Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education prepares the young generation to be future ready. STEAM skills are important because they improve a student’s ability to innovate and solve issues using technology and science. By focusing on logical thought processes and problem-solving, students can develop mental habits and skills that will help them succeed in any field. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, employment in STEM occupations are projected to grow 8.8% by 2028, and healthcare occupations, which generally require a strong STEM background, are projected to grow even more. Meanwhile, non-STEM occupations will only grow 5%. Therefore, it is imperative to develop our young generation’s skills in the right way for them to be able to sustain through the changing times.

STEAM education is an essential component of building a well-rounded learner and adult. Technical skills are great, however without the knowledge of how STEAM and innovation can be implemented for positive impact, learners cannot fully understand, engage, or appreciate the importance of it. Trusity’s approach focuses on solving real-world problems with Innovation through STEAM and how to apply solutions in the real-world context using effective communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship. This approach makes STEAM accessible and relatable to all levels of learners and makes ‘tech’ less intimidating.

“STEAM enables educators to build a future generation with skills that go beyond technology and drives true innovation. STEAM gives a platform to form a partnership between technology and skills needed for a successful educational, professional and personal journey in life” said Shaun Thompson, Senior Academic Director, Trusity.

STEAM education is vital in developing critical thinking skills and instilling a passion for innovation. Ryan Joshua, Year 5, St.Mary’s Catholic High School, Dubai, a student of Robotics at Trusity created a humanoid robot named Blast 51515. He used four motors with gears to build the robot and EV3 BRICK to build the head. His robot could fire darts or hammer obstacles and grab items. “Makers can be the ultimate commanders, programming the robot to scan the environment and fire darts if it senses danger. Robots can do anything. They can help people of determination. The more we build robots, the more we help people.”, said the young bright learner.

Trusity, the KHDA approved, STEM.Org Accredited platform understands the need for developing a love for learning in children. To drive the focus on the importance of STEAM education, Trusity is conducting an Interschool STEAM Competition open to all students in the UAE across different curriculums. The competition will be held for three different age groups: 8-10, 11-13 and 14-17 years.

Learners are invited to innovatively apply their STEAM skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems and showcase their ideas via a competition entry. They can research and identify their own challenges to solve which should have a local or global impact.

Learners can use any element of STEAM to create their solution and submit it as a project.

Prizes will be given according to the following categories:

• Most Innovative Project
• Most Popular Project
• Most Innovative School

A committee of experienced STEAM teachers will judge each submission and identify the overall winner for each age group. As a part of recognizing the most innovative school, an average score across the school submissions will be taken to identify and name one school as the winner. Project submissions will be measured on the metrics of problem-solving, innovation, creativity, impact and communication.

Schools can drive the power of STEAM learning in their students by encouraging them to step in to help make a difference in the ever-changing world. Register before October 31st at https://zfrmz.com/gZfayQ60OtxepPMyBp2r