STEM Education
Why STEM Education?
Critical to success in a globalized and information based world is the ability to innovate, problem-solve and apply skills from different areas. Schools have the responsibility to prepare students for this world by promoting these STEM capabilities and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
What is STEM Education?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics taught in an integrated way. Whereas a student at a traditional school sees these subjects and concepts as independent, STEM education recognizes that real-world applications require these skills and content knowledge to be applied together in a highly connected way. STEM education also encourages students to design solutions to real world problems, thus developing important critical thinking and “soft” skills such as collaboration, researching, innovation and ownership. Finally, STEM education allows students to see school as more than just work to finish, but how their efforts can benefit their community or even the world.
STEM Education at Panamericano
At Panamericano, STEM is more than Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. It is an inquiry-based, integrated curriculum that develops future-ready students equipped with the skills of exploration, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Our students work in these areas primarily through problem based projects like designing and building extreme weather resistant housing or constructing solar panels to offset energy costs. Through these projects they learn how to design solutions to problems, work collaboratively with peers, use technology to create, and seek feedback from experts. We are continually encouraging students from a young age to be explorers, engineers, and entrepreneurs, something we call the 3E’s of STEM. This is how Panamericano develops adaptable, passionate learners and leaders truly prepared for their futures.
AdvancED STEM Certification
In November 2018, Colegio Panamericano became the first school in South America to have their STEM program certified by AdvancED. AdvancED is an international organization that accredits educational institutions and their programs. To have our STEM program accredited we needed to ensure that our STEM curriculum, instructional strategies, teacher professional development and resources met the high standards set by AdvancED. An AdvancED review team verified these practices during a two day visit where they spoke with students, leadership, teachers, parents and community partners. Despite the recognition and prestige this certification brings our school, our primary focus has always remained to provide a high quality STEM education for our students and become leaders of STEM education in the region.
