There’s a lot of talk in education circles about the benefits of a STEM curriculum. But there’s also a lot of discussion about the STEAM curriculum.
So what’s the difference? And is one better than the other? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is STEM?
There has been a push in recent years to promote the STEM curriculum, not only in schools but also in preschool, day care and early childhood education.
STEM is an acronym that stands for “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics”. The concept is that introducing children to these ideas at an early age can stimulate their imaginations and instill a lifelong love for learning that can sustain them throughout their education and into their careers.
Many education experts agree that the STEM curriculum is deeply beneficial for children because it can set them up for success throughout their lives But it also benefits our communities, our country and our society as a whole because it creates a smarter, more innovative generation of young people who will be the leaders of tomorrow.
So How Is STEAM Different?
In recent years, there has been talk about the STEAM curriculum. So how is it different from STEM?
While the two are very similar, the “A” in STEAM adds a very important element to the mix: An education in the Arts. Teaching children a curriculum that focuses on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics not only provides a more well-rounded education, but also helps promote the analytical skills children need to make sense of their world.
The STEAM curriculum, which is the focal point of The Amazing Explorers Academy, integrates STEM principles through the arts, allowing students to take their learning to the next level. STEAM helps develop an appreciation for arts practices and design principles, as well as wonder, critique, inquiry, and innovation.
