Introduction to STEAM in the K-6 Classroom

In this module, participants will gain an understanding of the relationship between STEM and STEAM education, and the critical elements of both. An overview of the process approaches that characterize the building blocks of STEAM is provided, identifying the ways in which practices in the arts, engineering, science, and project-based learning converge. Recommendations for creating Makerspaces are given. A walk-through of the California Visual Arts standards, the Common Core Standards, and the Next Generation Science standards is provided, along with a detailed guide for creating an arts integrated lesson plan. The module includes the “Building Bridges” unit developed by the Downey Unified School District’s STEAM Team and numerous other STEAM sample lessons and activities.