A broadened area branching out from STEM education, STEAM typically refers more to the creative side of things. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, which also happen to encompass some of the most prominent careers today. If we add an 'A' to make it STEAM, however, now we're incorporating art as well. Though not super closely related to science and technology on the surface, the arts may seem to be a strange element to add into STEM learning. With more opportunities to be creative, however, students can develop many of the key skills they'd need for success in a STEM career. STEAM learning encompasses many different areas—from artistic projects or makerspace endeavors to creatively solving problems. As kids try new, hands-on experiences, they also have more chances to activate inquiry and curiosity. And, these are two key drivers of learning and discovery.
Essentially, moving from STEM to STEAM involves adding extra creativity and opportunities for artistic freedom and exploration. Oftentimes, children will leverage various technologies in STEM or MakerEd projects but they can do even more. Tapping into the STEAM side of things, this gives them a chance to learn how thought-provoking questions and unique design elements can also come into play during their problem-solving processes. Educators could still encourage students to question things and connect problems to solutions—albeit with a more artistic lens. In STEAM projects, children often get to incorporate personalized details that illustrate some of their passions. And, while this self-expression is also important, it's how they authenticate these projects to the next degree that's truly valuable. Browse our STEAM content below for more insights and check out our store for all the tools you'll need.
Coding and arts education may not seem like they truly align all that much but, thanks specifically to the versatile Hummingbird Robot from BirdBrain, students can certainly combine them through impactful projects. Plus, with the fully capable Finch Robot 2.0, children in all K-12 grades can code and create with ease. And, there’s highly effective PD tools for teachers, too!
Sometimes, makers simply feel completely inspired to bring STEM projects to another level. Oftentimes, 3D design and creation fit right into facilitating such experiences for students of all ages but those who’ve mastered some of the basics tend to crave new challenges. And, that’s perfectly fine since, as we’ll learn, the 3Doodler PRO+ pen provides that extra power.
MakerEd is a technological and creative learning revolution that centers on a pedagogy designed to help children bolster significant skills like decision making, responsibility, relationship management, community engagement, creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and more through hands-on projects that create connections between their heads, hearts, and hands.
Students can use the Root rt0 without any prior coding experience or prior experience using their standard Root model. The rt0 is compatible with the iRobot Coding app, which students can access on iOS or Android devices as well as others. There’s also the online iRobot Code platform, which kids can use to practice programming without a physical robot.
We all know that today’s children have grown up using technology and that too many of these young kids log countless hours of simply playing games or streaming video content on their devices. Some say this is stunting their development while others say the stimulation is beneficial. Though there is truth to each, the education-focused content is most valuable in
BlocksCAD is a tool that allows students to use blocks of code to engineer completely digital designs while they work on building their tech, invention, and other crucial STEM literacies. Educators can use BlocksCAD to shape an entire class or unit or to supplement existing instruction and sign up for the plan that’s best for what both them and their
If you haven’t seen the full broadcast or you want to revisit some of the key topics we covered in the presentation, the full replay is still available. Some of the highlights include how the BirdBrain materials align to standards and offer a low floor and high ceiling for STEM education. As for leveraging the robots in SEL, we also
The Strawbees STEAM kits provide students with a complete solution built for hands-on design, engineering, and programming. Each kit is comprised of reusable and recyclable straws and connectors that fit together and kids can create structures or robotic mechanisms with complete customization. Plus, teachers can find lessons or activities within Strawbees Classroom.
STEM experiences can help children thrive in so many ways and teachers are always finding new ideas for improving them. One of the most popular options, of course, is through enrichment programs. The benefits of STEM learning are great but they’re often capped in the classroom, meaning that more school leaders are encouraging STEM participation outside school.
Designed to do more than simply immerse them in vivid content, Panoform VR empowers children to become creators and even own how they design and view new-age media. Though it may seem complex and technical, it is actually very accessible—even for beginners who want to explore creating in VR and any students who enjoy learning with this unique medium.
