A conversation with the 2017 Washington State Teacher of the Year

TL;DR

A science teacher discusses how integrating arts into STEM education engages young students and develops important skills.

Transcript

Well congratulations on being teacher of the year. Thank you so much. I understand you teach science to very young kids. Yeah, my class is called S.T.E.A.M. Lab. Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. I can talk to them about how all those different subjects integrate together and the skills that they use transfer across. At that young a... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎯 Integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (S.T.E.A.M.) subjects in education helps young students develop transferable skills and see the connections between different disciplines.
• 🎨 Art plays a crucial role in fostering creativity, imagination, and problem-solving abilities in students, enhancing their chances of future success.
• ♂️ In a digital age, hands-on activities like building with Legos and blocks still engage students in exploring civil engineering and problem-solving, allowing them to showcase their ingenuity.
• 🧠 An example of a struggling reader excelling in building projects highlights the transformative power of finding success in a particular area, boosting self-confidence and expanding one's worldview.
• 🌟 Teachers are inspired by the moments when students discover their strengths and become more determined learners, making a significant impact on their educational journey.
• 💡 Exposing kids to a range of subjects and encouraging their curiosity nurtures their potential for innovative thinking and problem-solving in the future.
• 🌐 Collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking skills are emphasized in the classroom, preparing students for the challenges of the modern world.
• 🏆 Celebrating educators and recognizing their efforts in creating engaging and impactful learning experiences is important for fostering a positive and supportive educational environment.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the teacher engage young students in S.T.E.A.M. education?

The teacher engages young students in S.T.E.A.M. education by incorporating arts and creative problem-solving, which helps develop their soft skills and critical thinking abilities.

Q: How does the teacher emphasize the importance of arts in education?

The teacher emphasizes the importance of arts by highlighting how imagination, creativity, and innovation are essential skills that can be applied in various subjects and future success.

Q: How does the teacher encourage problem-solving in the classroom?

The teacher encourages problem-solving by providing hands-on activities, such as building bridges, where students can use their creativity and critical thinking skills to find solutions.

Q: Can you provide an example of a student who benefited from S.T.E.A.M. education?

Yes, the teacher shares a story about a struggling student who excelled in building an arch bridge using Legos, which boosted his confidence, determination, and self-perception of being smart in something.

Q: How does S.T.E.A.M. education help develop important skills in young students?

S.T.E.A.M. education helps develop important skills in young students, including collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for their future success and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The teacher uses S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) education to integrate different subjects and show students how the skills they learn are interconnected.

• Through creative problem-solving and collaboration, students develop soft skills and critical thinking abilities from a young age.

• The teacher shares a heartwarming story of a struggling student who found confidence and determination through building an arch bridge using Legos.