STEM Challenges

What is STEM?

The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This program was started by Judith A. Ramaley, the former director of the National Science Foundation’s education and human-resources division. This approach to education is designed to revolutionize the teaching of subject areas such as mathematics and science by incorporating technology and engineering into regular curriculum by creating a “meta-discipline.”

There is more; STEM Education attempts to transform the typical teacher-centered classroom by encouraging a curriculum that is driven by problem-solving, discovery, exploratory learning, and require students to actively engage a situation in order to find its solution.

Villa Park Elementary teachers design activities to engage all students in STEM Challenges. It's always fun, and often messy but everyone has a great time creating innovative designs to answer the challenge! Please contact your child's teacher if you are interested in volunteering or joining in the fun!