Resources for STEAM

The Benefits of STEAM

• STEM to STEAM: Art in K-12 is Key to Strong Economy: Learn how adding art and design elements to STEM approaches may help students be better prepared to solve the creative problems of the future. (Edutopia, 2012)
• The Art of Thinking Like a Scientist: Read about the links between the arts and STEM. (ASCD Express, 2014)
• Creativity is the Secret Sauce in STEM: Learn about the critical role creativity plays in science, technology, engineering, and math. (Edutopia, 2013)
• At the Crossroads of STEM, STEAM, and Arts Integration: Understand how interdisciplinary approaches can be pivot points across multiple content areas. (Edutopia, 2013)

Project-Based Learning and STEAM

• PBL and STEAM Education: Discover how combining the pedagogical model of PBL with the rich content area of STEAM can be a winning combination. (Edutopia, 2014)
• PBL Meets the Next Gen Science Standards: Read about the new engineering focus of the Next Generation Science Standards and how design challenges may align to the standards as a key component of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics education. (Edutopia, 2014)
• Creativity, Candy, and Commerce: Find out how middle school students brought curiosity and passion to their STEAM learning through the design, manufacture, and marketing of their own signature chocolate bars. (Edutopia, 2015)
• From Modern Farm to Sustainable Table: Teaching STEM and Humanities with Authenticity: Discover how one school uses an interdisciplinary PBL program to address content in biology, mathematics, social studies, and language arts; ninth graders conduct on-site sustainability studies, design hydroponic gardens, grow food, and engage in an Iron Chef cook-off. (Edutopia, 2014)
• In San Diego, Students Juxtapose Art and Science to Learn About the Deadliest Cancer: Find out how students at High Tech High Charter School use art and science with the context of project-based learning to learn about melanomas and increase melanoma awareness. (Hechinger Report, 2014)

STEAM-Powered Projects and Programs

• 5-Minute Film Festival: Arts Integration Turns STEM to STEAM: Watch a video playlist to learn about programs and projects around the country that are exploring STEAM learning. (Edutopia, 2015)

• Featured STEAM Case Studies: Explore case studies of STEAM in practice. (STEM to STEAM/Rhode Island School of Design)
• Growing From STEM to STEAM: Read about a STEAM experiment in one school district, and find several tips for school districts on how to get started with having the arts and sciences work together in STEAM. (ArtsEdge at the Kennedy Center)
• Q&A with David Cole: Why We Need the "A" in STEAM: Learn about a STEAM curriculum that combines traditional STEM skills with artistic practices. (Graphite, 2014)

STEAM Activity and Project Ideas

• 5 Reasons Why Origami Improves Students' Skills: Explore ways to use origami, the ancient art of paper folding, as a STEAM engine for teaching geometry, thinking skills, fractions, problem solving, and fun science. (Edutopia, 2015)
• Over 25 STEAM Links Filled With Resources and Information: Find articles, project ideas, programs, and lesson plans to help inform STEAM curriculum planning. (21st Century Educational Technology and Learning, 2014)
• 24 Apps, Games, and Websites Teachers are Using in STEAM Classrooms: Browse a teacher-sourced list of teaching tools for various grade levels and subjects. (Graphite, 2014)

Examples From Schools That Work

Edutopia's flagship series highlights practices and case studies from K-12 schools and districts that are improving the way students learn. Below, dive into a real-world example of STEAM in practice.

STEAM + Project-Based Learning: Real Solutions From Driving Questions

See how educators at Charles R. Drew Charter School in Atlanta, Georgia, integrate PBL and STEAM to empower third grade students to take ownership of their education as they prepare for the next Snowpocalypse.