By Dr. Kandis Boyd Wyatt
Faculty Member, Transportation and Logistics, American Public University
In communication, what you say is as important as how you say it. And non-verbal expression can be just as important, if not more so, than the verbal. That analogy also applies to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
While the acronym STEM has been around for over a decade, STEAM (known as Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math or STEMA) introduces a new concept to the well-known basic educational concept. And for good reason. Let’s face it: how you present something can be as important as the information itself. The A that needs to be incorporated in STEM stands for Art, or the artistic expression of how information is presented.
Moving from STEM to STEAM
STEAM emphasizes the interconnectedness of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. STEM was criticized for de-emphasizing the importance of the arts in written, oral and visual forms. While many people may think of a piece of artwork, a sculptor or an actor on the stage, art has an omnipresent role in conveying the importance of STEM, hence the need for a word change.
Adding the ‘A’ to STEM
Art makes the abstract concrete through the use of imagery. It evokes creative and critical thinking by presenting information in another form. The well-known saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words”emphasizes the notion that multiple words and ideas can be depicted in a single image.
As you read this article, I am sure there is imagery in your head about the concepts presented, and there’s an image at the top of this webpage to convey the content of this article.
Coincidence? Most likely not. It’s a deliberate attempt to connect the imagery to the message. This is the same concept behind adding the A to STEAM ideas can have a more meaningful depiction when conveyed in multiple ways.
STEAM in Everyday Experiences
While STEAM may appear to be five siloed concepts, it’s really their interconnectedness that shows its true brilliance. The key to STEAM is unlocking the ability to see the five siloed concepts in everyday experiences. For example, watering a plant is a STEAM activity.
● Science: Plants absorb nutrients by osmosis.
● Technology: The shape of the container is conducive to water flow.
● Engineering: The container for the plant has created a water trap.
● Arts: The color and imagery on the container makes it more likely for someone to purchase and enjoy.
● Math: There is a prescribed number of ounces of water that the plant needs routinely in order to flourish.
STEAM Efforts Are Needed Nationwide
Adults and children can benefit from integrating STEAM into everyday concepts and experiences. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) states, “If we want a nation where our future leaders, neighbors, and workers can understand and solve some of the complex challenges of today and tomorrow, and to meet the demands of the dynamic and evolving workforce, building students’ skills, content knowledge, and fluency in STEM fields is essential.”
In addition, ED says the pursuit of STEAM should be ongoing, “where all Americans will have lifelong access to high-quality STEM education and the United States will be the global leader in STEM literacy, innovation, and employment.”
This call to action means ongoing community engagement and action from families, educators, communities, and employers. Now more than ever, STEAM needs to be expanded beyond the classroom.
About the Author
Dr. Kandis Y. Boyd Wyatt, PMP, is a professor at American Public University and has over 25 years of experience managing projects that specialize in supply chain management. She holds a B.S. in meteorology and an M.S. in meteorology and water resources from Iowa State University, as well as a D.P.A. in public administration from Nova Southeastern University.
