Educators across the globe have long embraced the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in preparing students for success in a rapidly advancing world. As the demand for well-rounded, creative problem-solvers grows, a new educational approach — STEAM — has emerged. 

This approach adds art to the STEM acronym, transforming STEM into STEAM. Let’s explore the difference between STEM and STEAM and offer guidance on how to transition an existing STEM program into a STEAM program.

Defining STEM and STEAM Education

STEM is an educational approach that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math. STEM curriculum aims to create well-rounded students with a strong foundation in these critical areas. 

However, STEM has been criticized for not fully addressing the creative and humanistic elements of education.

Enter STEAM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Adding art to the traditional STEM model acknowledges the importance of creativity, design, and human expression in problem-solving and innovation. 

Integrating the arts — including visual arts, language arts, and other forms of expression — encourages students to think outside the box. It also fosters collaboration and enhances critical thinking skills.

How to Transition Your School from STEM to STEAM

If you’re considering transitioning your existing STEM program into a STEAM program, follow these steps to ensure a smooth and successful implementation:

Evaluate your current STEM curriculum 

Start by reviewing your current curriculum and identify areas where you can integrate art and design. This evaluation should involve teachers, administrators, and, if possible, students. Designing and creating prototypes of science and social studies concepts, modeling math concepts, and problem solving for characters in literature are all great places to start.

Build a case for STEAM 

To gain the support of key stakeholders — including school administrators, teachers, parents, and the broader community — present the benefits of a STEAM approach. 

Provide research-based evidence on the advantages of integrating art and creativity into STEM education, and share success stories from other schools that have made the transition.

Offer professional development 

Provide training and resources to help teachers integrate art and design into their existing STEM lesson plans. 

Professional development workshops, webinars, and conferences can help educators feel confident and prepared to implement a STEAM curriculum.

Create interdisciplinary projects 

Encourage collaboration between different subject areas, such as science and art or engineering and music. If planning with another educator is needed, planning can be through a shared document or as a quick conversation in the hallways of school, if another meeting is just not possible. 

Developing interdisciplinary projects helps students see the connections between subjects and fosters a deeper understanding of how creativity and innovation can play a role in solving real-world problems.

Implement a STEAM pilot program 

Start small by introducing STEAM concepts and projects into a select number of classrooms or grade levels. 

This approach allows you to gather feedback, assess outcomes, and make any necessary adjustments before fully implementing the program school-wide.

Showcase student work 

Celebrate the creative process and student accomplishments by displaying STEAM projects in the school, local galleries, or online platforms. 

Publicizing student work raises awareness of the program and increases community support.

Assess and refine 

Continuously evaluate your STEAM program’s effectiveness through data analysis, surveys, and feedback from teachers, students, and parents. Use this information to make adjustments and improvements as needed.

Embrace the STEM to STEAM Movement

Transitioning from a STEM to a STEAM program requires thoughtful planning and a commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the classroom. 

By embracing the power of art and design, educators can provide students with a more holistic education, preparing them to thrive in a world where creative problem-solving is essential. 

With a STEAM approach, we can unleash our students’ full potential and cultivate tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and visionaries.

If you’re ready to get started, we can help! Check out our STEAM programs and resources for elementary and middle school students. 

Shaunda Douglas

Shaunda Douglas is a former educator with over 15 years of experience in all levels of education. In her free time, she reads, plays with her dogs, watches baseball, and loves a good nap.