What is STEMS²?
STEMS² integrates science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with the social sciences and sense of place (S²). At the heart of STEMS² is a network of individuals and community partners who seek to foster student engagement and achievement via real-world application of interdisciplinary content knowledge that supports the social emotional development required for community and civic engagement in addition to promoting skills related to college and career readiness.
Learn more about the origins and journey of STEMS².
An Educational Movement
STEMS² is a place and culture-based construct that is composed of theory, pedagogy and a growing network.
Research
STEMS² theory is an ever growing body of research grounded in four major bodies of literature: 1) STEM education, 2) cultural-based and multicultural education, 3) sense of place and 4) place-based education, and indigenous education.
Pedagogy
STEMS² experience is grounded in the Hawaiian proverbs of Ma ka hana ‘ike – through doing one learns and A’o – that teaching and learning is a reciprocal relationship in which one is both a learner and a teacher at all times.
Network
The STEMS² network is made up of partners from around the world who share a passion for building integrated educational spaces that connect community, culture and place.
Participant Perspectives on STEMS²
STEMS² participants describe STEMS²
Community partner Herb Lee describes who STEMS² is for