STEM. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
These fields are integrated into everything around us. It is crucial for the modern evolving world and has major implications for research, innovations, healthcare and AI. There is an ever-increasing demand for STEM workers globally, and since it covers such a wide range of careers, it is crucial we understand the importance of these subjects and how to really excel in them.
To really understand STEM, we have to cover a few things:
We will take a look at 4 of the core subjects. There are many more to consider, such as computer science, data science, and environmental science.
Biology is the study of life in all forms. It focuses on living organsims, how they work, how they interact with teach other and how they fit into wider ecosystems. By looking at the inner workings of a single cell to the complexity of the human body to entire biomes like rainforests and oceans, biology gives us a framework for understanding what it means to be alive.
To succeed in biology, students need a balance of understanding and recall. It is not just about recalling facts – it is about understanding why a process occurs and how different systems interact. Skills such as evaluating data from experiments, creating graphs, and planning practical investigations are key to the subject. Biology is unique among the other sciences in that it combines both qualitative and quantitative reasoning.
The amount of information involved and the need to apply knowledge rather than just repeating it make Biology a difficult subject for many students. Linking different organ systems, such as how the respiratory system and circulatory system interact, can be challenging at first. Exam questions often require explanation rather than just simple recall, meaning students must show they truly understand the process behind it.
The study of matter, chemistry, involves looking at how substances interact with each other, how matter behaves and how chemical reactions can help us understand everything from how medicines work to why metals rust.
Chemistry is often described as being in the middle of Biology and Physics, as it requires both logical reasoning and the ability to understand real-world systems. There is more maths than in Biology, but also more qualitative than Physics. This blend can be challenging to overcome, but once the foundational ideas click, Chemistry becomes very natural.
This strong foundation in core concepts is essential. Students who excel in Chemistry are usually comfortable in problem-solving, recognising patterns in reactions and using mathematics to support their reasoning.
The study of hwo the universe works, Physics looks at forces, motion, waves, energy, electricity, and the fundamental lows that govern everything from falling objects to the movement of planets. Physics helps us understand why things happen the way they do.
To succeed in Physics, students need logical thinking and strong mathematical reasoning. Students are required to be comfortable working with formulas, manipulating equations and understanding relationships between variables. Physics is based on understanding principles deeply and applying them to new situations.
A way to make Physics more relatable and easier to understand is to connect concepts to everyday experiences: the forces acting when riding a bike, the transfer of energy to a lightbulb or the waves in sound. Once the reasoning behind a formula is clear, it becomes far easier to apply it confidently in problem-solving.
The foundation of all STEM subjects, Mathematics provides the tools used to describe patterns, relationships and structures everywhere around us. Whether it is algebra, calculus or geometry, Maths teaches us to think logically and systematically. Every scientific field relies on mathematical thinking.
Students who learn why a process works can adapt their answer when presented with an unfamiliar question. Memorising will only get you so far and students may struggle when the question changes even slightly.
A key aprt of success in Maths is to show working and tackling problems step-by step, Even if the final answer is wrong, showing the correct reasoning earns marks and buidls confidence. Over time, this apporachs trengthens problem-solving skills not only in Maths but across all STEM subjects.
Each STEM subject deals with a different part of the world and has different questions and content to offer. Hence, the way to revise and practise these cannot be the same.
Check out our other articles in how to revise for GCSE Sciences and Maths:
Biology: https://smartxtutoring.uk/how-to-revise-for-gcse-biology/
Chemistry: https://smartxtutoring.uk/how-to-revise-for-gcse-chemistry/
Physics: https://smartxtutoring.uk/how-to-revise-for-gcse-physics/
Mathematics: https://smartxtutoring.uk/how-to-revise-for-gcse-maths/
Studying STEM opens doors to a wide range of opportunities and careers. These fields are constantly growing and evolving. Whilst traditional routes such as medicine, dentistry, engineering and scientific research exist, STEM also leads to careers in fields such as finance, environmental sustainability, data analysis and AI.
What makes STEM especially exciting is that it shapes the world we live in and influcences the future, whether it is developing new medical treatments, designing renewable energy technology or building smarter systems, STEM is at the heart of innovation and progress.
These careers are ideal for students who love asking questions, solving challenges and contirbuting to meaningful real-world change.
STEM is a pathway to impact and not just employment.
My journey in STEM began when I explored careers in Year 12. I was intrigued by Biology, as that is the lesson I would most look forward to when going to sixth form. So I went down a little rabbit hole of research.
There were dozens of fields to look at, from Medicine and Dentistry to Veterinary Sciences. I thought the best way to see if I enjoyed that career was to gain some work experience. I shadowed a dentist at a dental surgery, but I didn’t seem to be interested in their work. So I took a week’s worth of work experience at a hospital, but quickly found out that it wasn’t my cup of tea either. I did some more investigation and found Biochemistry, a culmination of two of my favourite subjects. Looking at the careers, there could be there I saw cancer research jumped out to me. After more investigating and talking to past students who studied biochemistry, I realised this was perfect for me. During my degree, I was orchestrating projects such as analysing breast cancer biomarkers and looking at preventative medicine for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
My undergraduate course led me to my master’s in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology. Simplistically, this is the culmination of computer science and biology. Using data and computer programming to analyse biological systems. I really enjoyed this and it has opened up multiple doors for me in both data science and pharmaceutical companies!
I always knew I would go down the STEM path, from a young age I was interested by Space, at age 13 I wanted to be an astronaut but that was quickly outlived after a trip to the NASA Space Station and I learnt that I’d have to start training immediately if I wanted to be an Astronaut by age 30.
I still followed my passion for space through A level Physics and A Level Maths. Physics and maths were subjects I loved, however, it was hard. In my A Level Physics class there were 4 girls, 4 in a class of 35. Despite being the minority, the subject continued to fascinate me, ultimately leading me to study Biomedical Engineering at Queen Mary University of London.
I want to encourage more women and girls to partake in STEM fields, don’t let the lack of numbers scare you. STEM isn’t just for boys – It’s for everyone!
If you are looking for ways to spark your child’s interest in STEM here are some cool Kits to get them.
National Geographic Circuit Maker Kit – Great to spark Interest in Physics
National Geographic Mega Science Lab – Great for Chemistry Enthusiast
National Geographic Earth Science Kit – Great for Biology and Chemistry
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