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STEAM projects for kids are at the core of this blog. And it’s not because STEAM is the latest educational trend, but because I personally believe in the power of cross-disciplinary learning. If you are new to the idea of STEAM the acronym stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, and started as simply STEM, without the A for Art. STEM and STEAM based learning has become a huge educational movement in the US in recent years. It began because of the noticeable lack of candidates entering the fields of engineering and science here in the US compared to other countries. Whether or not you agree with the focus on the disciplines highlighted by its acronym, the basic model of STEAM based education is to teach kids to bridge subjects and problem solve, and this is the aspect of it that has resonated with me.
As a designer, I have spent most of my education and career in “the studio,” working on projects that require putting on both creative and analytical hats to solve problems. What I love about the design profession is the opportunity to look at a problem from many angles, test out different ideas, and ultimately decide on a solution. And that’s what a STEAM based projects do. They teach kids to make connections between the subjects they are studying rather than explore them in isolation. So if you are curious or interested in trying STEAM based projects with your kids, I rounded up 25 of my favorite cross-disciplinary projects right here. I hope these projects will introduce you and your children to the power of creative exploration and problem solving. Now let’s get making!
Skewer StructuresClay & Wood Block StructuresGeodesic DomePaper Building Blocks |
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