The second Jiangsu STEM Education Conference is held in Wuxi's Huishan district from Sept 27 to 29. [Photo/wxjy.com.cn]

The second Jiangsu STEM Education Conference was held in Wuxi's Huishan district from Sept 27 to 29, announcing the Guidelines on STEM Courses of Jiangsu Elementary Education to be piloted around the province. The first pilot areas for STEM education in Jiangsu, including the Huishan district and Nanjing's Xuanwu district, were also released at the conference.

The event attracted representatives from 269 STEM-engaged schools in Jiangsu, eager to study STEM theory and exchange ideas.

Five county-level education bureaus, including the Huishan district education authority, signed agreements with the Jiangsu Academy of Educational Sciences. The official website of the Jiangsu research center of STEM collaborative innovation went online on the same day.

STEM, which is receiving increasing emphasis from around the world, is an acronym for an education system emphasizing science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Its aim is to promote integration of multiple curricula, and place greater emphasis on students' creativity and problem-solving skills.

In 2016, Jiangsu's education authority established a research center of STEM collaborative innovation to plan and promote STEM education, as well as offer schools guidance on curriculum development and teacher training.

Wuxi has taken the lead on STEM education, making remarkable achievements. As the host of the World Internet of Things Exposition, Wuxi has built the STEM education development platform to strengthen makers and internet of things education. The city has also held promotional conferences and developed relevant courses to advance STEM education.

Currently Wuxi has three provincial curriculum bases, three education reform projects and 21 model schools for piloting STEM education, including Jiangsu Xishan Senior High School.