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- What are FAQ? F. A. Q. is an acronym (first letters of words that spell a word) of the words Frequently Asked Questions. This is the place on the website, or many other websites, to find quick answers to common questions.
- What is STEAM? "STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking." answers Susan Riley on the STEAM Portal of the Education Closet. The rest of that web page explains STEAM rational more fully.
- What are the goals of STEAM? Students preparing for college and employment in the 21st century need skills of questioning, higher level critical thinking, problem solving, and collaborating. STEAM is a problem-based learning (PBL) experience by which students work together in teams to research mathematical and scientific methods to design and construct solutions to real-world problems. In the process students collaborate, question, and critique in order to refine and produce the best possible solutions.
- Why more Science and Math? Science and Mathematics are the brackets that frame STEAM. STEAM does not replace science or math classes but applies science and math to real-world situations and augments all core school subjects by providing students with a motive for learning. Language Arts and History are also a part of STEAM in that students often need to research STEAM projects including the social history of real-world problems, keep records about all data and research, write about research and results, and make public presentations of their work.
- What Technologies are used in STEAM? Technology is the craft of applying science and engineering to build solutions to real-world problems. In STEAM classes technology might incorporate woodworking, metal craft, plastics, ceramics, or digital arts like computer programing, video, and graphic design. STEAM technology is only limited by student dreams, student ability to learn a craft, and combined student and school abilities to fund a technology.
- How is Engineering used in STEAM? Engineering is the planning and design process that approaches real-world problems with math and science to develop solutions that can be created in the classroom and community. Engineering is the central component of STEAM that ties the science and math with the art and technology toward producing viable solutions.
- Why is Art included in STEAM? Art is the imaginative and creative process of using pleasing visual or audio media to make products that are pleasing and may invoke an emotional response. Creativity, imagination, and the media of art is essential to the planning, design, and production of STEAM projects.
- How are STEAM projects funded? While the school provides many STEAM resources, many resources need to be replenished and students use materials for projects. Sources for STEAM projects are limited only by the imagination of the students and facilitators. Sources include not only funding but also recycling. Pre-arranged donations of many recyclable items we accept in the program. See the Recycling Resources page and the contact page to determine if you have resources that we might use. Students and facilitators also stay active in looking for sources of grants, seeking "investors",* and acquiring donations and materials from local businesses. (*Investors include family, friends, acquaintances, organizations, and local businesses willing to fund projects that might have a product that students return to the investors).
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