Schools across the country are getting involved in the STEAM movement by integrating innovative programs and spaces that inspire a new generation of designers and inventors. Help your customers bring STEAM to their school with these tips from littleBits.
- Districts and schools need to have a clear vision of what their STEAM goals are. Everyone involved in launching the STEAM program must agree on what to accomplish.
- STEAM programs can be expensive. Here are some ideas to consider when looking for funding.
- Start a campaign on DonorsChoose.org
- Apply for local, state, and national grants
- Look for sponsorships from local businesses and organizations
- Offer after-schools STEAM classes and use the fees to pay for STEAM programs
- Equip teachers with training needed to understand concepts.
- Encourage schools to allow time for teachers to tinker and collaborate.
- Encourage schools to find maker-type teachers to inspire the whole team. These teachers should be involved in the planning process as they will share their enthusiasm and ideas with others.
- Schools should bring in parents and community members with engineering, architectural, scientific, entrepreneurship, and art backgrounds to help give them a better understanding of STEAM.
- Teachers need to encourage students to keep trying if their project isn’t successful so they can build and strengthen their abilities.
- Teachers should build STEAM projects around real-life problems as these projects will be more interesting for the students.
- Make the space welcoming so students want to come in.
- Schools and districts should hold fairs so students can exhibit their inventions.
- Encourage teachers to keep the disruptive nature of the STEAM movement as this can bring a positive energy. Every student’s project should look different.
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