STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It emphasizes a problem-based, transdisciplinary approach to learning that focuses on 21st century skills. STEM is important because it prepares students for college and careers and emphasizes real-world problem solving through collaboration and hands-on experiences. Effective STEM teaching encourages students to make observations, ask questions, solve problems, work together, figure things out independently, gain hands-on experiences, create, synthesize information, and present their work.