Why STEAM?

Many experts regard STEAM (and its predecessor STEM) learning as an essential component of 21st century education. In a rapidly evolving, increasingly complex world, STEAM learning provides an invaluable platform for youth to hone their problem-solving skills and master the ability to gather and evaluate evidence to make decisions.

STEAM empowers teachers to employ project-based learning that crosses each of the 5 disciplines and fosters an inclusive learning environment in which all students are able to engage and contribute. The arts provide an alternate, more inclusive entry point into the traditional STEM fields for kids who may not consider themselves hardcore math or science students.The addition of the arts to the original STEM discipline is all the more important because practices such as modeling, developing explanations and engaging in critique and evaluation have too often been underemphasized in the context of math and science education. 

As such, STEAM learning directly translates to the incorporation of the “4 C’s of 21st century skills” (Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking and Communication) into solving real life problems.  When students are given the opportunity to analyze local/global issues and devise potential solutions they are positioned to develop into the type of independent thinkers and change makers needed in our world today.