Why STEAM Education is Essential to Modern Schooling

February 2, 2023

There’s been a lot of discourse surrounding STEM education in the past few years, but STEAM education is taking the modern schooling system by storm. Akin to its predecessor, STEAM education is a teaching method that combines science, technology, engineering, and math. However, STEAM education emphasizes the importance of art and the sciences.

Many students are already reaping the benefits of STEAM education, so why not bring these teaching methods into your classroom? As technology becomes an integral part of our daily lives, it’s time for you to prepare your students for a tech-focused workforce. If you’re ready to set your students up for success, we’ll show you how the entire class can have a blast with STEAM education!

What is STEAM Education?

STEAM education encourages students to think creatively about learning materials through its combination of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Unlike traditional teaching methods that draw clear boundaries between different subjects, STEAM education allows students to recognize these fields of study are inextricably linked because they all involve creative thinking.

WATCH: Teachers leverage the power of STEAM education using Soundtrap

But that’s not all STEAM education has to offer! This innovative teaching method empowers educators by leveraging project-based learning that fosters an engaging, inclusive learning environment that inspires students to contribute their unique viewpoints.

By creating an environment where students can master these high-value skills, educators can rest assured that their students adapt to an ever-changing workforce.

Wait, What’s the Difference Between STEAM and STEM?

STEAM and STEM education may sound alike, but these terms are not interchangeable. Although STEAM refers to the same concepts as STEM, you can’t add a few arts and crafts to your student’s science lesson and call it a STEAM lesson.

Rather, the arts must be integrated into the curriculum so your class can see how different subjects connect and function together. This way, your students will develop essential soft skills such as empathy, creativity, and communication, along with the technical skills that pave the way for success.

The Benefits of STEAM Education

Most educators know that STEAM education improves technical skills. However, STEAM education also imbues students with confidence while allowing them to find joy in learning and experimenting with new concepts. Learning these concepts in conjunction with one another can bring so much versatility to your classroom. Let’s jump in and learn more about the benefits of STEAM education for students of all ages.

Encourages Collaboration

Learning is better when everyone is involved! During STEAM projects, the entire class can work together, get inspired, and brainstorm new, exciting solutions. When every student can offer their perspective, it creates an inclusive learning environment that encourages them to consider problems from a different point of view.

Improved Critical Thinking

Critical thinking skills are essential in digital spaces rampant with misinformation. STEAM education equips students with the tools to navigate the real world. When students have the opportunity to observe and analyze learning materials with each other, they learn how to evaluate new information and different opinions. Unlike traditional teaching methods, STEAM education inspires students to critically evaluate multiple data points and draw their own conclusions.

Unique Problem-Solving

At its core, STEAM education encourages taking an integrated approach to learning. This system allows students to synthesize information from multiple sources to solve problems. Traditional teaching methods for science and math-related subjects require rote memorization. However, by incorporating the systematic methods of inquiry found within technology and engineering and the creative problem-solving in art, students think of problems dynamically.

As students understand how STEAM subjects relate to the real world, they’ll feel comfortable thinking outside of the box to find new solutions.

Offers a Hands-On Learning Experience

When you combine the power of project-based learning with STEAM education, the sky’s the limit! STEAM education encourages experiential learning through creative exploration and hands-on activities that are perfect for students that learn by doing. When students actively participate in your lesson plans, their engagement skyrockets while their ability to retain information improves.

Prepares Students for the Future

Employment in STEM occupations is on the rise, and experts predict that this trend will continue for years. Furthermore, STEM occupations offer a significantly greater salary than non-STEM-related occupations. STEAM education sets students up for success in a tech-driven world by allowing them to deepen their technical knowledge and understand how art will enable them to take their technical skills to the next level.

Find out more about STEM vs. STEAM Education

Integrate STEAM Education with Soundtrap for Education

There are plenty of fun ways to combine multiple concepts within a single lesson plan, especially if you have all the right tools. EdTech software like Soundtrap makes STEAM education more accessible than ever, and we’ll show you how to get started. Check out these dynamic lesson plans for your most engaging STEAM curriculum yet!

Music, Loops, Coding, Oh My!

Computer programming seems pretty complicated. However, sometimes a different approach makes a huge difference for learning. Our Music, Loops, Coding, Oh My! lesson plan helps students wrap their heads around computer programming concepts.

Computer programming loops repeat a sequence of instructions. However, some students require help understanding how these concepts relate to the real world. These concepts present an excellent opportunity to incorporate STEAM education into your lesson plan by allowing students to use pre-recorded loops to create their songs and discuss how these loops relate to computer programming.

Music to Memorize the Periodic Table of Elements

Even the most auspicious students get bored with role memorization. So, why not make things more interesting? Our Music to Memorize lesson plan makes learning the elements easier by utilizing music to help students memorize atomic structures. The best part is that this lesson plan adapts to any other STEAM subject requiring intensive memorization!

Get started by assigning each pair of students a chemical element, and allow them to research their assigned topic independently. Encourage them to learn all they can about their chemical element, from its properties to how it’s used in everyday life.

Then, encourage students to use Soundtrap to create their own song about their chemical element, complete with loops and sound effects. Finish off on a strong note by encouraging students to share their creations on social media or with family.

Music & Fractions Connection

Many students find it challenging to understand fractions because they appear less intuitive than whole numbers. Most educators remedy this issue with visual aids. However, STEAM education centralizes the idea of approaching key concepts from a new perspective. A great way to help your students understand fractions is by showing them the connection between music and math. Our Music & Fractions Connection lesson plan will point you in the right direction!

Begin the lesson by discussing what makes music fast or slow, and explain the different note speeds. Then, compare the sizes of each fraction to each other. Once students understand these concepts, show them how they can experiment with the piano roll in Soundtrap.

Get ready for hands-on activities! Put students in small groups and let them create their piano roll work with the information they’ve gathered about fractions. Now, connect the entire class by asking them to perform their creations and discussing how fractions are directly related to musical notes.

Putting the “A” in STEAM

Putting the “A” in STEAM is easier than you might think. In this fun lesson plan, students app smash Soundtrap, Makey Makey, and Scratch for a stellar storytelling project! First, encourage the whole class to throw ideas around and see what sticks. Then, students take their best ideas and develop a TED-talk-style project about their chosen topic.

After students draft their script, they’re ready to record in Soundtrap with all sorts of zany sound effects and background music. Then, they’ll open up Scratch and import their audio recording to add in code. Once students finish their code, they can use conductive material to connect Makey Makey inputs and play their Scratch project!

Explore STEAM Education with Soundtrap For Education

Soundtrap for Education is the ultimate audio production platform for students and teachers to create and edit audio recordings. Pupils and educators can easily tap into their artistic side with this intuitive audio platform. It facilitates a creative learning environment for every subject, regardless of the student’s age or experience level.

With Soundtrap for Education, students and teachers can collaborate with advanced cloud technology at any time or place. In addition, the platform comes equipped with a robust resource portal. The portal contains tutorials, an external curriculum, and lesson plans to complete the educational experience. Additionally, teachers can ensure that student collaborate safely with invite-only groups in Soundtrap’s versatile digital environment.

Enhance your educational experience with an intuitive cloud-based audio production platform. Get started today with Soundtrap for Education! Share this article with other teachers in your network to help spread the joy of learning through sound.