The Principles and Life Lessons of STEM Subjects

Subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are often presented to students as career and education opportunities. Additionally, Athlos strives to help students learn the valuable principles, life skills, and Performance Character traits these subjects offer.

By helping young scholars understand the fundamentals and basic skills found in STEM subjects, they are more likely to develop an interest in related fields and grow a passion for life-long learning.

Inspiring students to pursue STEM subjects as passions more than just career options

Most content taught in STEM classrooms today will be outdated by the time many students graduate high school. In many cases, K-12 students today are preparing to solve real-world problems that don’t exist yet, using tools and techniques that are not yet invented.

To combat this, Athlos strives to focus on breadth over depth –placing emphasis on young students to learn fundamental principles, become creative problem solvers, and develop a genuine curiosity for deeper learning in the future.

Much like in music, visual art, and language arts, it’s important for students in STEM subjects to develop a strong understanding of fundamentals and critical thinking skills before attempting to solve a problem in an innovative way.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”

– Pablo Picasso

What are the benefits of teaching STEM subjects to students at an early age?

Research suggests that there are many life lessons and skills to be learned in STEM subjects that are not only valuable to child development, but are also applicable to outside interests and future education opportunities. Performance Character traits such as grit, creativity, and curiosity are also important in these fields of study.

Here are a few brief reasons why each subject plays a role in a student’s development:

• Science. Studies show that no matter what path a student chooses in life, the methods, knowledge, and critical thinking skills of science are invaluable pieces of information that can be applied to future careers, home projects, and personal interests.
• Technology. Technology in Athlos schools helps students learn the importance of creative innovation and team work. These skills encourage students to learn how to work with others to find the best solution to a problem.
• Engineering. Students are endlessly curious about how the world works. Many teachers have found simple ways to teach engineering concepts to young scholars through hands-on projects. As they become more familiar with engineering, it becomes less intimidating and more inspiring for creative potential. 
• Math. Mathematics are used in nearly every aspect of life. Athlos students are not only taught to know how to perform the calculations, but why. Knowing “why” enable students to use concepts flexibly, extend their knowledge to new situations, and connect them to life outside of school.

“We will always have STEM with us. Some things will drop out of the public eye and will go away, but there will always be science, engineering, and technology. And there will always, always be mathematics.”

– Catherine Johnson

Developing a foundation for the future

The world is full of opportunities and questions. As students learn the inner workings of science, engineering, technology, and math, these subjects become less mysterious and more as familiar answers to future problems.

Athlos strives to create a learning environment where student curiosity leads classroom instruction and students are provided the tools to find solutions in their own time. Though students may not know the problems in the coming century, the fundamentals they learn will lay a foundation for them to lead the future and all its possibilities.

By teaching students the basic theories, methods, and principles found in STEM subjects today, they learn that opportunities and answers tomorrow are found through application, study, and a love for learning.