Creating the next generation of innovators

In our fast-paced, complex and technology driven world, it is more important than ever that children develop the ability to be problem solvers, critical thinkers, and innovators.  They need to learn how to think both concretely and abstractly, how to gather and evaluate evidence to make decisions, and most of all they need to be curious and ready to learn.

Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education is a growing movement, a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in each subject, but instead of teaching the four disciplines as separate subjects, these programs apply a collaborative and real-world approach to learning, educating students and then having them apply what they have learned in the classroom to the world around them.  In recent years, a movement was made to add arts to the acronym STEM to create the term STEAM.  While STEM programs aim to teach children to use engineering or technology in creative designs or imaginative approaches to real-world problems while building on their math and science knowledge, STEAM programs add art to STEM curriculum by drawing on design principles and encouraging creative solutions.  Arts are included and can range anywhere from visual arts to language arts to music and more. STEAM focuses on sparking a child’s imagination and creativity through the arts in ways that naturally align with STEM learning.

STEM/STEAM education isn’t just about teaching a specific discipline.  The value in a STEM/STEAM education lies in the skills that are gained beyond the technical, offering children the ability to learn how to solve complex challenges, how to meet the demands of a dynamic and evolving workforce, and giving them valuable skill sets that allow them to be successful regardless of the field they choose.

This is one of the reasons KBSO proudly pursues work in local schools and universities. We are invested in creating comfortable environments where children, teens and young adults can learn, collaborate and apply their knowledge and skills. This is something we value and practice not only in our design but also within our office, as we offer part-time employment to university students, participate in co-ops, and pursue STEM/STEAM outreach in K-12.