The world needs more creative problem solvers. It’s one thing to get a college degree in science, math, or engineering. It’s another thing to produce fruitful solutions by integrating concepts with creative, practical results. What do results have to do with the hot topic of STEM vs STEAM learning for children? Everything!
STEM learning involves activities that foster learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEAM learning adds the creative ingredient of the Arts. The primary objective in both STEM and STEAM is to provide a well rounded education that equips the whole child so they can become a contributing member of their community. Read Smart helps kids catch up, keep up, and excel in reading so they can succeed in life.
Skills Children Need
In addition to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, children need skills such as:
- Creativity
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Initiative
What Is the A in STEAM?
The A in STEAM stands for the arts, and allows the arts to be integral components to innovation. STEAM encourages educators to incorporate the artistic and design-related skills and thinking processes while learning science, technology, engineering, and math.
Creative thinking can be practiced and utilized in problem solving, providing a beneficial connection between music and math and between engineering and design (think of the San Francisco bridge). Art is an integral part of applied science, technology, engineering, and math. So, the arts are beneficial to learning and help mold well-balanced, independent, successful adults. The arts includes:
- Liberal arts
- Fine arts
- Music
- Design
- Language arts
How do STEM and STEAM Learning Impact Daily Life?
- Science—self-care, medical care, baking…
- Technology—cell phone usage, tablet usage, computer savvy living…
- Engineering—create useful furniture like a bookcase or put together a playground out of wood…
- Art—home design, home décor, coordinated outfits…
- Math—living within a budget, grocery shopping, planning a vacation…
STEAM Learning
When educators teach the arts with other subjects, many students become more absorbed in learning. STEAM occupations are growing rapidly, so participating in this type of learning prepares children for success in their future. STEAM skills are used in many other subject areas as well as daily life as children grow and develop. The arts were added to STEM because they fit naturally. The arts are fabulous learning tools that draw in a whole group of students that may not have engaged in STEAM subjects without the arts ingredient.
Communication and expression abound with the arts. Engaging student strengths using arts activities improves motivation and the possibility for success in STEAM learning. All types of learners can get involved when the arts are vitally integrated into STEAM learning. Art can be applied to engineering design projects and computer graphics, as well as improve the overall look and professionalism of the presentation of any product created by STEM learning.
Performing arts, including speech, can fit well into the communication stage of an engineering design process. Creativity is always part of the solutions process no matter the subject area. And creativity is cultivated in the arts. Applied knowledge leads to deeper learning, and the arts can create that application of knowledge needed to cement concepts into students.
STEM Learning
STEM programs provide intense learning that integrates math and science to create technology and solutions for actual problems using an engineering-design approach. More people are hired in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) areas than any other fields, so STEM proponents argue that STEM occupations hire significantly more often than non-STEM occupations. STEM learning programs are highly motivating, engaging, and student centered.
Teachers use inquiry-based teaching methods, and students solve things like engineering challenges using a design process. Teamwork is an integral part of STEM learning programs. Math and science learning integrate, and communication among team members is essential. The fear of failure is minimized because students are encouraged to branch out and try their ideas. If an idea doesn’t work, they simply try again in a supportive environment that fosters innovation.
Get your child ready today for their tomorrow.
Many Students Don’t Read Well
Read Smart helps students master the skills they need in order to read well, and strengthens their foundation for all other learning.
Read Smart gives children every opportunity to master reading skills. In a nurturing, motivating atmosphere kids love, they get a personalized plan and a multisensory approach to learning.
Read Smart staff fosters communication with parents regarding their child’s learning. Get a free reading evaluation today.
