HOW CAN STEAM BE IMPLEMENTED IN MY CLASSROOM?
In this module, you will be learning strategies to implement STEAM activities in your own classroom. Your understanding will be assessed at the end of the module with a quiz.
First, we will discuss what STEAM Education looks like in a classroom. Please watch the video below to learn more.
First, we will discuss what STEAM Education looks like in a classroom. Please watch the video below to learn more.
STEAM in the classroom is...
carefully planned, project-based, and student-centered, and it must include the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics in one cohesive unit or project. For example, having students use computers to research a topic cannot be classified as a STEAM assignment because it does not incorporate all 5 disciplines.
STEAM in a classroom is not...
spontaneous and simple. Projects require a great deal of planning and preparation on the part of the instructor because they ties multiple disciplines together, and STEAM projects are usually time consuming because they include so many different components. They may take weeks, months, or even years to complete. Because of complexity of these projects, they can be a collaborative effort between different content teachers.
Project-Centered Learning
STEAM centers around the development of projects that are based off of real world problems and issues. These projects require students to research, propose and select a solution, and create a design. Once a prototype or model has been created, students test and present their findings, and if time allows, they redesign the project and make improvements. These projects should align to a local, regional, or global problem or need (Something that students can relate to!). There are some examples included below.
The photos below were taken from a STEM project being conducted at LaFayette High School in the agriculture science department.
Here is an example of another STEAM project used in a math classroom in Wyoming. The project described in the video is a collaborative effort between three content teachers.
STEAM Design Steps
The infographic above highlights the 10 steps of STEAM implementation in the classroom. A STEAM unit provides an in depth experience for students that allows them to engage in higher order thinking skills. Many STEAM projects often begin with a science concept or problem, and the other four aspects of STEAM are then incorporated into the research, design, development, and testing components of the project.
Here are some examples of instructional strategies you can have students perform to integrate each component into a STEAM project you are developing:
The main thing to remember when designing your STEAM project is to include one activity from each discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).
Please take the quiz below to test your understanding of the content presented in this module.
Here are some examples of instructional strategies you can have students perform to integrate each component into a STEAM project you are developing:
- Science: problem selection, experimentation (using the Scientific Method)
- Technology: researching (using online libraries, web searches), communication (blogging, videoconferencing, emailing)
- Engineering: building or improving a design/model
- Art: writing, communications, poetry, video presentations, creating models
- Mathematics: collecting data, analyzing data outcomes, performing geometry problems
The main thing to remember when designing your STEAM project is to include one activity from each discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).
Please take the quiz below to test your understanding of the content presented in this module.
Extension Challenge
Now that you have learned about strategies and steps to implementing STEAM into your classroom, take a minute to brainstorm a possible lesson where you could incorporate a STEAM project. Feel free to use the 10 steps to help you design the project when you are ready!
Now that you have learned about strategies and steps to implementing STEAM into your classroom, take a minute to brainstorm a possible lesson where you could incorporate a STEAM project. Feel free to use the 10 steps to help you design the project when you are ready!