WHY THE STEM KNOWLEDGE AREAS ARE NECESSARY AND ITS IMPACT

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INTRODUCTION
What is STEM?

STEM simply stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It is the branch of education that expose students to the rigorous academic disciplines with the technical challenges of mastering skills of these knowledge areas i.e. the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields.

Defining each of these terms separately;

Science is defined in the dictionary as, “is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.” Science is everywhere in the world around us and affects each of our daily activities.

Technology as defined by Wikipedia is “the collection of techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in the production of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives, such as scientific investigation.” The simplest technology is the development and use of basic tools. It exists almost everywhere in our world.

Engineering as defined by Wikipedia is the application of scientific knowledge and mathematical methods to practical purposes of the design, analysis, or operation of structures, machines, or systems. The discipline of engineering encompasses a range of more specialized fields of engineering, each with a more specific emphasis on particular areas of applied mathematics, applied science, and types of application. It focuses on satisfying human and making life easier.

Mathematics as defined by Meriam Webster Dictionary is the science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations, and abstractions and of space configurations and their structure, measurement, transformations, and generalizations. Algebra, Arithmetic, Calculus, Geometry, and Trigonometry are branches of Mathematics. Mathematics is in every occupation and almost every activity we do in our lives.

WHY STEM EDUCATION?

STEM education simply involves the academic disciplines which compels the students to master the skills in the learning areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. A STEM-based curriculum has real-life situations to help the student learn, provide hands-on and minds-on lessons for the student. It exposes them to life solving subjects that inspires researches and experiments that leads to discoveries and inventions.

According to reports in the US NEWS,men and women are incrementally becoming interested in STEM so much that 40 percent of bachelor's degrees earned by men and 29 percent earned by women are now in STEM fields. At the doctoral level, more than half of the degrees earned by men (58 percent) and one-third earned by women (33 percent) are in STEM fields.

These number obviously are due to growth in the "hard sciences" – such as engineering, computer science, biological, and physical sciences. The world is focusing on technology and its researches so much that people are beginning to develop fundamental knowledge in the field.

In this new information-based and highly technological society, STEM education is needed to survive and cope with its demands. Almost every aspect of our lives is becoming knowledge-based - the STEM knowledge requirements being the most demanded.

IMPACT OF THE STEM KNOWLEDGE AREAS

There is no doubt that the world revolves round each of the STEM knowledge areas. Almost every happening around the world is a product of one of the STEM fields. From the gadgets we use to our transits and our business transactions. They all rely on the knowledge offered by either of the STEM knowledge areas.

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Over the years, STEM has impacted the world in numerous ways. Science and Technology especially has yielded many ground breaking achievements and innovations. In fact, the Steemit platform and many other active communities are birthed from the knowledge of STEM.

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Engineering as an entity has been a great contributor to the improvement of our living standards as it has contributed many life enhancing machines, tools and equipment of different purposes and application. The amenities and infrastructures available to us all are products of the STEM knowledge areas.

Mathematics has also been the backbone of many of our activities especially in business dealings and transaction. It has brought about implementation of different theorem and propositions that has been helpful. It cut across almost every of our daily activities.

RECOMMENDATIONS

As more and more research interest is emerging in the STEM knowledge areas around the world, it is best advised that we encourage the youths and the younger ones to endeavor to build their fundamental knowledge in the STEM knowledge areas so as prepare them and make them contender for the numerous impending opportunities in the STEM industries.

Each day, more and more job opportunities arises in the STEM industries which is a promising feat for youths who decides to major in the STEM fields.

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REFERENCES

• https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/01/27/more-students-earning-degrees-in-stem-fields-report-shows
• http://wikipedia.com
• http://engineeringforkids.com/article/02-02-2016_importanceofstem
• https://www.tsc.nsw.edu.au/tscnews/5-reasons-why-stem-is-important-in-early-years-education

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