An informal learning community for educators worldwide. Our passion for learning and connected learning experiences help us to improve our teaching practices. #txeduchat features guest moderators every week.
Bobby, Athletic Trainer currently completing a M.Ed in Post-Secondary Education. From Syracuse, NY and have minimal experience with STEM programs #txeduchat
A1 I do both depending on the purpose of the lesson and my students. I have some really artistic students who benefit more with STEAM and they love it. Id'ing the purpose of the plan is key first. #txeduchat
A1: the “A” helps our kids think about their audience and design not only a functional product, but also one that is artfully appealing to their audience. It’s like the marketing of the experience. #txeduchat
A1: Incorporating art in STEM gives students the opportunity to further develop creative thinking skills so necessary for innovation. Definitely STEAM. #txeduchat
A1: I think the A does carry some value and can facilitate students to find their inner creativity which could allow them to blossom in the classroom in other areas. #txeduchat
Shawna, second grade T at Justin. I use STEM/STEAM as much as possible whether it’s during Maker Space or just during the course of a lesson. #txeduchat
It was interesting when our 7th Graders dissected eyes and frogs this year. Our girls were more excited than the boys. Girls definitely are rocking it! #txeduchat
A2: At a basic level, I think STEAM can help eliminate the "why are we doing _______ in this class?" syndrome. STEAM-based education promotes cross-curricular learning and collaboration. #txeduchat
Q2: Pulling it all together helps kids make the connections in the learning. Nothing we do in real life is in isolation of all other content and so real learning opportunities, like STEAM experiences, are an avenue to making kids think and learn more holistically. #txeduchat
A2: Helps Ss practice skills as they are in the real world. They use all of the pieces to solve real problems. Simulates real world experiences which is what school do. #txeduchat
That is so true! If they get interested with what they know they are more likely to take a risk and try something with which they are less familiar. #txeduchat
A2: Helps Ss practice skills as they are in the real world. They use all of the pieces to solve real problems. Simulates real world experiences which is what school should do. #txeduchat
A2: Using all components has the added benefit of “hooking” students who might not otherwise be interested. Also adds visual appeal for presentation of learning. #txeduchat
A2: STEAM unified concept allows for the 21st century skills to be addressed by critically thinking within the individual components of STEAM. #txeduchat
That is so true! If they get interested with what they know they are more likely to take a risk and try something with which they are less familiar. #txeduchat
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A2: I can't stress enough the importance of connections and helping Ss see them across content is powerful! Connecting science..math ..art..etc..Authentic learning can't help but to occur!
A3: Honestly, I don’t know that most parents are familiar with the STEAM concept. It’s our job to get the word out, tout the benefits to all kids. #txeduchat
A3: Sadly I added this question but don't even like it. :) I just wish that this collaboration and process would occur at all campuses. #squashedmyownquestion#txeduchat
A3: Sending my child to a STEAM campus can really open up opportunities for my child to experience real-world problem solving learning experiences. #txeduchat
A3: I'm not sure STEAM is the answer for every single student. I think that they should all experience STEAM but learning should be personalized for them as they find their passions and focus on their future. #txeduchat
A3: Shouldn't all campuses be a STEAM campus? At my school we are preparing young adults for the real world and teaching them to use the technology, math, etc. that they will need and have available as adults. #txeduchat
A3: Shouldn't all campuses be a STEAM campus? At my school we are preparing young adults for the real world and teaching them to use the technology, math, etc. that they will need and have available as adults. #txeduchat
A3 I ask this EVERY DAY since we are a steam program. In my parent meetings I stress the real world aspects of the integrated development of knowledge and skills and the intrinsic motivation it develops. #txeduchat
A3: STEM skills & the skills taught within them are invaluable in our world. A large portion of available careers are related to STEAM. The logical thinking that comes with STEAM is KEY! #txeduchat
A2: STEAM programs as a whole encourage students to use what they learned in other classes (the single components). They need to be taught that they will need various components from the program in the "real world" #txeduchat
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A3: I appreciate the student inquiry, the discourse that accompanies this setting and the depth of thinking that is required from the learners. Why wouldn't I want my babies to engage is that? 😉
A3 If I was a parent, I would choose a STEAM school to integrate math/science with the content areas for more than just an understanding. It is more than just a concept, it is a mindset. #txeduchat
A2 Critical thinking is a major part of becoming a productive member of society. Integrating STEAM builds these skills and allowed for student to practice while having fun learning. #txeduchat
I don't feel like innovation should be separated from "regular" campuses. We should all be teaching critical thinking and inspiring creativity. All students deserve that, not just those on a special campus. #txeduchat
A3: I think if a student does not know what they want to go to college for, then sending them to a STEAM campus could help them find themselves and figure out what occupation they want to pursue. #txeduchat
A1 It is incredibly important to realize that creativity is an intrinsic part of STEM, and that the A is another powerful expression of creativity. #TxEduChat
A3: Parents want the best for their children and they want them to be in the best position for the future. When we look to the horizon of AI, machine learning, and automation, and the skills needed to innovate, STEAM education appears to provide those opportunities. #txeduchat
A4: that you have to be great at all of the contents in STEAM. You just have to be willing to work and see those connections. Not a genesis mathematician or coding maniac. #txeduchat
A4: I feel like many ppl, Ts included, have the misconception that STEAM just has math/ science implications. Reading and writing is a natural part of it, maybe just not in a traditional manner. #txeduchat
I would love to see scores side by side to see how it hurts utilizing STEAM education. As an employer, I am looking for well rounded. I don't often give many standardized tests. #txeduchat
I agree, but our present realities in education don't always make that possible. Perhaps we are the innovators that will make innovation the new normal in our educational framework. #txeduchat
True, but to counter, shouldn't all Ts in every subject area be able to erase this "syndrome"? All subjects matter, but Ts must a find a way to make the content relevant & functional for our Ss, STEM, STEAM, SS or ELA! #txeduchat
A4: I feel like many ppl, Ts included, have the misconception that STEAM just has math/ science implications. Reading and writing is a natural part of it, maybe just not in a traditional manner. #txeduchat
A4: I feel like many ppl, Ts included, have the misconception that STEAM just has math/ science implications. Reading and writing is a natural part of it, maybe just not in a traditional manner. #txeduchat
Jesus never concerned himself with the size of the crowd. He just served and helped who was in front of him and the crowds flocked to him. You want to make a difference start with the people in front of you. Start there. Love, serve and care.
