STEAM Challenges
What is STEAM? You are probably familiar with STEM. It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Add Art and you have STEAM!
STEAM innovation challenges are included in every Mind Missions lesson.
STEAM is an approach to learning that emphasizes Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics. The US Department of Education reports that the number of STEM/STEAM jobs in the United States is rising. These jobs will grow by 14% from 2010 to 2020.
Consequently, most teachers would love to incorporate STEAM in their classrooms. However, designing and preparing lessons to incorporate STEAM is challenging. Teachers are tasked with trying to meet the broad needs of students and mandated standards for learning. Mind Missions integrates STEAM, Social Studies, and Language Arts. Each lesson is standards-aligned and complete with a team-based STEAM challenge.
How does a Mind Missions lesson work?
What STEAM challenges are in Mind Missions?
Mind Missions learning challenges students to learn about STEAM innovations from the past. Students learn about great scientists, including Louis Pasteur, Jonas Salk, and Albert Einstein. They are inspired by the technological leaps of Ada Lovelace, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford. Students learn about engineering by studying the achievements of Robert Fulton and Cyrus McCormick. They explore the artistry in cultural monuments around the world. First, students learn about the STEAM innovators from the past.
Next, students explore STEAM through hands-on challenges to real-world problems. They work collaboratively to create STEAM solutions with their teammates. Each challenge requires a different focus. Artistic answers may be necessary to solve one Mind Mission problem. Engineering feats are required to meet a different challenge. In addition, math skills are essential to effectively solve many challenges. Through practice in problem-solving, students refine their ability to innovate solutions. They learn to solve STEAM challenges. And each lesson meets state standards for Language Arts and Social Studies. Lessons from the Past. Skills for the Future.
Ready to get started teaching collaboration, critical-thinking, communication, & creative problem solving in your classroom?
