Have you ever spotted that one Science or Maths class on your schedule and felt your day go downhill? Have you ever entered those classes and sensed how your brain just checks out for the next hour?

These types of subjects—Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)—have a unique way of making many of us just start running for cover, literally. But do they really have to be a dreaded part of our day?

Here’s the deal: They don’t need to be, and they could actually prove to be the key to an exciting future. Before you start rolling your eyes at me, hear me out—I’ll break down why STEM might be more relevant (and rewarding!) than you’d think, while also giving out some teacher-approved tips to help you survive (and eventually enjoy) this crazy ride.

What’s the Big Deal about STEM?

To put it shortly, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, but they go way beyond what you see in the textbooks. They are all interconnected subjects that flow into one another. They form a framework of exploring patterns, building systems and solving complex challenges. The acronym captures this unity, emphasizing their collaboration over division in pursuit of knowledge and innovation. It’s all about understanding how our world works.

And here’s the cool part, these subjects can show up where you’d least expect them. Confronted with a gaming addiction? STEM is behind every line of code and the game design. Ever dreamt of working in fashion? STEM is there, in the form of your sustainable materials. Even fields like music, social media and sports rely on STEM to innovate.

So, at its core, STEM isn’t really just a displeasing set of classes—It’s a way of thinking that helps you create, analyze and understand how things work. And the best part? You don’t have to be some “math person” or a nerd to get something out of it. STEM is just as much about inquisitiveness and creativity, so if you’re open to seeing how the world works(and making it work better), then STEM might just be your thing.

Strategies to make STEM more Manageable

Image licensed under Creative Commons by dankos.de

Now let’s talk about a couple of strategies you could be using to bring this whole “STEM subjects” thing to your advantage. And don’t panic, once you’ve mastered at least one of these, most of your (STEM-induced) troubles will vanish.

1. Think About Your Thinking

Yeah, it does sound weird, but metacognition (a.k.a. being aware of how you’re learning) is a real game-changer. Ask yourself questions while studying: Why does this work? What do I still not understand? Reflecting on what you know-and don’t- helps you fill in those gaps faster. Just keep those questions coming (and the answers all the same)!!!!

2. Quality Over Quantity

Studying for hours won’t mean much when you’re literally just zoning out in front of your notes. Make your study sessions short and active: Solve problems, explain concepts or maybe even quiz yourself. It’s not about how long you study-it’s about how much you engage with the material.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice!

Repetition is the secret sauce of STEM mastery. Redo practice problems, experiment with the new ones, and push yourself with trickier examples. The more you practice, the easier it gets—like lifting weights, but more like for your brain.

Tips from Teachers: How to Succeed in STEM Classes

Hoping that I didn’t lose you by now, let’s get into some more serious matters. Who’s better to give out advice on STEM than the people who actually teach it? Now, drum rolls please for……….Ms. Shamirian and Mr. Pray!!!

First off, let’s start with the wisdom dropped by our MYP Science Teacher Larisa Shamirian. This is one study habit that she suggests to students:

“Start with something you find interesting or useful, or have a specific goal in mind. When you know WHY you are taking that subject, the necessary steps to succeed will follow.”

—Larisa Shamirian

Therefore, you should start focusing on something that sparks your curiosity—whether it’s more of a personal interest or a big-picture topic. When you connect STEM to your own goals or the world’s challenges, it becomes more meaningful, and the steps to succeed start to feel like opportunities rather than obstacles.

More than that, Shamirian also shared that consistency is key, and even if you may fail a certain amount of times, you cannot do so forever, making way for a point where you will eventually succeed.

Next, MYP Science Teacher and DP ESS Teacher Matthew Pray shared his top tips for STEM success. His number one piece of advice? Review and practice every night.

“This is probably true for most subjects but I really feel it is especially important for STEM, especially as you get into the higher levels. [You should] also utilize all the resources online. LLM’s (Large Language Models) have tutor functions where you can ask questions and places like YouTube have literally thousands of videos of people explaining the topics you are studying and interested in to hear different perspectives or get other viewpoints on what you are learning.”

—Matthew Pray

So…Why Do We Care So Much about STEM?

STEM isn’t just another set of subjects to “get through.” It’s everywhere. It shapes pretty much everything around you, around us. From the tech in your phone to breakthroughs in medicine, from the latest sneakers to climate change, STEM is at the core of innovation.

And here’s the kicker—it’s not just about cool careers or big paychecks (though those are a bonus), learning STEM teaches you how to think critically about the world around you, solve problems creatively and adapt to any challenge life may throw your way.

So yeah, we do care about STEM because it’s the key to building a better future- for you and for the world. Now, hoping that I’ve convinced you, it’s time to get back to work and immerse yourself in the beautiful lands of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.