Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Data literacy

Collaboration and communication

Creativity and design thinking

The study of the natural world through observation and experimentation

Seeks to explain how and why phenomena occur

Asking questions and forming hypotheses

Designing and conducting experiments

Collecting and analyzing data

Developing and revising models and theories

Communicating results and peer review

Biology (life and living organisms)

Chemistry (matter and reactions)

Physics (energy, forces, motion)

Earth and Space Science (geology, climate, astronomy)

Studying disease mechanisms to create treatments

Understanding ecosystems to guide conservation

Modeling climate patterns and weather forecasting

The creation and use of tools, systems, and methods to meet human needs

Includes digital technologies and physical tools

Computing and software (programming, apps, operating systems)

Networks and cybersecurity (internet, data protection)

Data and AI (databases, analytics, machine learning)

Electronics and embedded systems (sensors, microcontrollers, IoT)

Human-computer interaction (user experience, accessibility)

Designing solutions based on requirements

Building, testing, debugging, iterating

Managing data responsibly and ethically

Ensuring security, privacy, and reliability

Building medical imaging software

Securing online banking systems

Using sensors to monitor crops or equipment

Applying science and math to design, build, and optimize solutions

Focuses on constraints like cost, safety, materials, and sustainability

Define the problem and requirements

Research and brainstorm solutions

Create prototypes and models

Test, evaluate, and improve

Deploy and maintain the solution

Mechanical (machines, manufacturing, robotics)

Electrical (circuits, power systems, communications)

Civil (buildings, bridges, water systems)

Chemical (processes, materials, pharmaceuticals)

Biomedical (medical devices, prosthetics)

Environmental (pollution control, sustainable systems)

Software engineering (reliable, scalable software systems)

Designing safer vehicles and airbags

Building earthquake-resistant structures

Developing renewable energy systems like wind turbines

The study of patterns, quantities, structures, and relationships

A language for describing and analyzing problems precisely

Arithmetic and number sense

Algebra (symbols, equations, functions)

Geometry (shapes, space, measurement)

Trigonometry (angles, waves)

Calculus (change, motion, optimization)

Statistics and probability (data, uncertainty, inference)

Discrete math (logic, graphs, algorithms)

Modeling real-world systems (growth, motion, risk)

Quantifying uncertainty and making predictions

Optimizing designs and resources

Enabling computation, algorithms, and encryption

Statistical testing in medical research

Optimization in logistics and supply chains

Mathematical models in finance and climate science

Renewable energy

Public health and epidemiology

Space exploration

Build foundational knowledge and transferable skills

Encourage inquiry, experimentation, and design

Prepare for careers and informed citizenship

Project-based learning (real-world challenges)

Inquiry-based labs and experimentation

Design challenges and prototyping

Computational thinking (decomposition, patterns, algorithms)

Collaboration and communication of results

Lab equipment (microscopes, sensors, measurement tools)

Coding platforms and development environments

Robotics kits and makerspaces (3D printing, electronics)

Data analysis tools (spreadsheets, statistical software)

Biologist, chemist, physicist, environmental scientist, medical researcher

Software developer, data analyst, cybersecurity analyst, IT specialist, AI engineer

Civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, biomedical engineer, systems engineer

Statistician, actuary, operations researcher, quantitative analyst

Bioinformatics, robotics, climate data science, product design, aerospace systems

STEM plus Arts (design, creativity, human-centered thinking)

STEM plus Medicine

Often included under Technology, and also intersects with Math and Engineering

Skills are developed through practice and persistence

Coding is one tool; STEM includes experiments, design, and math reasoning

Real problems typically require combining multiple fields

Strengthen math foundations and scientific literacy

Simple experiments, coding mini-projects, design challenges

Online courses, tutorials, libraries, community makerspaces

Try robotics, environmental projects, app building, data visualization

Ask questions, document work, test ideas, seek feedback, iterate