InClass

STEAM matters. Here’s why, and how you can incorporate it into your classroom.

Whether you’re a scientist, a tech innovator, an engineer, or a mathematician, you need creativity to solve problems. And that’s why groups around the world are pushing to turn STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) into STEAM. What’s the “A” stand for? Arts.

While the concept isn’t new to Arizona teachers, implementing it may be, especially for secondary school teachers in subjects like math or physics. (Head over to How to Nurture Creativity in a STEM-Based World for five handy tips for the classroom!)

STEAM Enrichment Program

A partnership between Grand Canyon University and the Arizona Alliance of Black School Educators, this enrichment program gives gifted and talented students weekly sessions to challenge themselves in the STEM world.

STEAMworks

High school and college students can head south to the University of Arizona’s STEAMworks event, held in April. Students can tour more than 50 interactive exhibits, or participate in workshops where they learn how to code or participate in a design challenge.

CREATE at Arizona Science Center

In this 6,500 square-foot lab, kiddos can use their hands to create … just about anything. Cut, saw, code, paint, sew, and more to go beyond “one right answer.” CREATE is a perfect field trip spot or summer activity.

Gangplank Jr.

Gangplank Jr. encourages “students to learn and explore with the freedom to fail.” With three locations in Arizona, the collaborative workspace hosts events like FIRST LEGO League to get kids pumped about robotics, programming and problem-solving, and the nine-week Jr. Journalism program, complete with in-depth stories and podcasts.

The Art of Making

You know about CREATE at Arizona Science Center. Now, go learn and create there yourself! This four-day Arizona K12 Center event gives teachers professional development tools on the maker movement, project-based learning, and lesson planning. Then, you’ll get top-notch training on the tools and materials at CREATE so you can make the most of making in your curriculum.