You probably already know the meaning of STEM: science, technology, engineering and math. The four subjects are taught in unison to reinforce a student’s understanding of each skill. STEM is powerful for this reason:
But move over STEM, there’s a new acronym in town: STEAM. STEAM includes the addition of ‘a’ for ‘art’. Here’s All Education Schools’ take on it:“Instead of teaching math as separate from science, they can be taught together in a way that shows how the knowledge from those two fields complement and support each other” - Steam Powered Family
“STEM is a building block for STEAM. STEAM education makes its focus the application of science, technology, engineering and math through art and design.”
The addition of art can make intimidating subjects like science and math fun, accessible and interesting for kids to learn. For instance, a child may become more interested in learning computer programming when a familiar component like art leads into a deeper understanding of how they work together.
STEAM + Computer Programming Prepares Children for the Future
STEM vs STEAM isn’t really a debate when it comes to computer programming for kids. By teaching art alongside STEM, kids are given the tools and methods to explore creative new approaches to problem-solving. It takes creativity and the foundations of art and design to succeed in an engineering career. Likewise, coming up with new tech innovations takes large amounts of creativity.
"Skills need to be taught in an applied way, as part of a greater whole, rather than the traditional approach of individual subject silos.”
-STEAM Powered Family
Get A Glimpse of the Facts on the Future of Work
References:
https://www.steampoweredfamily.com/education/what-is-stem/
https://www.alleducationschools.com/resources/steam-education/