STEM Thinking: A Way of Life, Not Just a Class
STEM Isn’t a Class, It’s a Mindset
For over a decade, STEM education has been a focal point in K-12 schools across the country. Yet, for many, it remains confined to specific courses—robotics, engineering, coding, or advanced science classes. But what if we told you that STEM isn’t just a class you take, but a way of thinking?
Lisa Tunnell, Product Manager for Pathways at Education Advanced, summed it up best: “STEM is a way of thinking, not a class you take.” Lisa and Robbie Grimes, Pathways Customer Experience Manager, both former educators with deep expertise, sat down to unpack this concept—challenging traditional STEM education and offering insights into how schools can truly embrace STEM thinking.
“STEM is a way of thinking, not a class you take.”
The Evolution of STEM Thinking
Historically, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) has been categorized into rigid course offerings. This structure, while beneficial in exposing students to technical fields, often limits the broader application of STEM principles.
Lisa pointed out that, “STEM thinking is curiosity-driven. It’s problem-solving. It’s critical thinking. It’s recognizing patterns and applying them beyond traditional STEM subjects.” In essence, STEM thinking isn’t limited to science labs and engineering projects—it’s embedded in literature, history, the arts, and everyday life.
Robbie, a former science teacher, agreed. “If you have that kind of mindset, you’re going to be able to deconstruct language arts, math, and even music,” he said.
“Writing has a rhythm to it, just like math. Haiku has patterns. Understanding how things are built, whether it’s a poem or a machine, requires STEM thinking.”
The Challenge of Implementing STEM Thinking in Schools
Despite growing awareness of STEM’s broader applications, many districts still struggle to integrate it across disciplines. Lisa explained, “For decades, national Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs had STEM listed as a specific program of study. But just recently, that category was removed, recognizing that STEM isn’t a standalone field—it’s embedded within every career pathway.”
Robbie added, “Many schools say they have a STEM program, but really, they just offer a few science and tech classes. True STEM thinking requires a shift in mindset—it has to be woven into everything.”
“Many schools say they have a STEM program, but really, they just offer a few science and tech classes."
So, what’s stopping schools from making this shift? Lisa and Robbie identified two major barriers:
- The Abstract Nature of STEM Thinking – Traditional education relies on assessments. But how do you test problem-solving and curiosity? Standardized testing prioritizes rote learning over exploratory thinking, making it difficult to measure STEM competencies.
- Time Constraints & Curriculum Demands – Teachers are under immense pressure to cover required content within tight timelines, leaving little room for inquiry-based learning and deeper STEM thinking.
How Schools Can Foster STEM Thinking
If districts truly want to embrace STEM thinking, where should they start? Lisa and Robbie had one clear answer: Start with professional development.
“Educators need to be equipped with the tools and frameworks to integrate STEM thinking into their classrooms, regardless of subject area,” Lisa emphasized. “It’s not about adding another initiative—it’s about helping teachers see how STEM principles already exist in what they’re teaching.”
“It’s not about adding another initiative—it’s about helping teachers see how STEM principles already exist in what they’re teaching.”
Robbie took it a step further: “We need cross-curricular professional development. Math teachers should understand how storytelling follows patterns. Science teachers should explore the communication aspect of their field. There needs to be intentional blending of subjects so that STEM becomes second nature, not just a special program.”
Beyond the Classroom: STEM Thinking for Life
At its core, STEM thinking prepares students for life—not just careers in engineering or technology, but for any field that requires adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving.
Lisa shared, “The most successful professionals today are strong problem solvers. In a world that’s constantly changing—especially with AI and emerging technologies—people who can think critically and adapt will thrive.”
And that’s the key: STEM isn’t just about learning facts; it’s about learning how to think. It’s about preparing students not just for jobs, but for life itself.
So, the next time you hear “STEM,” don’t think of a single classroom or a specific career track. Think of a mindset—one that can shape the future for students in any field, at any stage of life.
Want to Learn More?
At Education Advanced, we believe in empowering educators with the right tools and training to foster STEM thinking across all subjects. Our Pathways solution helps districts track college and career readiness, ensuring every student is prepared for their future—whether in STEM fields or beyond.
Let’s rethink STEM together. Because real-world success isn’t about acing a test—it’s about solving problems, thinking critically, and being ready for anything.
