Post by Chris_Wendt on Jan 4, 2016 12:08:56 GMT -5
I was pleased to receive and read through the current edition of "What's New in Wantagh" last week. Seriously, I would encourage everyone to read it over to gain an appreciation for the current emphasis on STEM education in the Wantagh School District at all grade levels.
Now, you may or should note that they are using the new acronym, STEAM, which has an "A" added to STEM.
Science
Technology
Engineering
Math...
...and now Art.
Of course (no pun intended) these are just acronyms, and acronyms can be fun, and can help sell ideas.
Certainly there will be purists from any of the STEM disciplines who will chafe at the idea of what may seem to be a dilution of science, technology, engineering and math by mixing in art. However, let's consider that one of the main objectives of educating your child for 13 years here in Wantagh is to turn him or her out as a well prepared and well rounded graduate ready for a good career. What are some of the best, hottest, most rewarding careers in the Greater New York Metropolitan Area?
New York is the epicenter for several of these industries, and an important or emerging hub for the others.
In addition, there are BILLION$ presently being spent on major higher educational development projects here in The City which will focus on applied science, technology engineering and math, but which could not conceivably work as intended, namely, as collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts, without being integrated with the arts.
I would like to hear some comments about Wantagh's STEAM initiatives from anyone who has read over the What's New in Wantagh brochure which is in the mail.
Regards,
Chris Wendt
chriswendt117@gmail.com
Now, you may or should note that they are using the new acronym, STEAM, which has an "A" added to STEM.
Science
Technology
Engineering
Math...
...and now Art.
Of course (no pun intended) these are just acronyms, and acronyms can be fun, and can help sell ideas.
Certainly there will be purists from any of the STEM disciplines who will chafe at the idea of what may seem to be a dilution of science, technology, engineering and math by mixing in art. However, let's consider that one of the main objectives of educating your child for 13 years here in Wantagh is to turn him or her out as a well prepared and well rounded graduate ready for a good career. What are some of the best, hottest, most rewarding careers in the Greater New York Metropolitan Area?
- Graphic Artist
- Commercial Art (advertising)
- Media Arts (publishing, television, cable)
- Communications & Networking, all of which include graphic/artistic components
- Technology products design
- Marketing
- Architecture, especially Architectural Engineering
New York is the epicenter for several of these industries, and an important or emerging hub for the others.
In addition, there are BILLION$ presently being spent on major higher educational development projects here in The City which will focus on applied science, technology engineering and math, but which could not conceivably work as intended, namely, as collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts, without being integrated with the arts.
I would like to hear some comments about Wantagh's STEAM initiatives from anyone who has read over the What's New in Wantagh brochure which is in the mail.
Regards,
Chris Wendt
chriswendt117@gmail.com