Creating Robust Environments for Integrated and Single Sciences

Creating a stimulating learning environment to integrate STEM skills across the curriculum.

Stemline is a new multi-use learning environment which combines fully serviced fitted benching required for science, smart contemporary semi or un-serviced mobile workstations for IT, design and academic study, with the heavy duty build quality essential for Technology and Engineering.

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math and whilst the issue of falling numbers in the uptake of science and technology based study has been the subject of many debates, reports and initiatives for several decades, there remains a very real concern in this regard and a real desire to reverse the trend through new initiatives.

Science, technology, engineering & maths

The recognition of the importance of improving the uptake, education and qualification in these Core subjects and the need to remove the traditional gender bias is resulting in new STEM Centres appearing in colleges and universities, whilst many schools are developing plans with greater integration and cohesion between the subjects as the objective.

Economies need well trained scientists, technologist, engineers and mathematicians and to that end pedagogy is changing with emphasis being placed on collaborative group work, research, project and context based integration between the related subjects. This in turn creates a need for highly flexible learning spaces which not only facilitates the range of activities this entails, but which also attracts students to subjects which might not otherwise seem appealing.

Students are more likely to engage in STEM subjects if they can see a tangible and relevant objective and any new learning space needs to ensure that research, study, design, testing and realisation can be readily accommodated as well as having the widest possible student appeal.

Creating a flexible learning environment

The Stemline environment can be created by a mix and match of different options. Serviced perimeter benching and fume cupboards can facilitate biology and chemistry, teaching walls can double up as resource bases and focal points for discussion and full class address. Moveable workstations can be reconfigured to facilitate different student groups working on different project elements at the same time but within the same space and the clean but heavy duty semi serviced workstations are equally suited to design, planning, evaluation and work with machine tools and resistant materials.

The Stemline multi-use learning space combines a laboratory, design studio, a maths classroom with a clean, contemporary technology and engineering workshop.

Some of the Stemline workstations include features for specific applications such as the cable management tray and brush seal feature on the IT workstations, but all are designed to be multi-use. For example, the IT workstation is sized and has the load bearing capability to deal with the weight and vibration caused by and to be used with machine tools. Realisation workstations can be supplied flat or with a surface infill to create a flat multi-use area.

Meeting the need for STEM skills:

Demand for STEM skills is strong across the economy and is set to grow in the coming years. STEM study will continue to unlock an array of opportunities for young people at every skill level.

Among those organisations that need employees with STEM skills and knowledge, employers of every size struggle to find the STEM talent they require:

• 42% of those firms needing STEM skills report they have difficulty in recruiting STEM-skilled staff at some level

• 23% currently face difficulties in meeting their need for experienced staff with expertise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics

• 17% report problems in finding suitable graduates

• 13% say it is hard to find people with STEM skills to train as apprentices

• 45% anticipate difficulties over the next three years

• Studying science and mathematics unlocks a range of employment opportunities for young people across the economy. Success in promoting science and mathematics to your people depends on high-quality teaching delivered by subject specialists.

“Integration of STEM skills across the curriculum could help address the enormous shortage of STEM graduates” – Sir Michael Tomlinson Former Chief Inspector for Ofsted