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So, what do they all mean, and why do they sound like the evolution of a Pokémon?

Regardless (lol), it is the focus of many educational curriculum enhancements, full of promises for future employment and the nation’s prosperity, security and competitiveness and it grows every year. Let’s see what makes them the same, and what separates them.

STEM: The scientific foundation

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Think of it as the solid, no-nonsense core of modern education. These subjects fuel innovation in fields like medicine, aerospace, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence. STEM education aims to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and quantitative reasoning — basically, the skills you need if you ever want to build a robot that can also file your taxes.

STEAM: Add a dash of creativity
Enter STEAM — same great STEM taste, now with Art! The “A” stands for integrating creative disciplines like visual arts, music, drama, and design. The idea is that imagination fuels innovation. After all, even the sleekest piece of tech — be it a smartphone or an electric car — needs great design, user experience, and marketing.

STEAM recognizes that human creativity is what turns a scientific discovery into a useful product. It’s also what makes a bridge not just functional, but beautiful.

STREAM: Reading into the future
And now, STREAM. No, it’s not where you go to unplug and catch trout. This acronym builds on STEAM by adding Reading (or sometimes Religion, in faith-based schools). This acknowledges the foundational importance of literacy in all learning. Reading fuels comprehension, communication, and the ability to think critically across all subject areas.

STREAM emphasizes the importance of integrating communication skills with scientific literacy. It’s one thing to build a new technology — it’s another to explain it clearly and ethically.

In plain English: STREAM is STEM + Arts + Literacy = Well-rounded, world-ready learners.

So why should you care — and what do zoos have to do with it?

In the U.S., STEM occupations are projected to grow by 10.4 percent from 2023 to 2033, outpacing the 4 percent growth rate for all occupations. The median annual wage for STEM jobs is $103,580, more than double the median wage for non-STEM occupations, which stands at $48,000. Women and minorities are underrepresented in STEM in the U.S.; women 35 percent to men 65 percent and Blacks and Hispanics make up only 17 percent of STEM jobs when they represent 32 percent of the population. Another disturbing statistic is that only 20 percent of U.S. high school students are prepared for college level coursework.

In Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), the emphasis on STEAM education is evident. As of the 2021–22 academic year, the district had designated 17 schools in STEM at the Gold level and 56 in STEAM. These schools meet rigorous criteria in integration, operations, and academics to receive their designations.

Here’s where things get wild — literally. Zoos and aquariums are ideal environments for kids (and curious adults) to experience STEM, STEAM and STREAM in action. They act as extensions and supplement what kids are learning in school. With a hands-on approach.

They aren’t just homes for cute animals and splashy dolphin shows. These institutions are living laboratories, offering a full sensory immersion into the real-world applications of science, conservation, engineering, art, and communication.

• Science? From animal behavior to biodiversity, conservation research is front and center.
• Technology? From telemetry tracking to water quality sensors, it’s everywhere.
• Engineering? Enclosure design and sustainability initiatives are all about innovation.
• Art? Interpretation signage, educational exhibits, and even puppet shows bring science to life.
• Reading? Storytime under the flamboyant tree or informative animal profiles get kids reading without them even noticing.

In short, a day at the zoo isn’t just fun — it’s an educational safari. Students see real scientists solving real problems, sometimes while knee-deep in flamingo ponds.

Conclusion: From classroom to conservation
Whether it’s STEM, STEAM or STREAM, the goal is the same: empower the next generation to ask questions, solve problems, and build a better world. And where better to get inspired than in the very places where science is saving species, where education is hands-on, and where curiosity is rewarded with a lion’s roar or wax figure from one of our Mold-A-Matic machines?

So if you want your kids (or yourself) to get up to speed on STEM, STEAM or STREAM come by the zoo so you can determine if they’re more into robotics or rhinos, or both.

Jose C. Romano is President and CEO of the Zoo Miami Foundation.

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