You are probably familiar with the popular educational initiative Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math or STEM program, but what about the STEAM Lab for kids? This program encompasses the same academic discipline as STEM. But it has an additional discipline, which is arts. Thus, the name STEAM.
As with STEM, STEAM Lab for kids integrates different learning approaches and areas to allow students to experience how to learn and solve problems in different ways. All subjects are presented in relationship with one another. But since arts is included, the focus is shifted on creative skills to boost engagement in classrooms. According to experts, a well-designed STEAM program can offer the following advantages:
Improves creative thinking and applied arts in real life
Contrary to what most people believe, arts is not only about painting or doing art projects. There is more to this academic discipline than meets the eye. The inclusion of arts in STEAM Lab for kids help students discover new and creative ways of problem-solving through applying art in real-life situations. This is why it is very useful in encouraging students to enjoy learning science, mathematics, technology, and engineering and pursue higher education in the said fields.
Combines technical and artistic topics
It’s one thing to create an efficient software program, and it’s another thing to make an aesthetic and user-friendly software program. In STEAM Lab for kids, students are not limited to one particular subject. They don’t have to choose between technical or artistic approaches because they are taught to do both. The equal representation of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math subjects makes STEAM a truly well-rounded and interdisciplinary program that appeals to kids with varying interests.
Promotes independent and social learning
While kids are free to work on projects that are specific to what issues appeal to them, collaboration is always encouraged. Students can explore and experiment with various methods by group and with their friends. They build projects, create software, analyze statistics together.