Initially
promoted by the Rhode Island School of Design, STEAM is a response to STEM, a
current educational approach with a focus upon science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics. STEAM adds art to the acronym to underscore the
importance of innovation and creativity in education.
The
widespread knowledge of the importance of STEAM is evidenced in a recently
developed NAEA position paper on STEAM education and Sesame Street’s Season 43
Curriculum that adds art to STEM, stating online that STEAM “helps make
learning concepts relevant and enticing to young children by highlighting how
artists use STEM knowledge to enhance their art or solve problems. It also
provides context for the importance of STEM knowledge in careers in the arts
(e.g. musician, painter, sculptor, and dancer).”
This
month in SchoolArts Magazine we offer a number of meaningful approaches to including STEAM in your
curriculum. Reflect on your own teaching to consider how it may already work
with STEAM and don’t be shy about sharing your STEAM efforts.
NAEA
Position Paper on STEAM Education, adopted April 2015
STEAM
education refers to teaching and learning in the fields of Science, Technology,
Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. The STEAM approach is the infusion of art
and design principles, concepts, and techniques into STEM instruction and
learning. This is achieved through the use of STEAM curricula, collaboration of
non-arts educators with certified/licensed art educators, teaching artists, and
community-based arts organizations. It includes educational activities across
all grade levels in both classrooms and in community-based settings.
STEAM
approaches support the inclusion and involvement of professionals and resources
from the community to support STEAM programs. Artists and designers experienced
with STEAM are integral to driving workforce innovation in a variety of fields.
Visual
arts content and artistic ways of thinking are fundamental and valuable
components of high-quality STEAM education. NAEA believes
that:
·
STEAM education values all STEAM
disciplines equally
·
STEAM education is implemented through
a wide variety of approaches
·
STEAM education encourages creativity
and innovation
·
STEAM education acknowledges the rigor
found in visual art
NAEA believes that to be
successful in STEM related career fields, students must be proficient in visual
thinking and creative problem-solving facilitated by a strong visual art
education.
R
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