The 3 Levels of STEM Integration (Which One Are You Using?)
- David Lee
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Many educators believe that "doing STEM" simply means teaching science and math in the same week. However, true STEM integration exists on a spectrum—what experts call the "Integration Incline Plane." Moving up this incline requires a shift from teaching subjects in silos to creating a seamless, unified experience where boundaries disappear. Understanding these levels is the key to designing effective, high-impact learning.
Defining STEM Integration
At its core, STEM integration is the seamless "amalgamation of content and concepts from multiple STEM disciplines" (Nadelson & Seifert, 2017). In a fully integrated environment, students don't stop to ask, "Is this a math minute or a science minute?" Instead, they use the knowledge and processes of all disciplines simultaneously to solve a problem or complete a task.
1. Multidisciplinary Integration: The Thematic Approach
This is often the entry point for many schools. In a multidisciplinary approach, students learn concepts and skills separately in each discipline, but they are all linked to a common theme like "Oceans" or "The Solar System."
For example, in a Solar System unit:
Science: Students learn about planetary characteristics from a textbook.
Art: Students craft clay models of planets.
Math: Students practice division by calculating distances between celestial bodies.
While this provides a coherent experience and shows students that a single topic can be viewed through many lenses, the learning goals remain discipline-specific. The connection is the theme, rather than a combined cognitive skill.
2. Interdisciplinary Integration: Fusing the Disciplines
As we move up the incline, we reach Interdisciplinary Integration. Here, the boundaries begin to blur. Learning goals from two or more disciplines are "fused" to form a single key concept (Clark & Ernst, 2007).
Using the Solar System example again, an interdisciplinary approach might involve students building a scale model. To succeed, they must simultaneously use Science (understanding planetary sizes) and Math (applying ratios and scale factors). These skills are now interdependent; you cannot accurately build the model without both. The learning process threads these subjects together throughout the experience.
3. Transdisciplinary Integration: Real-World Authenticity
At the top of the incline sits Transdisciplinary Integration. This approach moves beyond school-based themes and into the realm of real-world problems. Subject boundaries essentially disappear as students engage in "student-centered learning" to answer a driving "Essential Question."
A transdisciplinary question might be: "How would a meteorologist forecast the weather on Planet X?"
To answer this, students don't just "do math" or "do science." They:
Analyze atmospheric pressure (Science).
Design weather studio sets (Art/Engineering).
Calculate communication time delays using computer models (Math/Tech).
Script and film broadcasts (English/CTE).
In this level, the teacher’s role shifts from a director to a consultant (McCarthy, 2015). Students have a voice in how the learning experience takes shape, and the process mirrors how actual STEM professionals work: by using every tool at their disposal to solve a complex challenge.
By understanding this continuum, we can move our students past simple "themes" and toward the authentic, transdisciplinary experiences that prepare them for a "perpetual beta" world.
References
Clark, A. C., & Ernst, J. V. (2007). A model for the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Technology Teacher, 66(4), 24–26.
Larsen, L. (n.d.). Constructivism. http://leannlarsen.com/Portfolio/Chapter%2011%20Constructivism.pdf
McCarthy, J. (2015, September 9). Student-centered learning: It starts with the teacher. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/student-centered-learning-starts-with-teacher-john-mccarthy
Nadelson, L. S., & Seifert, A. L. (2017). Integrated STEM defined. Educational Research Review, 10(6), 221-223.
Vasquez, J. A., Sneider, C., & Comer, M. (2013). STEM lesson essentials, grades 3-8: Integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Heinemann.
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