Why do our young people need STEM literacy and how can we teach them?

Why STEM Literacy is Essential for a Future Dominated by AI and Global Challenges

As we look towards the future, it's clear that artificial intelligence (AI) and large-scale global challenges—ranging from climate change to healthcare crises—will shape the world our young people will inherit. In such a world, being STEM literate is no longer optional; it is crucial for understanding, navigating, and contributing to the complex, tech-driven landscape we face. But what exactly does it mean to be STEM literate? And how does this differ from simply knowing a subject like science or math in a classroom setting? More importantly, how can we effectively prepare young people for this future?

Understanding STEM Literacy: Beyond Classroom Knowledge

STEM literacy is more than just knowing the basics of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). It encompasses a broader set of skills and understandings that allow individuals to apply STEM knowledge to real-world challenges and innovate in a rapidly changing world. Here's how it goes beyond traditional classroom learning:

1. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: In STEM literacy, students aren't just memorizing formulas or facts. They’re learning how to think critically, ask the right questions, and solve complex, real-world problems that don't have one correct answer. This contrasts with traditional classroom approaches, where knowledge is often siloed into distinct subjects with a clear path to the "right" solution.

2. Adaptability and Innovation: STEM literacy prepares young people to adapt to emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and biotechnology. Classroom knowledge alone won’t suffice when the technology we’re using today will be outdated tomorrow. STEM literacy equips students to innovate, experiment, and continuously learn in fast-paced environments. In evolution it is not the smartest, strongest or fittest that survive , it is those who can adapt the best.

3. Interdisciplinary Understanding: Real-world problems don’t fit neatly into one subject area. STEM literacy involves the integration of science, technology, engineering, and math to understand and tackle challenges holistically. For example, solving environmental issues might require knowledge of biology, engineering, data science, and climate models all at once. Rarely do these projects happen in the classroom as usually they are subject specific. 

4. Ethical and Social Awareness: As AI and other technologies advance, there are ethical considerations that must be understood and addressed. STEM literacy includes an awareness of the social impact of technological advancements, teaching young people not just how to build technology but how to use it responsibly and ethically. 
   The spread of ever more sophisticated ‘Fake News’ and misinformation  will make knowing what is true increasingly difficult. We need to ask “Where is the evidence?” To understand what good evidence looks like and how to analyse social media posts. 

Why Our Future Depends on STEM Literacy

The challenges our world faces—such as climate change, health pandemics, and economic disruptions—require innovative solutions driven by STEM knowledge. Yet, it’s not just scientists or engineers who will need this literacy; everyone, from policymakers to business leaders, will need a grasp of STEM to make informed decisions.

For instance:

• AI and Automation: As AI automates more jobs, understanding how these systems work and how they impact society will be essential. STEM literacy prepares individuals to either work alongside AI or create new opportunities in fields that don’t yet exist. Those who understand may leverage it to their benefit, those who do not may be left behind.
• Global Health: STEM literacy is critical in fields like medicine and biotechnology, where advances in genetic engineering or data science can revolutionize healthcare. Understanding how to leverage these technologies will enable us to respond to future health crises more effectively.
• Environmental Challenges: Climate change will demand a generation equipped with the skills to engineer sustainable technologies, analyse environmental data, and create policies grounded in scientific understanding. 

In essence, those who are STEM literate will have the tools to thrive in and shape the future.

How Our Course Cultivates STEM Literacy

The course we offer goes beyond traditional education, providing an immersive experience that fosters true STEM literacy. Our program isn't just about teaching subjects; it’s about guiding young people through the journey of applying STEM to real-world problems, exploring STEM careers, and developing as communicators who can inspire others. Here's how:

1. STEM Disciplines and Career Exploration: The course offers a deep dive into each of the STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) while highlighting the wide variety of careers available in these fields. This helps students see the relevance of STEM in their own lives and future aspirations, connecting classroom knowledge to practical, world-changing applications.

2. Challenge-Based Learning: Throughout the course, students face supported challenges specific to each STEM discipline. These challenges are designed to foster problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking. By working through these challenges, students learn how to tackle complex issues and develop solutions that require interdisciplinary thinking. They also gain a deeper understanding of how challenging and enjoyable these disciplines are. 

3. STEM Show and Communication: In the final stage of the course, students are tasked with creating and delivering a STEM show, where they must present complex scientific ideas to an audience in an engaging and accessible way. This element of STEM communication is critical—after all, it’s not enough to understand STEM; the ability to communicate these ideas effectively is just as important. By becoming STEM communicators, students learn how to share knowledge, inspire others, and contribute meaningfully to society. We aim to increase the number of girls and under-represented minorities in STEM by making them realise that STEM can be done by “people like me”

4. Supportive Learning Environment: The course offers guidance and support through each challenge, ensuring students are not only learning the necessary technical skills but also developing the confidence and resilience to overcome obstacles. So we will follow design thinking in Science, habits of mind in Engineering as we challenge them to solve real problems. This support prepares students to handle future challenges in their careers and lives, making them both STEM literate and capable problem solvers.

In summary 

STEM literacy is about far more than mastering equations or memorizing facts—it’s about equipping young people with the skills and mindset they need to navigate a future dominated by AI and global challenges. By fostering critical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to apply STEM knowledge in real-world contexts, we can empower the next generation to innovate and thrive.

Our course is designed to do exactly that. Through immersive, challenge-based learning, exploration of STEM careers, and the development of communication skills, we help young people become not just students of STEM but true STEM literates—ready to tackle the future’s biggest challenges and make a meaningful impact on the world.

it is also designed to provide equity. Anybody with access to the internet can learn these skills and apply them. The playing field is level and it is the thinking that is fundamental to success.