Today is National STEM/STEAM Day. What does that stand for? STEM covers science, technology, engineering, and maths. But, adding the “A” onto it, it includes the arts. Everything from language arts to music to design and new media.
Learning through interactive lessons and hands-on learning with a focus on STEM/STEAM is critical to the current and future employees of the industrial workforce. The STEM movement is growing in popularity as more organizations focus on improving the STEM skills of the workforce. Currently, there are too many STEM job openings due to a lack of workers with adequate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math knowledge.
Many industries are beginning to incorporate STEM projects—sectors that may not come to mind right away, such as machinists, electricians, and pipefitters. Popularity is also growing for oil and gas companies using STEM.
Below is a list of STEM learning being encouraged by oil & gas companies:
- NEED is the National Energy Education Development Project. Its mission is to “promote an energy conscious and educated society by creating effective networks of students, educators, business, government and community leaders to design and deliver objective, multi-sided energy education programs. NEED works with energy companies, agencies, and organizations to bring balanced energy programs to the nation’s schools with a focus on strong teacher professional development, timely and balanced curriculum materials, signature program capabilities, and turn-key program management.
- The Offshore Energy Center’s Education Outreach Program educates “the public about the industry, including its history and its safety and environmental record.”… One of the ways the Offshore Energy Center is helping teachers is by conducting “Expanding Energy Education Workshops” at the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum in Galveston, TX.
- The Independent Petroleum Association of America Education Center’s goal is “to secure successful careers within the petroleum industry and become the NEXT GENERATION of talented energy professionals who will drive this industry forward.”
- Shell has an entire page dedicated to STEM learning & resources for teachers on their website. They also have a page devoted to STEM careers available through Shell.
- The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum is an 8,000 square foot building designed to make learning fun for the oil & gas industry and offer a wider variety of educational programs for all ages.
- For a complete, in-depth discussion of STEM/STEAM and all its applications, read the study, “From STEM to STEAM: An Enactive and Ecological Continuum.”
Our world is a fantastic place – all the things we do, touch, and know – and it all stems (pun intended!) from Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, or Math (STEAM). This method of learning and skills helps us understand the world and provides incredible opportunities in everyday life or the workforce.
With Industrial3D’s specialty being in Arts – 3D Media & Design, we can be directly involved in this field by offering creative and innovative media for oil and gas companies, medical technologies, and learning centers. This is an exciting career to be in as our technology and education evolves – From K-12 and on through college.
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