STEAM Learning – The Advantages Beyond STEM
You may be thinking STEAM, STEM, POTATO, POTATO. But there is a difference between the two. (Just to be clear, we’re talking about STEAM and STEM – there will be no more discussion of potatoes in this post).
While these two acronyms are often used interchangeably, STEAM incorporates the “A” of the Arts into the mix of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. There are many advantages to the inclusion of the arts into these core fundamentals of education.
By adding Arts to the equation, STEAM includes the spark of creative thinking to ignite the imagination. This ability to think creatively is a valuable skill that can be applied across different subjects and throughout life.
Divergent thinking, more commonly referred to as creative thinking, explores multiple ideas and solutions to problems. This process is a direct route to innovation. Being able to examine things differently and formulate new possible answers is paramount to advancement. Providing students with the ability to ideate in this manner empowers them and increases their self-confidence.
Studies consistently show a positive correlation between arts education and academic achievement. In addition to enhancing spatial reasoning, including arts with more complex topics increases comprehension. By engaging both creative and logical realms of the brain, students are more engaged and are able to understand more easily.
This varied approach is more inclusive, allowing different types of learners more ways to connect with the subject matter. For example, kinesthetic learners, benefit from using a combination of different senses to take in information. Subjects that are intimidating on their own become more approachable when combined with an artistic element. This allows students who would normally not engage in subjects an inviting entry point and more relatable understanding. This inclusivity fosters a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.
Participation in arts education has been linked to reduced stress levels and improved emotional well-being. Creative expression allows students to process emotions, alleviate stress, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. It’s also a lot of fun for most people! This not only enhances their engagement with the material but also nurtures a genuine love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.
The advantages of STEAM learning lie in its ability to go beyond the confines of traditional silos, embracing a more holistic and interconnected educational approach. By integrating the Arts, STEAM empowers students with a diverse skill set, nurturing imagination, and guides them toward a future where innovation, collaboration, and creativity thrive in harmony.
Brooklyn Robot Foundry has developed an engaging STEAM curriculum for children that is a terrific example of these benefits. Their unique projects are an exemplary combination of creativity and engineering which captivate, educate, and entertain students as young as two years old. These amazing programs are quickly becoming more readily available as the company grows. Are you curious about franchising with Brooklyn Robot Foundry? Read more about it here.