Engaging Students in STEM Education Beyond Technology

By Samyukta Dinesh, Policy Fellow at the U.S. Department of Education in the Office of the Deputy Secretary

When we talk about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, it’s easy to imagine coding camps, robotics clubs, or students experimenting with augmented reality. These tools are exciting and undeniably transformative, but they represent just one piece of a much larger puzzle. STEM isn’t just about mastering computer-based technology, it’s a mindset, a way of solving problems, and a lens through which students can explore and make sense of the world.

For me, this realization became personal during my time at the U.S. Department of Education, where I led efforts to spotlight innovative approaches to STEM education through initiatives like YOU Belong in STEM. In the Reimagining STEM Innovation Beyond Technology webinar, we highlighted pioneering organizations that demonstrate how STEM extends far beyond the confines of a classroom or the latest gadgets.

Pets in the Classroom is a nonprofit where students care for animals and learn empathy, responsibility, and biology, highlight the power of using STEM to nurture curiosity and critical thinking in ways that are as creative as they are practical.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) shows how STEM intersects with creativity and encourages students to see themselves as inventors and problem-solvers. The USPTO has programs that guide young learners to understand how their ideas can take shape and impact the world, turning concepts into patented innovations. These programs remind us that STEM is about sparking ideas that can lead to real-world solutions.

The South Central Washington STEM Network takes this one step further by embedding STEM into local communities. They focus on connecting students with opportunities to solve problems relevant to their own lives and environments, showing how STEM can be a tool for empowerment and progress.

Reflecting on these organizations and their missions, I believe that truly equitable STEM education requires us to think beyond emerging technologies. It’s not just about having access to the latest tools but also about helping students see how STEM connects to their lives and communities. Are we sparking curiosity and creativity? Are we showing students that STEM is all around them and that they’re already a part of it?

This perspective is crucial because access to cutting-edge technology isn’t universal. While some schools have state-of-the-art labs, others are still working to secure reliable internet access. If STEM education focuses solely on expensive resources, we risk reinforcing existing inequities. That’s why community-based approaches to STEM are so powerful. They teach students that innovation isn’t about what you have; it’s about how you think and what you can do with the resources around you.

By expanding our approach to STEM beyond technology, we can inspire a generation of thinkers and creators to contribute their identities, creativity, and potential towards meaningful change.

Note: This blog was written and published for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO) Homeroom Blog on December 16, 2024.