CLS WEST COVINA
STEM PROGRAM
Classes in the science category of STEM programs should look familiar and include biology, ecology, chemistry, and physics. However, your child’s STEM-focused science class is not the kind of science class you might remember. STEM science classes incorporate technology, engineering, and math into scientific studies.
For some parents, the closest thing to technology classes may have been playing learn-to-type games during occasional computer lab sessions. Technology classes have definitely changed and may include topics like digital modeling and prototyping, 3D printing, mobile technology, computer programming, data analytics, Internet of Things, machine learning, and game development.
Much like technology, the field and scope of engineering has grown considerably in the last few decades. Engineering classes might include topics like civil engineering, electronics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and robotics — topics many parents could not have imagined learning as early as elementary school.
Similar to science, mathematics is one STEM category with classes that will sound familiar, such as algebra, geometry, and calculus. STEM Mathematics bears little resemblance to math as you may have learned it. STEM math incorporates concepts and exercises that apply science, technology, and engineering to mathematics.
What is
STEM Education?
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM is important because it pervades every part of our lives. Science is everywhere in the world around us. Technology is continuously expanding into every aspect of our lives. Engineering is the basic designs of roads and bridges but also tackles the challenges of changing global weather and environmentally-friendly changes to our home. Mathematics is in every occupation, every activity we do in our lives. By exposing students to STEM and giving them opportunities to explore STEM-related concepts, they will develop a passion for it and hopefully pursue a job in a STEM field. A curriculum that is STEM-based has real-life situations to help the student learn. Programs like Engineering For Kids integrates multiple classes to provide opportunities to see how concepts relate to life in order to hopefully spark a passion for a future career in a STEM field. STEM activities provide hands-on and minds-on lessons for the student. Making math and science both fun and interesting helps the student to do much more than just learn.
Job Opportunities and Strengthening the Economy – According to the U. S. Department of Commerce (DOC), STEM occupations are growing at 17%, while others are growing at 9.8%. The studies within the DOC all acknowledge that STEM is where the job market is heading. Without a workforce that can take on these jobs, our economy could falter. With a STEM education, students are encouraged to think deeply so that they have the chance to become the innovators, tech experts, scientists, educators, researchers, and leaders who can solve the most pressing challenges facing our nation and our world.
PROJECTED PERCENTAGE INCREASES IN STEM JOBS 2010-2020
(Source: Department of Education)
All Christ Lutheran teachers are credentialed and more than half have a Masters Degree. They provide a Christian education by emphasizing quality in academics, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and love and service in the name of Christ. They prepare your student for life’s many challenges, and they guide your student towards successful experiences in both academics and peer relationships. Our students receive personal, specialized attention in a nurturing, well-structured learning environment.
