STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) is an important movement in education. Our partner Susan Riley, the founder of Education Closet and one of the nation’s leader STEAM advocates, defines the movement as such:

 STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process. These are the innovators, educators, leaders, and learners of the 21st century. Susan Riley, founder of Education Closet

In practice, STEAM is defined as arts integration, an approach to teaching and learning through which content standards are taught and assessed equitably in and through the arts. It’s the intentional weaving of academic study – typically math, science, social studies, and English and language arts – with arts disciplines such as visual art, dance, music, and theater.

The Benefits of STEAM Education

1. Engaged learning for students. Creating STEAM projects that illustrate STEM concepts empowers students to become part of the teaching process. Through hands-on, creative learning, studies show that students not only learn more – they retain what they learn.
2. Better test scores. Through our own pilot classrooms and independent, peer-reviewed studies, it’s shown time and again that the engaged learning process created by STEAM leads to better test scores in classrooms.
3. Improved classroom behavior. Teachers who use STEAM arts integration curricula in their classrooms report a dramatic decrease in off-task behavior and more than 20 percent reduction in classroom disruptions.
4. STEAM is inclusive. Throughout the U.S., educators are looking for ways to bridge the so-called achievement gap. STEAM education is an inclusive curriculum that works for all students, regardless of culture, ethnicity, or learning style. In fact, STEAM arts integration shows increased gains in Title I classrooms. It’s an approach to education that delivers the biggest benefits to the students who need it most.
5. A creative approach brings fun back to the classroom. By using art projects as a springboard for teaching STEM, a K-5 STEAM curriculum makes learning fun for students – while improving their learning and test performance. Engaged students learn more and retain more of what they learn.

STEAM Education Results

STEAM makes teaching and learning fun and engaging for teachers and students. However, the reason that arts integration is being widely adopted is simple: STEAM and arts integration works. Students learn more and they retain more of what they learn. The research is clear; STEAM is a better way to teach STEM.

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