Discover Steams Initiative

Education systems are constantly adapting to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. The traditional focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has expanded to include the arts, giving rise to STEAM education. However, there is a compelling case to be made for adding another crucial element to this mix: Social Studies. The purpose of Steams Initiative is to explore and suggest why social studies should be integrated into STEAM, creating a holistic approach that nurtures well-rounded, socially conscious, and innovative individuals.

Social Studies provides a unique platform for teaching cultural awareness and global citizenship. Integrating it into STEAM, as STEAMS, can help students understand the social and cultural contexts in which scientific, mathematical and technological advancements are made, leading to more culturally sensitive and responsible group of learners. Social Studies can provide valuable insights into the history of science, math, engineering, arts and technology, helping students appreciate the evolution of human knowledge.

Examining the historical context of a specific phenomenon is essential for gaining a deeper and more accurate understanding of historical events, literature, art, or any aspect of the past. If Social Studies is implemented in an interdisciplinary manner throughout STEAMS education, one can simply dive deeper into the significant details as to why a particular event comes into existence or how it started, giving birth to what we call “existing body of knowledge” today. One can also study historical context as a stand alone topic, which supports the suggestion of Social Studies being included as its own disciplinary focus.

Social Studies, when incorporated into STEAM to create STEAMS (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Social Studies), not only broadens the educational spectrum but also enriches it by adding a layer of cultural and historical awareness. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that learners can appreciate the interconnectedness of human progress and the multifaceted impacts of scientific discoveries and technological innovations within their social and cultural contexts. By understanding the historical backdrop against which these advancements occurred, students become more culturally sensitive and responsible, recognizing the significance of ethical considerations in the development and application of technology.

To leverage the full potential of STEAMS, we have developed Project-Based Lesson Plans that are freely available. These lesson plans are designed to showcase how STEAMS can be an interactive and effective method of teaching, facilitating a hands-on learning experience that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Through these projects, students engage in real-world problems, applying knowledge from each STEAMS discipline to find solutions that consider technical feasibility, artistic expression, mathematical reasoning, scientific inquiry, and socio-cultural implications. 

Our lesson plans are designed to showcase how STEAMS can be an interactive and effective method of teaching, facilitating a hands-on learning experience that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Our Project-Based Lesson Plan Framework can be integrated into STEAMS curriculums through an easy 8-Step PBLP Framework.

8-Step PBLP Framework

Our 8-step PBLP Framework is designed to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Social Studies (STEAMS) into engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Each step of the framework ensures that students are not only absorbing information but also applying it in meaningful, real-world contexts.

Round Table

• Objective: Engage students in a discussion to set objectives and connect lesson content with real-world scenarios.
• Method: Introduce an everyday object or topic relevant to each disciplinary subject under the STEAMS framework. Use these objects to spark conversation and make connections between the lesson content and students' daily lives. 

Reflection Point

• Objective: Have students reflect on their current knowledge and identify areas of uncertainty.
• Method: Students engage in a structured self-assessment to evaluate their current understanding. This process serves as a foundation for hypothesis formulation, where they articulate educated guesses about potential solutions or outcomes related to the topic at hand. Once hypotheses are established, students embark on project-based activities designed to test these hypotheses practically. Through experimentation, analysis, and implementation, they explore and refine their ideas, fostering a hands-on approach to learning and problem-solving.

Knowledge Setting

• Objective: Provide foundational knowledge necessary for the project.
• Method: Use lecture, interactive sessions, hands-on activities, problem-solving exercises, or data analysis tasks to deepen understanding. This phase should provide context without delving into the actual project activities.

Project

• Objective: Encourage students to develop and execute a research project related to the lesson topic using Progress Map.
• Method: Over several weeks, students collaborate on a research project, using a checkpoint map for project delivery.

Community Involvement

• Objective: Connect classroom learning with practical, community-based applications.
• Method: Engage with community members to apply and test the project.

Assessment

• Objective: Evaluate the project based on practical feedback and comprehension.
• Method: Include feedback from stakeholders or conduct an exam to assess understanding.

Feedback Loop

• Objective: Reinforce learning through reflection.
• Method: Have students revisit their initial round table discussion notes (hypothesis) and summarize their learnings.

Resume Integration

• Objective: Help students articulate their project experience on their resumes.
• Method: Schedule appointments with school advisors to discuss how to highlight project accomplishments.

Explore how our 8-Step PBLP Framework can bring the STEAMS approach to life in your classroom, ensuring students gain practical, interdisciplinary skills that prepare them for future academic and professional success.