What do you think it means to be “smart”?

STEMgineer’s Guide to Problem Solving Workbooks

When you think of someone smart, you may think about a science genius, like Albert Einstein or Stephen Hawking, but knowing a lot of information is only one form of intelligence. Being book smart doesn’t automatically mean that someone has good judgement or emotional intelligence. Being able to adapt and communicate what you know is also a form of intelligence. Intelligence isn’t limited to good grades or academic knowledge, and STEM as a whole isn’t about how smart you are. 

Intelligence is More Than Knowing the Right Answer

Knowing a lot of information isn’t as helpful as many people believe if you can’t apply that information. For example, knowing a lot about how an octopus is able to camouflage itself can help engineers develop a solution for an adaptive display that changes based on its surroundings. Having an open mind is crucial for innovation because considering a new perspective could lead to a breakthrough when facing an unfamiliar problem. True intelligence means being open to learning something new every day. Thinking you know everything can actually limit your intelligence. This overconfidence can cloud your judgement, which is why many people say that being book smart doesn’t mean that someone is street smart, meaning that they may make poor decisions in the real world. 

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters

Emotional intelligence is all about empathy and self-awareness. Being able to understand your own emotions is crucial to understanding other people. Emotionally intelligent people can read social cues, foster strong relationships, and manage their emotions effectively. Emotional intelligence helps people learn and collaborate with others. This authentic human connection is what separates human intelligence from artificial intelligence, so learning and prioritizing emotional intelligence is important for the next generation. 

How Does Teamwork Demonstrate Intelligence?

Group projects are a great way to demonstrate that there are different types of intelligence. Effective teamwork means recognizing other people’s strengths. Some people are skilled leaders, while others are better at planning, and others may excel at communicating the final product. In STEM, teamwork is vital for solving difficult problems. As a team, students can combine their ideas and develop solutions that are better than any individual’s contribution. Successful STEM projects require students to have an open mind and communicate with each other. It’s important that students learn how to solve problems as a team because many STEM careers require people with different skills and perspectives to work together.

Intelligence Looks Different for Everyone

Intelligence can’t be measured solely through grades or test scores. There isn’t a single form of intelligence, but critical thinking, empathy, communication, and collaboration are all valuable skills that make a well-rounded person. Encourage your students to identify their individual strengths while recognizing what they can learn from others. Being smart isn’t knowing everything; it’s about continuing to learn every day.

Read more deep dives from STEM to Stern at the links below.

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