Page 31 - issue 26

Technically Speaking 31

From STEM

to STEAM

and proof that

the San are

well versed

in Structural

Mechanics

Professor Edward Chikuni
Energy Expert and Engineering
Educator
Botho University
Gaborone -Botswana

n an article that appeared in the “Patriot on Sunday” Although the idea that STEM qualifications were a most
(29 September, 2019) we discussed the History of desirable thing started in the US, here in Africa we have also
IEngineering and pointed out that the invention of the embraced it. Embracing STEM, we have, but implementing
Steam Engine by an African and its further development STEM education is a momentous task for us. It requires a
in Europe changed civilization, for good or for worse, but lot of infrastructure and STEM educated human resources.
nevertheless, forever. One needs roads and telecommunications, laboratories
and of course cash to pay teachers, to maintain equipment
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and and replenish supplies.
Mathematics and any subjects that fall under these four
disciplines. The idea started in the USA where it was It is not surprising that during the Middle Ages, hundreds
found that high-tech jobs were difficult to fill because of years ago, the Catholic Church, which was very rich
of the lack of competencies that where demonstrated from paying no taxes and levying tithes had many of
by graduates of STEM degrees / qualifications. A list, its priests engaged in science. Examples are Father
and by no means a comprehensive list, of STEM subjects Copernicus the astronomer and Bishop Albert of Saxony,
is: Aerospace Engineering, Astronomy, Biochemistry, who did pioneering work in Mathematics, Physics and
Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Logic. Another early priest-scientist was Father Gerbert
Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical engineering, d’Aurillac, who perfected a device for making astronomical
Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, measurements. He was so clever that he was suspected
Psychology, Statistics. to have used magic, i.e. “modi” in Setswana, , to become

www.engineermagazine.co.bw Issue 26 Feb-Mar 2020