Barb Eckert P a g e | 1

April 25, 2014

MSTEM: What is it? Why are we doing it?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. M-STEM represents the
integration of those four subjects intentionally developed for Montessori education. The addition
of the M to STEM offers an effective method to how these subjects are experienced and
absorbed into the students mind. MSTEM is hands-on, it is engaging, it is discovery learning, it
is appealing and it works. "I wish I had been taught engineering this way!" exclaimed a parent
following an MSTEM demonstration in the HIgH.
The HIgH community, for children ages 12 15, is a perfect place to experience MSTEM. Last
fall, our simple machines study brought us outside to play with an adult sized lever. Later in the
school year, we studied levers in the classroom. The students collected data comparing force and
effort using small levers and weights. Through graphing, students then discovered the story that
the data tells. Since they had experienced the giant lever, their bodies already knew the end of
the story, but now their minds had to quantify it! As a result, students were able to discover clear
connections between their personal, kinesthetic experience and the lab.
The concept of STEM originated as a response to meet the changing needs in the modern work
environment. What was considered a good education 50 years ago, however, is no longer
enough for success in college, career, and citizenship in the 21st century. (NEA, 2011) Todays
workplace requires collaborative, creative and innovative thinkers and problem solvers.
Montessori education, with STEM, is intentional about guiding the student to discover and
experience science, technology, engineering and math, and the integrated activities are developed
to encourage innovation and creative thinking. Montessori children are taught to own their
community and resolve its problems collaboratively and often creatively. This experience
parallels beautifully to exploring and solving problems in STEM subjects. Interestingly, Dr.
Montessori had the right idea and 21
st
century education and our culture is starting to recognize
that... The world is finally catching up with Maria Montessoris insights. (Denning, 2011).
Combining the M with STEM brings the components together for successful learning in a
society that is searching for ways to shape the education our children will need to lead in the 21
st

Century.




TEXTS CITED:

NEA, (2011). Preparing 21
st
Century Students for a Global Society, An Educators Guide to the
4 Cs. p5. Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/A-Guide-to-Four-Cs.pdf
Denning, S., (Aug. 2, 2011). Is Montessori The Origin Of Google & Amazon? Retrieved from
http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevedenning/2011/08/02/is-montessori-the-origin-of-google-
amazon/