STEM in the Real World: What STEM Practices Looks Like
- David Lee
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
What does it actually look like to apply STEM practices in an integrated way? The best way to picture this is to see it in action within the workflow of a professional. Let’s look at architects and how they apply specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes to design a structure.
Phase 1: Collaboration & Definition
The journey begins with collaboration. Architects ask insightful questions to understand the client’s vision and the site’s potential (Asking Questions; TEP-7 Communication). They don’t just look at the land; they analyze how systems—energy, water, structure—interact with the environment (TEP-1 Systems Thinking). Armed with this data, they define the problem and set clear goals.
Phase 2: Modeling & Innovation
Next, the team uses creativity to imagine innovative solutions (TEP-2 Creativity). They use sophisticated tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) to create a “digital playground” where they can test layouts and refine designs before construction begins. This allows them to commit to finding better solutions through experimentation and adaptation (TEP-5 Optimism). They reason abstractly to evaluate trade-offs like cost and safety (MP2 Reason Abstractly).
Phase 3: Precision & Ethics
As the design is finalized, architects incorporate technological innovations while weighing societal and environmental impacts (TEP-8 Attention to Ethics). They create construction documents using CAD software, engaging in precise calculations and adhering to strict codes (MP6 Attend to Precision; Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking).
Phase 4: Construction & Oversight Finally, during construction, architects analyze progress and look for patterns to streamline future work (MP8 Look for Regularity).
This is a simplified look, but it exemplifies how STEM practices—from “Critical Thinking” (TEP-4) to “Making and Doing” (TEP-3)—are embedded in every phase of solving real-world problems.
References
Fontan Architecture. (n.d.). Architectural design phases. https://fontanarchitecture.com/architectural-design-phases/
Ooti. (n.d.). Phases of a project for an architect. https://www.ooti.co/blogs/phase-project-architect
National Governors Association Center for Best Practices & Council of Chief State School Officers. (2010). Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
NGSS Lead States. (2013). Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By States.
ITEEA. (2020). Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy.
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