What does STEAM stand for?
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The need for STEM programming in education developed out of concern that future generations were lacking critical skills needed to succeed in the current and future economy. STEM programming teaches innovation, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration among many other skills proven to lead to success.
What is STEAM?
STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The difference is that arts are included, ranging from visual arts, language arts and physical arts to music and more. STEAM focuses on sparking imagination and creativity through the arts in ways that naturally align with STEM learning.
Modern Knowledge
They learn how to use sensors, actuators, building blocks, and different types of robot modules. They learn how to wire and code them to achieve the desired results.It is a practical implementation of what they have learned, and they will have a feeling of self-satisfaction and pride once they achieve tangible outcomes.
Education is no longer about memorizing facts in the coursebooks. It's more about applying the knowledge to real-life situations and showing students how subjects can integrate.
STEM vs. STEAM
The STEM to STEAM movement has been taking root over the past several years and is surging forward as a positive mode of action to truly meet the needs of a 21st century economy. STEM alone misses several key components that many employers, educators, and parents have voiced as critical for our children to thrive in the present and rapidly approaching future.
Much has been proclaimed about the need for more STEM “programs” in our schools. The logic is simple: the wave of future economic prosperity lies in a workforce that is well-versed in rising job markets like science, technology, engineering and math. Thus, there has been an increased investment in STEM initiatives in schools. This includes (but is not limited to):
- providing mobile devices for students (sometimes in the forms of computer labs, and other times in the form of 1:1
– a single device for each student)- after-school STEM clubs or programs
- STEM curriculum, where projects using STEM practices are embedded
- BYOD initiatives (bring your own device)
- STEM days to encourage hands-on exploration within each of these disciplines- robotics programs
While these initiatives are a wonderful start into the exploration of these four areas of study, the critical process of creativity and innovation is missing. Students in STEM programs may have more experiential learning opportunities, but they are limited to only science, technology, engineering and math. Our economy requires so much more than an understanding of these areas – it requires application, creation and ingenuity. STEM alone does not foster these essential nutrients.
STEAM is a way to take the benefits of STEM and complete the package by integrating these principles in and through the arts. STEAM takes STEM to the next level: it allows students to connect their learning in these critical areas together with arts practices, elements, design principles, and standards to provide the whole pallet of learning at their disposal. STEAM removes limitations and replaces them with wonder, critique, inquiry, and innovation.
Focus on hands-on learning
Regardless of your preference on STEM education or STEAM education, the key factor remains: using hands-on experiences to teach children the important concepts that will help position them for future success is critical. Hands-on learning allows students to think creatively and use innovation to find unique solutions to common problems – ultimately making our world a better place.
Ready to join STEM learning?
The benefits of STEM competitions include opportunities for students to think critically and work together in a team.
Now, since you have successfully mastered how to engage your kids in STEM. It’s time to figure out how to integrate these STEM skills into a kid’s life. You can give your children following robotic kits through exploring physics, engineering ,and other topics by assembling small machines, encouraging them to engage in STEM.