目前，在美国，教育学家研究出一种可能克服STEM学习障碍的方法：STEM学习生态系统。该学习生态系统利用教育工作者、政策制定者、家庭以及其他领域的人群对此独特的贡献，为所有美国儿童提供了STEM教育的广阔视野。本论文主要阐述了STEM生态系统的定义属性、潜在作用以及领先的策略方法，以此希望其他人能够利用这些课程去丰富儿童的STEM学习。

STEM Learning Ecosystems - A Definition

A STEM learning ecosystem encompasses schools, community settings such as after-school and summer programs, science centers and museums, and informal experiences at home and in a variety of environments that together constitute a rich array of learning opportunities for young people. A learning ecosystem harnesses the unique contributions of all these different settings in symbiosis to deliver STEM learning for all children. Designed pathways enable young people to become engaged, knowledgeable and skilled in the STEM disciplines as they progress through childhood into adolescence and early adulthood.

Challenges:

1.Accessing adequate, sustained funding. Said Kenneth Hill of the Chicago Pre- College Science and Engineering Program, "The only reason we don't have 2000 children and parents yet [in our Saturday classes] is we need more money."
2.Collecting data and assessing outcomes in a comprehensive manner, across learning settings and over time.
3.Finding time and trust to successfully navigate differences among formal and informal cultures, including language and terminology, education and experience, accountability and vision.
4.Successfully engaging families, as efforts often fall short in attracting participation and assessing their impact is difficult.
5.Figuring out which organization or group of organizations is best positioned todrive the ecosystem building effort, and giving them the power to do so.
6. Transitioning through leadership changes, particularly in the formal education system, which can set back efforts.