s a day that promotes continued learning and the pursuit of knowledge. With over 3.5 million STEM jobs projected to be available by 2025 in the US, the importance of a STEAM/STEM-based curriculum cannot be overstated.
Celebrating National STEAM Day, November 8th
In 2015, the US toy manufacturer MGA Entertainment founded National STEM Day to inspire children to pursue STEM subjects. The date is a play on words and sounds: “Nov8” is a numeronym, pronounced, “innovate.”
Why STEAM and not STEM? When the STEM curriculum was implemented, teachers noticed a fundamental learning discrepancy once STEM programs were adopted. Students could not think critically and utilize multiple methods of inquiry and investigation. Adding Arts in STEAM addresses this gap, providing a holistic approach that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and scientific and mathematical skills.
The integration of the Arts in STEAM enriches and enhances STEM classrooms. This integration reassures parents and educators that the holistic development of students, which includes fostering creativity and critical thinking, is being prioritized.
STEAM education is steadily gaining popularity in school curriculums throughout the country, and rightfully so. A well-rounded education must include the arts. While STEM subjects are crucial for technological advancement and scientific innovation, integrating the arts into the curriculum may enhance students’ engagement, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
Students graduating from a STEM/STEAM school can expect to be well-prepared for the future job market. With a wide range of employment opportunities across various industries, a STEAM education ensures diverse career options, regardless of the type of degree and concentration.
The job marketplace is constantly evolving, and education is adapting to these changes. By providing a STEAM-based curriculum, schools are not just preparing students for what lies ahead when they graduate but also instilling in them the adaptability and versatility needed to thrive in any career. Educators strive to prepare students for their future, not necessarily the present, as technology and many job trends can and will change. This well-rounded education will not only open doors for students entering the workforce but also empower them to make significant contributions to their communities, which is the ultimate success for everyone.
Happy National STEAM Day!
Written By: Meredith Biesinger
Professional Writer/ Education Specialist
Meredith Biesinger is a licensed dyslexia therapist in Mississippi, in addition to being an experienced classroom teacher and K-12 administrator. Meredith also works as a consultant, where she bridges the bridge the gap between K-12 school districts and ed-tech organizations. With a passion for literacy, she is also a professional writer and syndicated author. With a M.Ed in Educational Leadership and a B.S. in English Education and Creative Writing, she has had rich and diverse opportunities to teach students and education professionals in different parts of the country as well as overseas.
Interested in learning more about the education market, or looking to contribute? We want to hear from you!
