The main difference between STEM vs STEAM is that STEM focuses explicitly on teaching scientific concepts. STEAM on the other hand investigates these same concepts, although it does so through inquiry and creative problem-solving. Think of a class working together to create a visually appealing product or object based on an understanding of a STEM concept. It might be something like representing the mathematics of the parabola to create fine arts images. With STEAM, students develop skills they will use in the real world and in the workforce. Take for example, architects. They deploy science,mathematics, engineering, technology, and design to perform their jobs. Nowadays, very rarely do professions require only one skill set.

Why is learning STEAM important for young learners?

For educators, there is an ever greater need for STEM concepts to integrate with the Arts. Businesses and industries now seek “future-ready” employees who possess multiple areas of expertise, or at least appreciate wider skill sets. In a STEAM project, the cross-curricular setting often makes it much easier for students to make logical connections between concepts. It also provides a way to make lessons more exciting, hands-on, and engaging. Including the Arts into STEM encourages collaborative discovery and inventive problem-solving. It helps students develop an understanding of concepts in tandem, and practices integrating principles and presenting information.

How does STEAM improve students’ learning?

STEAM supports the “4 C’s” as identified vital to 21st Century education: Creativity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Communication. Perhaps more importantly, however, STEAM leads us to the skills of the 22nd Century: Connection, Care, Community, and Culture.The Arts alongside STEM, simply put, better represents real-life and the challenges today’s students will face in the future workforce. STEAM provides students ways to learn in an applied way, as part of a greater whole, instead of the traditional approach of individual knowledge silos.

For young learners, STEAM lessons often have a stronger impact and tend to be more memorable. They also ensure vital skills in the humanities aren’t neglected in the classroom. In this way, students learn how to apply knowledge, research, and skills to real-life problem solving.