"Simple Steam for Teachers"

In the webinar that I joined, there were two ladies who talked about ways that teachers can engage young minds in STEAM learning. These ways are to help them investigate questions, solve problems and think of potential improvements. First they started by asking us about jobs that no longer exist, for example they showed us a picture of a lamplighter that used long poles or ladders so they could light lamps. This job was no longer there because of the Electricity. Also they gave other examples such as knocker-upper. As well as, they asked the open-ended question "What should children experience to prepare them for future jobs and successful careers?" 
After that question the word "STEAM" was defined by a rap song video. It Says that S is for science, T is for technology, E for engineering, A for arts and M for math. 

They also discussed how STEAM is integrated. Integrate activities instead of teaching as individual subjects. Job are integrated, for example, an architect would use science, math, art and technology to do his job. 

An interesting activity was designed in this webinar to show us the integration was done between the STEAM categories.  
The activity was: Straw Rocket Activity
They introduced the steps and they made them. 

This activity might encourage the children's curiosity and raises these questions: 
*Why do you think the rocket falls back to the ground? 
*What do you need to do to make the rocket go higher?

Then they ended the activity with the STEAM example:
1- Science: I will experience and gain knowledge about air resistance, force, propulsion and gravity. 
2- Technology: Can I invent a creative method to launch my rocket? A bigger rocket? A smaller rocket?
3- Engineering: How will I build my rocket and what tools will I need?
4- Arts: How will I make my rocket look attractive and well designed? 
5- Math: How long will my rocket be in inches? How far my rocket go? How long can my rocket stay in the air. 
                            

This webinar and especially the activity and the ideas the ladies gave were so interesting and can be done in class. Students will feel interested and they will enjoy, plus they will be able to learn new things through playing. "When we play we learn". In addition communication skills are very important in supporting STEAM thinking. Also, STEAM thinking encourages curiosity and  provides multi-sensory.