What is STEAM?
"STEAM represents a paradigm shift from traditional education philosophy, based on standardized test scores, to a modern ideal which focuses on valuing the learning process as much as the results. In essence, we dare our students to be wrong, to try multiple ideas, listen to alternate opinions and create a knowledge base that is applicable to real life as opposed to simply an exam."
Deron Cameron
Former UPES Principal
US's 1st STEAM Certified School
Current TCSS Curriculum Coordinator
STEM education refers to the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. STEAM education incorporates the “A” for the arts – recognizing that to be successful in technical fields, individuals must also be creative and use critical thinking skills which are best developed through exposure to the arts.
"As the nation embarks on a new school year, education leaders from President Obama on down are facing a renewed commitment to the STEM subjects -- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics -- as a driver of innovation."
"Through the arts, students learn to observe, visualize, manipulate materials, and develop the creative confidence to imagine new possibilities. These skills and competencies are also essential to scientific thinking and provide a strong argument for transforming STEM education by integrating the arts."
"There's a reason why so many schools, teachers, and students are excited about STEM or STEAM (STEM plus arts & design, as championed by the Rhode Island School of Design). They make learning more fun and engaging, not to mention provide students opportunities to use content knowledge and skills in ways that are practical and applicable to the real world, just like they would if they were working on science or engineering projects in the field."