Integrating STEAM in the Classroom

Hey Coach, 

I want to jump into integrating STEAM focused activities in my classroom. Can you share resources, strategies, and ideas to help me get started? 

Sincerely, 
Feeling Froggy

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Dear Feeling  Froggy,

I’m excited that you are ready to spring into STEAM! Many are familiar with STEM initiatives, focused on integrating science, technology, engineering, and math activities into the classroom. STEAM includes an art component within these STEM concepts, which allows for more out-of-the-box thinking as students recognize the role that creativity plays in the innovation process.

In your desire to hop into STEAM activities, you will prepare your students to become college and career leaders. Careers and jobs related to STEAM will increase in demand by 13% over the next decade! Not only that, but these problem-based activities can support a Personalized Learning environment. STEAM activities help students develop prioritized executive functioning skills and can also become a part of the unique individual path that students follow as they work toward curriculum mastery.

Build Your Background Knowledge

You don’t need a special degree or certification to bring STEAM into your learning environment, but it is helpful to learn a few basics before that first lesson or project. A great place to start is the Microsoft Educator Center. Here you will find resources, training modules, and lessons to help you jump into this journey. While you’re at it, you can earn badges for completing the courses and learning paths! We suggest bounding into Hacking Stem Lessons & Hands On Activities and the STEAM Integration with Minecraft course to get started. 

Start Slow

I know you are excited, but don’t jump around trying to do it all at once. Dip your toe into the STEAM pond by considering your purpose for implementing STEAM in your classroom. What goals are you trying to accomplish? How could a STEAM lesson or project enhance learning during an upcoming unit? Based on these reflections, choose a STEAM activity that connects to specific content you are covering, and set some short term goals for student learning. Check out Education Closet and Teach Engineering for ready-made lessons, or follow this five step process from STEAM Powered Family to create your own lessons!

Equity Matters

It is critical to note that research has identified significant disparities in STEAM related careers. Most notably:

• Women have made significant gains in life and physical sciences, but in other areas their shares have been stable and in computer jobs it has declined.

• Blacks and Hispanics are underrepresented in the STEM workforce relative to their shares in the U.S. workforce as a whole. (Pew Research Center, 2018)

How can we better support all students’ interest in STEAM? One effective strategy is to have projects or activities that allow students to choose their own paths and outcomes. Allowing for choice and voice within activities promotes inclusivity for all students. To learn more about equity in STEAM, we recommend exploring Microsoft’s course in closing the STEM gap and reading Anita Preininger’s article, 4 Ways to Boost STEM Participation in Underrepresented Groups.

Now that we’ve shared a few pointers, you’re ready to begin! For more ideas, check out our Spring into STEAM collection on our iTeach Resource Hub. We’re sure that once you get started, you’ll find that a STEAM focus will foster creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration in your classroom. Happy STEAMing!

All the best,
Coach