What about STEAM?

Living in an ever-changing and technology-driven society, where various forms of artificial intelligence are rapidly shaping the world, it is highly likely that we are currently preparing the next generation for careers that may not even exist yet. How can we adequately prepare our children for future careers if we are uncertain about what those careers will entail?

Research indicates that the STEAM curriculum not only facilitates the acquisition of academic skills but also fosters perseverance, adaptability, and character-building skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving through meaningful engagement in enriching tasks and authentic experiences (1).

These essential skills and attitudes provide a valuable perspective on the world and will continue to be relevant in all aspects of our lives, including navigating an increasingly technology-centred world, in the long run.

The best part is that STEAM learning can occur naturally every day! Continue reading to learn more about STEAM and how everyone can facilitate such learning experiences.

What is STEAM Education?

STEAM is an educational approach that integrates the following disciplines as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking (2)(5):

• Science: Learning and applying science process skills such as observing, comparing, predicting, etc.
• Technology: Utilizing simple man-made tools like ramps, pulleys, and levers, in addition to developing IT skills.
• Engineering: Engaging in hands-on experiments using open-ended materials to explore and understand how and why things work.
• Arts: Encouraging sensorial exploration with aesthetics and creative expressions to support creativity and innovation.
• Mathematics: Emphasizing number and operations, measurement, patterns, geometry, and spatial sense.

As mentioned, STEAM learning occurs naturally every day and takes many forms as children explore the world with their inherent sense of wonder and curiosity. These process-oriented and experiential learning experiences can be enhanced through purposefully planned learning activities, environments, resources, and interactions that support exploration and discovery (5).

STEAM Learning at Home

Children naturally enjoy exploring, building, and questioning (6). Let's explore ways to engage your child's curiosity and learn together!

• Gardening
• Cooking and baking
• Exploring the outdoors
• Playing with toys together
• Engaging in unstructured free play

Prompts and questions to ask:

• "How do they smell/sound?"
• "What do you see?"
• "What do you want to know?"
• "What do you think will happen?"
• "How could we find out?"
• "How are they the same/different?"
• "What is changing?"
• "Why do you think that happened?"

Advantages of STEAM Learning

Now, take a moment to reflect on the following benefits of STEAM learning and how they are evident in STEAM learning experiences:

• Fosters curiosity and exploration skills
• Encourages critical thinking skills
• Cultivates intrinsic motivation
• Helps make sense of the world from children's perspectives
• Promotes executive functioning skills (inhibitory control, working memory, focused attention)
• Develops real-world problem-solving abilities

STEAM and Camp Beaumont Asia

At Camp Beaumont Asia, we consistently adapt our programmes to meet the diverse needs of our ever-changing world. The inclusion of STEAM learning activities further enhances the enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences offered by our award-winning programmes for children under our care.

Through projects, problem-based experiments, and playful experiences that integrate STEAM concepts and skills, we not only provide the numerous advantages of STEAM learning but also incorporate critical elements of teamwork and peer learning experiences, facilitated by our qualified and experienced team members.

Here's a sneak preview of STEAM activities in action at our day camp programmes in Asia!

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Additional Information and References 

1. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JRIT-01-2020-0003/full/html#sec004 
2. https://artsintegration.com/what-is-steam-education-in-k-12-schools/
3. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/feb2020/breaking-down-steam 
4. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-steam-education-preparing-students-future-workforce 
5. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/steam-ipdf.pdf ‍
6. https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/dtl-steam-box-booklet-4.pdf

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