STEAM and Project Based Learning
STEAM = Science & Technology interpreted through Engineering & the Arts, all based in Mathematical elements.
Students in a STEM program or school learn subjects through projects that combine the subjects rather than teaching them in isolation; as we have been used to with separate times devoted to math, science, social studies and reading.
For example, students could decide to investigate how to add a recycling program to their school. They may first research (science and reading) how other schools have adopted a program. They could determine how much recycling their school would produce and the types of containers required to hold the recycling (math). Next, they could contact recycling centers and brainstorm ways to deliver the recycling (social studies). Finally, they could build containers for the recycling (engineering).
Adding the Arts to STEM programs helps them to reach more students by allowing students to show their learning in multiple ways according to their own personal interests and talents. Students might create a play, song or physical activity to represent their learning.
For example, students could decide to investigate how to add a recycling program to their school. They may first research (science and reading) how other schools have adopted a program. They could determine how much recycling their school would produce and the types of containers required to hold the recycling (math). Next, they could contact recycling centers and brainstorm ways to deliver the recycling (social studies). Finally, they could build containers for the recycling (engineering).
Adding the Arts to STEM programs helps them to reach more students by allowing students to show their learning in multiple ways according to their own personal interests and talents. Students might create a play, song or physical activity to represent their learning.
Project Based Learning
Project based learning allows students to learn through hands on projects where they can ask questions, investigate and solve problems.
Why Project Based Learning ?
- It allows students to learn through real world application.
- Students retain knowledge better when they have applied it in meaningful ways.
- It allows students to be engaged and learn through hands-on experiences.
- Students can learn to use technology in ways that can be transferred to future careers.
- It allows students to learn to work collaboratively, a skill that is essential in most jobs.