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.
Want to make the next big hit? Kits can do that with ease using the DIY Synth Kit from Technology Will Save Us! With the Synth Kit, students 12 and up can design and build a real musical instrument and tinker to create awesome electronic sounds. The kit lets them plug various components into the breadboard and experiment with creating
Let’s blend art and light technology with Circuit Stickers! Circuit stickers are LED circuits in the form of peel-and-stick stickers. They enable students to build real circuits without soldering, plugging wires, or clips. Instead, students use the stickers and conductive tapes to draw their circuits on paper, adding an intriguing element to their crafts.
Want to build your own Top Secret Spy Box? Bubble-blowing bot? If you answered yes, then you need to get your hands on the littleBits Gizmos and Gadgets Kit! Designed for kids 8 and up and filled to the brim with LEGO-like, electronic building blocks, this kit will spark your child’s imagination and guarantee endless opportunities for inventing.
With the DIY Electro Dough Kit from Technology Will Save Us, children can build craft projects, and add electric elements. Picture being able to shape and create whatever your imagination desires and then really bring it to life by incorporating simplistic, interactive circuits. The Electro Dough Kit helps kids will learn how to place LEDs and buzzers in the path
The Pocket Operator (PO) comes pre-installed with a default beat, which kids can edit, change and add sounds to. That was great for me because I’m not exactly well-versed in the world of musical composition. Like many of today’s top EdTech tools, it was super easy to use the PO-12 and it really made the music creating process simple but
It can be a little daunting when first opening this kit from Tech Will Save Us—at least, I know I felt that way, but it’s actually a lot simpler than it looks. Following the instructions in the box, I was able to learn how to solder and combine the materials to make a real working speaker. I have no real
Few modern EdTech tools can effortlessly mix a love for art with technological proficiency, but the Jamstik is able to do that and more! With its Bluetooth capabilities, the jamstik links with any iPad or iPhone and interactively teaches kids to play the guitar while enhancing their overall technological proficiency.
Circuitry is all about connecting and closing circuits and the LightUp Edison Kit is the perfect way to teach the basis by combining learning with project-based fun. Using intuitive magnetic attachments, children can experience the fun of building circuits while simultaneously engrossing themselves in a real-life STEM lesson!
There are few toys more iconic than the dollhouse. Almost every little girl has one and it’s easily always been one of the most popular products out there. Roominate is a dollhouse, but what sets it apart is its modern twist. Users can customize it however they want and learn a thing or two about circuitry in the process.
They couldn’t wait to get started and rushed to open the boxes we had received from Eduporium—an educator’s dream for one-stop shopping and the latest STEM classroom technology! We must say that some of the facilitators entered the Makey Makey activity with some trepidation, however, most were curious and excited to explore the possibilities!
