Louisiana STEM Initiative

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) encompasses the knowledge, skills, and ways of investigating and making sense of our world that are essential to each of the STEM disciplines (from National Research Council, 2014): 

• Science refers to both the body of knowledge that explains our natural world as well as the practices we engage in to build this knowledge.

• Technology is any human-designed tool or process that solves a problem.

• Engineering is a body of knowledge about the design and creation of technology as well as the process and practices we engage in to solve problems.

• Mathematics is the study of patterns and relationships among quantities, numbers, and space, including logical arguments and claims. 

Students who engage in quality STEM experiences are better equipped to respond to life’s challenges and make informed decisions as empowered members of society. Engineering design offers students an opportunity to develop their problem-solving abilities, which in turn supports the foundations of math problem solving and algebraic processes. Scientific thinking and understanding are useful tools, not just for scientists and other STEM professionals, but for our students as they approach complex challenges in their everyday lives.

STEM Teacher Leader Advisors

STEM Teacher Leader Advisors play an influential role in:

• the creation of STEM resources and tools for K-12 educators;

• professional learning needs for future work; and

• supporting schools and systems to broaden STEM education.