STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics): an acronym by which to organize the traditional fields of education to promote deeper and broader learning through practical curricula. Students don’t just learn about STEM concepts; they apply them by designing hands-on projects to demonstrate the laws of physics, math and science.  STEM education is an opportunity for students to engage, explore and make sense of the natural world, through inquiry, project-based learning, rather than merely learn isolated bits and pieces of phenomena.

Autodesk Design Academy provides a challenging, fulfilling, and creative curriculum mapped to STEM standards. As a comprehensive pre-engineering, pre-architecture, and inter-disciplinary program for high school students, Autodesk® Design Academy provides software and innovative modular curriculum that includes the introduction to engineering foundation course from Project Lead the Way.

Fueled by the Obama Administration’s focus on education through Race to the Top and I3 -Invest in Innovation funds, as well as the re-authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the coalition behind STEM has the potential to greatly influence the agenda for what we teach our children.

STEM education plays a critical role in enabling the United States to remain the economic and technological leader of the 21st century global marketplace.

Changing the Equation in STEM Education

Going From STEM to STEAM

STEAM = SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY interpreted through ENGINEERING and the ARTS, all based in MATHEMATICAL elements.

Research shows that the arts and support crucial developmental skills in creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. The Arts are also a part of that Autodesk Animation Academy curriculum. Immerse students in science, math, language, arts, and technology with Autodesk® 3ds Max® or Autodesk® Maya® software.

Autodesk continues to develop partnerships and programs to support STEM educators and students, fostering the next generation of professionals in engineering and design innovation. STEAM is being discussed in arts education circles everywhere as there is a clear intersection between arts and technology.

Author: Amy Gritzinger