“STEAM” and “STEM”…These terms are present on the walls of countless educational institutions and libraries across the globe. A number of schools have also adopted STEAM teaching methodologies, but what is it exactly?
Here’s everything you need to know to help set your child up for future success.
DEFINE STEAM EDUCATION
STEAM and STEM education describe a curriculum that is based on educating students in either four or five categories, depending on which acronym is being referenced.
STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
This clever acronym was first introduced by the National Science Foundation. The need for STEAM education was a result of educators wanting to prepare the next generation of the global workforce, create relevant jobs, and boost the economy.
We know what you are thinking, though, “Haven’t these concepts and subjects been taught for decades?”
The answer is yes, but the STEAM curriculum has a different approach. Instead of teaching all concepts separately, STEAM education integrates them into one cohesive learning experience that is based on real-world applications. Brilliant, right!?
Infographic Courtesy of Snapology HQ
WHAT IS THE STEAM PROCESS?
Now that we know what STEAM education is, we can focus on the processes that drive it. STEAM’s foundations are based on inquiry, critical thinking, curiosity, and processed-based learning. It’s important to note that the entire idea surrounding STEAM and STEM education, lessons, and the overall approach is that it is fundamentally based on questioning.
The purpose of STEAM/STEM is to be able to find the answers and solutions to problems/questions using and integrating some key concepts.
Like any process, STEAM education follows a series of actions and steps. The steps that are followed vary depending on the educator, but all have the common end goal of solving a problem.
Often, when STEAM education is being taught, educators reference the “Design Thinking Process”. The Design Thinking Process consists of the following steps:
- Define & Observe
- Empathize
- Visualize
- Create a Prototype
- Test & Refine
Educators will also usually integrate hands-on lessons and interactive tools into the learning process, which keeps children more focused and inspired.
WHY IS STEAM EDUCATION IMPORTANT?
STEAM education is popular for a reason. Here are some of the reasons why you may want to consider introducing your child to this style of learning.
Boosts Critical Thinking Skills
With a focus on inquiry-based learning, STEM education challenges students to evaluate, interpret, and find creative and innovative solutions to problems. These solutions are linked to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. This unique approach to learning boosts critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve them well now and in the future.
Encourages Creativity
STEAM education is designed to stimulate curiosity and encourage children to think outside the box. When they explore different perspectives, the result is creative products that are linked to real-world applications. STEAM also teaches children that there is more than one way to do something, leaving them feeling more comfortable with their own thoughts, opinions, and ideas.
Aids in Sensory Development
Children start using their basic senses long before they’re able to crawl or walk. And because STEM education encourages younger children to explore and interact with their environments, it can aid in sensory development.
STEAM lessons for younger age groups include tools and activities that incorporate textures, noises and smells in a relaxed and interactive environment.
Fosters Teamwork and Collaboration
Many STEM lessons will include group projects. By working as a team, children learn to listen actively, communicate clearly, and respect the ideas and opinions of others. Engaging with other children in the classroom can also bring them out of their shells, boosting their confidence and helping them make friends more easily.
Improves Communication Skills
Communication doesn’t come easily to all children, but STEM education can change this. As children interact and experiment with new tools, concepts, and materials, it automatically improves their vocabulary and communication skills.
As their vocabulary grows and they spend more time in group settings, it becomes easier for them to share their thoughts, opinions, and emotions. At the same time, they will develop stronger relationships with the people around them.
Establishes a Love for Lifelong Learning
STEAM combines fun with education, which gives children a whole new take on what it means to develop new skills. As they engage in fun and valuable activities, they discover just how much they’re capable of.
This positive association with education will get them more excited about learning now and in the future. The result is a child who is always willing to learn something new and bring their ideas to life.
Prepares Students for Future Success
The final reason why STEM and STEAM education is highly beneficial is because it can better prepare students for a world that’s centered on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Many of today’s careers require a foundation in one of these niches, making these skills invaluable.
WHY WAS THE ‘A’ ADDED TO STEM EDUCATION?
Prior to adopting the STEAM acronym, there was only STEM. The ‘A’ in STEAM, as mentioned earlier, stands for the arts.
You might be thinking, “What does art have to do with STEAM education?” Arts education is a vital component of the STEAM process because STEAM-related products and designs are linked to creative and artistic designs.
This is where the interdisciplinary ability of STEAM concepts becomes extremely important in education.
In an article published by EdWeek.org they explain that art serves a practical function. Students need to apply elements of design to the various challenges they undertake. They could use computer graphics to create logos or stylized designs for communications or presentations. Through industrial design, students could improve the appearance, design, and usability of a product created during a STEM project.
As a result, it is much easier for STEAM concepts to be communicated by integrating visual arts, thus further stressing the importance of the ‘A’ in STEAM education.
EXAMPLES OF STEAM AND STEAM ACTIVITIES
The average STEAM classroom will include activities such as:
Building Robots
Future STEAM educators readily incorporate robotics into their lessons. Robots are usually programmed to perform specific tasks. By designing, building, and programming robots, kids learn essential engineering principles, coding basics, and critical thinking skills.
Building Structures
Using interactive tools, children will design and build sustainable structures. Some examples include solar-powered models, skyscrapers, and even greenhouses. Not only does this instill key engineering principles, but it promotes environmental awareness, too.
Designing Stock Animations
The creation of stock animations combines technology and art. Kids are introduced to graphic design, storytelling, and software development, all of which are critical skills for the future.
Coding Games
Coding and game development are other popular STEAM activities. By teaching children about different programming languages, they get the chance to develop their own interactive games. Any form of coding activity is a great way to build creativity, technology, and problem-solving skills.
Exploring Mathematical Patterns
Maths is another core part of STEM education. By exploring symmetry, scale, and geometric patterns, kids will develop a greater understanding of the mathematical patterns behind architectural structures. This is one way that STEM opens students up to real-world applications of these essential concepts.
IS MY CHILD TOO YOUNG FOR STEM OR STEAM EDUCATION?
There is no right age to start introducing your children to STEAM education. A study by the John Hopkins University Laboratory for Child Development states that even children under the age of 12 months are able to understand experiments.
However, STEAM lessons can really make a difference from about the age of five. This is when a child starts to truly question the world around them and wants to be creative.
At Snapology, our classes cater to children between the ages of 3 and 14, with each class incorporating age-appropriate activities.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM STEAM LESSONS AT SNAPOLOGY
We’ve built our classes on the fact that children thrive when they can actively design, create, interact, and invent. Through the exploration of science, technology, engineering, art, and math concepts, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Snapology educators follow a flexible curriculum that can be adapted to the unique needs of each group based on age, capabilities, and interests. This ensures that each child can explore at their own pace in a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Learning through play is what Snapology is all about. Our hands-on, interactive learning activities will help your child to flourish in ways they never thought possible.
Along with camps and workshops, we also offer the following programs:
- Core STEAM Classes. Our core STEAM classes focus on Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards that teach children about science, technology, engineering, art, and math using LEGO® bricks and other learning tools.
- Animation and Technology. Snapology’s technology classes introduce children to computer literacy, techniques, and programming through fun interactive activities. Through STEAM projects, children develop digital literacy skills and gain an understanding of how to solve real-world problems in a technology-driven society.
Ready to discover the power of the holistic approach to learning that STEAM education offers? Enroll your child in a Snapology class, workshop, or camp near you.