A4: Another misconception is that the teacher needs to know more than the Ss. Teacher should be comfortable saying "I have no idea...you guys are going to have figure it out." Design the experience and then get out of their way. #TXeduchat
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A4: That the "art" component is not meaningful. That it allows for too much play.
I believe all things should be tied to a purpose and have a learning goal. Many times misconceptions surface from lack of "true" understanding.
A4: That a makerspace means kids are getting STEAM experiences. Intentional learning only happens with intentional planning and guidance. Some makerspaces can accomplish that. Just not the “let’s go make something” ones. #txeduchat
I believe that is where the role of teacher really comes into play. Set the challenge, provide some basic groundwork and then get out of the way! Ss are much more creative than I am. #txeduchat
Definitely. This shift will take political will, growth mindset, professional development...basically we have to get to work! But it is possible and necessary. #txeduchat
A4: That a makerspace means kids are getting STEAM experiences. Intentional learning only happens with intentional planning and guidance. Some makerspaces can accomplish that. Just not the “let’s go make something” ones. #txeduchat
A4: One that our Elementary Ss are doing right now is a cardboard challenge with the designing of a Christmas tree out of recycled cardboard. #txeduchat
No lessons to share, but as an administrator, I can and do try to provide planning time for cross content teachers to plan their lessons and activities. #txeduchat
A4: One that our Elementary Ss are doing right now is a cardboard challenge with the designing of a Christmas tree out of recycled cardboard. #txeduchat
A4: I feel like many ppl, Ts included, have the misconception that STEAM just has math/ science implications. Reading and writing is a natural part of it, maybe just not in a traditional manner. #txeduchat
So. much. Truth! One of the concepts we try to promote is relevance. Making things for making's sake is not productive and does not provide authentic learning experiences. #txeduchat
A5: This is not mine buy my colleague @HEB_Dierker's idea. We teach job skills and she worked with her students to learn social media like twitter. They use it to market themselves and interact with future employers. More than one have been hired because of it. #txeduchat
A4: That it's separate from teaching the standards. Making this type of learning available for Ss that already understand or finish work early. It shouldn't be teaching the standards, then STEAM/Makerspace. Should be the way Ss learn the standards through application. #TXeduchat
A5: Our 4th graders just got done designing insulators that they could market to the company of their choice. They had to keep a hand warmer warm. It was a blast! #txeduchat
I'm also loving green screen! We are in the midst of #StarWars week, and out students studied topography by re-creating iconic settings and used green screen for digital art. #STEAMinAction#txeduchat
A6 The maker movement is an example of active learning where abstract knowledge is put to use making a real product. This allows a strong comparison of what you think is true with what is actually true - with what you actually produce. #TxEduChat
TJBA students are learning through #StarWars by re-creating iconic landscapes and topography and learning about green screen tech. Thanks @GeorgeLucasILM and @HamillHimself for the inspiration! #STEAMrising
It was so much and amazing for the kiddos! And our green screen was a plastic table cover from @DollarTree! We know how to STEAM on a budget @tjbaSTEAM! #txeduchat
In reply to
@melissaanneliz, @DollarTree, @tjbaSTEAM
A7: For me, its Twitter and edchats. I like to pull ideas from other teachers, even of we are teaching different subjects or grades Haven't found a lot of other post-high teachers on here :( #txeduchat
This last question might be my favorite. I'm all about students doing. Now let's get them in front of people to showcase their skills and learning! #txeduchat
I remember doing something similar growing up. That was so much fun and really got to work with my dad on schoolwork. Never forget that opportunity! #txeduchat
A8: my district, @nisd, had a technology expo last May. It was amazing! My students had the opportunity to present on how they use video modeling and Google cardboard. #txeduchat
A8: We have combined two district-wide K-12 showcases into one event we call Expo! It is ALL about students showcasing their STEAM skills and other skills so the community can see what NISD is all about! #txeduchat
A8: We have combined two district-wide K-12 showcases into one event we call Expo! It is ALL about students showcasing their STEAM skills and other skills so the community can see what NISD is all about! #txeduchat
Check out the #r11steamcarnival for some great commentary, images and student showcases for more ideas! Then come check it out in person next October. #txeduchat
A8 We have showcased at my elementary campus on students' talents. We also have a STEAM center and competitions MS/HS students participate in. #txeduchat
