Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
STEM education refers collectively to the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The underlying purpose of STEM education is to equip children with critical thinking, computational thinking, problem solving, creativity and communication skills necessary for future success.
STEM is part of everyday life and an increasing part of every workplace. STEM education enables children to develop solutions to complex problems and provides them with literacies and capabilities that will help them succeed in a world of technological change. Learning in STEM can be through discrete learning areas (subjects) where the content, skills and processes of each learning area are developed or through a holistic approach to learning which integrates the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
STEM knowledge, understanding and skills are included in the Victorian Curriculum learning areas of Science, Mathematics and Technologies. While Engineering is not a distinct Victorian Curriculum learning area, engineering processes and skills can be found in Science, Mathematics and Technologies. In the Design and Technologies learning area, specific engineering content is included in the Technologies Contexts strand under Engineering Principles and Systems, and in the Creating Solutions strand in both Design and Technologies and Digital Technologies learning areas.