What is the difference between STEM and STEAM?

by Sheila Koester
(Woodbridge, VA)

STEM represents science, technology, engineering and maths. “STEAM” represents STEM plus the arts – humanities, language arts, dance, drama, music, visual arts, design and new media.

The main difference between STEM and STEAM is STEM explicitly focuses on scientific concepts. STEAM investigates the same concepts, but does this through inquiry and problem-based learning methods used in the creative process.

Teachers working in cross-curricular STEAM settings often see their students making connections between concepts and solving problems in new and exciting ways. They demonstrate this by active engagement, their discoveries visible in enthusiastic “aha” moments.

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Feb 15, 2021

What's the difference between STEM and STEAM?
by: Sabeen Fahad

Whether it's STEM or STEAM, in both; the teachers have to focus on project-based learning to cover the five disciplines (SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ARTS MATHEMATICS) to foster inclusive learning environment in which all students are able to engage and contribute.

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