Table 1 STEM subject orientation.
From: Subject integration and theme evolution of STEM education in K-12 and higher education research
| Â | S | T | E | M | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Subjects | Science subjects (e.g., physics, chemistry, biology) | Technical subjects (e.g., computer) | Engineering subjects (e.g., computer, environment) | Mathematics | Humanities and Social Sciences (e.g., art, psychology, language, philosophy, political science, economics, history) |
Essence | Recognize objective laws of the world | Scenario application of knowledge | Integrated application of technology | Measurement, computation | Perception, interpretation, and creation of the man-made world |
Purpose | Knowing the world | Transforming the world | Transforming the world | Providing a logical and computational basis | Promoting all-round development, enhancing moral values and cultural identity, developing creative and innovative thinking |
Methodology | Methods of inquiry | Manipulating and optimizing variables that affect outcomes (products) | Manipulates and optimizes variables that affect the system | Abstract, non-empirical mathematical operations, and heuristic logical-deductive proofs based on | Epistemology, performance theory, value-emotion theory |
Keys to teaching and learning | Acquisition of knowledge | Acquisition of skills | Optimization of systems | Arithmetic, measurement, logical deduction | Appreciation, designing, and creating |
