STEAM

What is STEAM?

STEAM is an integrated approach to education which:

  • Emphasizes real-world, problem-based learning.

  • Uses science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

2022 Challenges

This year's challenges teach computational thinking skills from the MA Digital Literacy & Computer Science Curriculum Framework in the context of other subjects.

Ant Picnic is a citizen science project that teaches data skills from the DLCS. Note: Ant Picnic requires good weather and a one-hour break in between two, 30-minute class periods.

Robo Shark teaches algorithms and programming through music. Students apply math skills like counting, patterns and fractions as they program the robot to play the song "Baby Shark." This activity can be completed in one, 60-minute class period.

Robo Friend connects algorithms and programming directly to the math curriculum, as students program the robot to draw a robot composed of shapes. This activity is a great follow-up to the second-grade Sol LeWitt Geometric Wall Drawings project and takes one, 60-minute class period.

Ant Picnic
No Device, Grades K-5

Robo Shark
Device with Robot, Grades K-5

Robo Friend
Device with Robot, Grades 3-5

2021 Challenges

Short (@30-60 minutes) challenges that teach computational thinking skills. The MA Digital Literacy & Computer Science Curriculum Framework identifies five concepts/skills that characterize computational thinking: abstraction, algorithms, data, programming & development, and modeling & simulation.

Picture Encoding Device Optional
Grades 3-12

Robot Golf
Device with Online Simulator
Grades K-12

Pizza Party
Device with Online Simulator or Robot
Grades K-12

2019 Challenges

Short (@ 60 minutes) design challenges with a focus on collecting and analyzing data, and then using that data to optimize a prototype. All challenges adapted from this "Engineering on a Dime" Minds in Bloom blog post.

2018 Challenges

Short (@ 30 minutes) design challenges to help students learn the design thinking attitudes and work strategies they will need to succeed with larger STEAM projects.

LEGO Duck Focus: Norms for Creation

Paper Tower Focus: Scoping the Problem

Back-to-Back Focus: Communication

Stack the Cups Focus: Teamwork

Build a Foundation Focus: Persistence

Email dlc@awrsd.org if you have a design challenge to share.