An intersection is the place where different paths come together. STEM, or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, is often separated from the arts. But many people say that the two subject areas are connected. The arts need math and science to understand colour theory and psychology. STEM subjects need the arts for marketing, design, and sociology. Learning cannot be completely separated into the sciences and the arts, because the two subject areas frequently intersect.
STEM and the arts are divided, sometimes because of personal interest, but more often because one subject area is considered better or more useful than the other. This separation is a fairly new idea. Historically, philosophers, scientists, and authors usually had more than one passion. Dr. Mae Jemison is an astronaut, doctor, and dancer. In a TED talk, she explained that STEM and the arts are both inspired by common goals: curiosity and the need to express our ideas. Dr. Jemison suggested that STEM aims for personal understanding of common experiences, and the arts aim for common understanding of personal experiences. The arts and STEM need each other to put ideas into action and share understanding with others. Exploring and connecting the two subject areas can expand knowledge. For example, learning about the ways people interact and examining social patterns throughout history can show a computer science student what makes a program or website appealing to viewers. Studying geometry and psychology can help a painter know where to place objects in a composition, according to what pleases the eye.
Beyond practical purposes, branching out of your preferred subject area builds creativity and critical thinking skills. Creativity is necessary for solving math or science problems that need inventive or intuitive solutions. Creative activities like video games and photography can actually help you with math! The ability to express yourself creatively is an incredibly useful skill to have. It can assist communication and develop a sense of self. Learning to think critically is especially helpful for a tech-focused world, because we are constantly exposed to a lot of information that may or may not be accurate. Studying STEM subjects can help you exercise the skills of hypothesizing and forming your own conclusions based on evidence. This is important while doing an arts-related activity like writing, because you need to be sure the information you are sharing is correct, and your point of view is well informed. Bringing creativity and critical thinking together expands the possibilities of STEM and the arts.
Branching out of your interest area can be intimidating, but no one is perfect at something right away, and perfection does not have to be your goal. If you are interested in coding, or pottery, or poetry, give it a try. Even if it does not end in triumph, you may have gained some useful skills along the way.
Written by:
Resources
Lachman, R. (2018, January 18). STEAM not STEM: Why scientists need arts training. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/steam-not-stem-why-scientists-need-arts-training-89788
TEDx Talks. (2016, May 26). STEM and the Arts | Dr. Makola Abdullah | TEDxRVA. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmboiJh6qJU
TED. (2009, May 5). Mae Jemison on teaching arts and sciences together. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vy0ncmUvUw