As we approach the fall, many districts are working diligently to find solutions to continue STEAM at home. While we know that students learn from hands-on activities and educators certainly can make suggestions about how parents can help at home, there are also ways teachers can present the concepts of STEAM as they instruct remotely.
The areas of S(cience), T(echnology), E(ngineering), A(rt) and M(ath) have been focal points for education for some time. In a traditional classroom, teachers integrate these areas throughout lessons and by incorporating other technologies (3D printers, programmable robots, cardboard challenges, building materials, etc.) in order to expose students to this way of learning. The areas of the brain that are activated using these methods, however, can certainly be just as active outside of the classroom. First, teachers will need to suspend the notion that the ACTIVITY will be similar and focus on the goals and outcomes. Take the example of a cardboard challenge. Students are designing a structure in order to solve a problem. A teacher could certainly recreate this type of thinking and provide these opportunities. The guiding principle behind STEAM is inquiry. Using various inquiry types throughout lessons with authentic media learning opportunities will allow students to become problem-solvers and engage in higher levels of thinking and inquiry. Additionally, many companies are using virtual labs which address standards, grade levels and have a plethora of resources available. For example, MyStemKits provides users with standards-aligned lessons, assessments and guides that allow the students to explore and the teacher to facilitate. Districts can further explore these options at boxlight.com/robo. This school year will be unlike any other; STEAM thinking and activities do not have to be another stressor for your teachers. If you are looking for additional solutions, please feel free to reach out and DAT is happy to help. Comments are closed.
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AuthorJessica Tuwaiq is a former ELA middle school teacher as well as a former instructional technology coach. In her current role, she works with Michigan districts to implement technology. Categories
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