STEM or STEAM education, is what we are discussing in todays blog! What do they mean and why is it important for us to know?
STEM and STEAM are both educational approaches
They aim to encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, they differ in one crucial aspect: the integration of the arts. While STEM focuses exclusively on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEAM incorporates the arts into this framework. In this article, we will explore the differences between STEM and STEAM in children’s science education and why it matters.
STEM Education
STEM education is an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning that emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The goal of STEM education is to develop students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills while preparing them for future careers in these fields.
STEM education encourages students to think logically, analyze data, and use math and science to solve problems. It emphasizes hands-on learning, experimentation, and exploration. STEM education is often delivered through project-based learning, where students work in teams to solve real-world problems.
STEM education is not only an exciting strategy to help children learn, but also a valuable tool for preparing our children for work in the future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM jobs are projected to grow by 8.8% between 2018 and 2028, compared to 5.0% growth for non-STEM jobs.
Despite the excitement and possibilities STEM education brings, it has also been criticized for being too narrowly focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and for neglecting other areas of learning that are essential for success in the 21st century. Which is were STEAM education comes in.
STEAM Education
STEAM education is also an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning, however the difference between STEM and STEAM, is that STEAM incorporates the arts into the STEM framework. By adding this additional element to the STEM framework children and older students, gain the ability of critical thinking, problem solving skills and the ability to collaborate, all with the addition of being able to do these skills creatively.
The benefits of Creative thinking.
Creative thinking can help students develop a more well-rounded skill set. The arts can foster creativity, encourage innovation, and help students see problems from different perspectives. Artistic expression can also be used to communicate complex scientific ideas in a more accessible way.
STEAM education encourages students to find creative solutions to complex problems. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration, as children learn to work in teams. They are able to develop innovative solutions that incorporate both scientific and artistic principles.
Why it matters
STEAM education is an essential tool for preparing students for the jobs of the future. With the addition of art, children are given skills to prepare for success in a competitive world that values new ideas and new ways to solve problems. To help our children successfully navigate through ideas and problems, they need an education that prepares them for a constantly changing world.
Foster a love of learning!
By incorporating the arts into STEM education, students can engage with the material in a way that is both fun and meaningful. This can help children develop a lifelong passion for learning that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Through their new found ability of solving complex problems, children are also able to grow in both confident and self esteem. Providing the healthy mentality of seeing something difficult and thinking “How can I solve this?”.
This does not only transfer into academic learning and career choices, but also, all aspects of life!
If you like this article, why not check out some of our favourite STEAM experiments!