Southwest Iowa STEM Region

What is STEM?

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Science—Study of the nature of the universe

Technology—Applying information to the design of goods and services

Engineering—Application of knowledge for the benefit of humanity

Mathematics—Universal language of nature

These disciplines are vital to everyone living in today’s technological world. Whether managing the complex STEM-based decisions of daily life or pursuing STEM careers—science, technology, engineering and math are a part of your world!

Science, technology, engineering, and math are the springboards to innovative problem-solving and discovery. Iowa is committed to growing the best STEM educational programming for every learner.

Iowa STEM uses the following definition of STEM: “…an interdisciplinary approach to learning where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world lessons as students apply science, technology, engineering and mathematics in contexts that make connections between school, community, work and the global enterprise enabling the development of STEM literacy and with it the ability to compete in the new economy.” - Tsupros, N., Kohler, R., & Hallinen, J. (2009). STEM education: A project to identify the missing components. Intermediate Unit 1: Center for STEM Education and Leonard Gelfand Center for Service Learning and Outreach, Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania.

Iowa STEM SW Region Hub Map