The Knowledge Review The 20 Most Innovative STEM College and Universiti | Page 14

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TEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology,
engineering and mathematics — with an interdisciplinary and applied approach. STEM is a potentially new
educational powerhouse, and when applied properly, this curriculum can make a big difference in how our future
leaders see the world, and solve problems. It is an exciting paradigm for giving children the tools to compete in the
highly competitive global economy.
By focusing on the interaction of mathematics and science, the STEM education model emphasizes the importance of
integrated teaching knowledge for successful transition of the departmentalized model of teaching to an integrated
model that promotes innovation. Determined to impart the innovation instinct in today’s learners, Michigan
Technological University has developed a number of initiatives that directly promote STEM education, both
within the University and in the K-12 community that feeds the University. Michigan Technological University
is a public research university, home to more than 7,000 students from 60 countries around the world.
Founded in 1885, the University offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in
science and technology, engineering, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities,
mathematics, computer science and social sciences. Michigan Tech is located in the small town of
Houghton on the Keweenaw Peninsula of Lake Superior, about 100 miles north of the Wisconsin
border on a campus of about 925 acres.
Invent, Design, Code, Create, and Compete at Michigan Tech
Michigan Tech researchers examine the factors that affect teaching and learning of
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) material. They study the
methods that are most effective for teaching scientific and mathematical concepts by
working with undergraduate students, pre-service teachers, professional
educators, and the general public, with the goal of improving the learning
process. Their inventive and smart students team up with the researchers,
faculty, mentors, and peers to invent, design, code, create and compete
in building a sustainable and reliable future. The university’s
mission states, “We prepare students to understand and safely
manage Earth and its resources for the future.” Working
intuitively towards its mission, Michigan Tech has
progressed in various fields such as engineering,
science and technology programs, including
mechanical engineering, materials
science and engineering, biomedical
engineering, informatics,
quantum physics, forestry