Switching From STEM to STEAM

The missing ingredient in STEM? It’s the arts of course!

In 2024 we’re making the transition from STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) to STEAM. Here’s why… 

The arts are where data meets design, the place where function meets form, and where creativity fuels innovation. 

Artists use their imagination to bring ideas into reality. That’s a key skill that gets left behind when there’s so much focus on STEM to the exclusion of the arts.

The Symphony of STEAM: Harmonizing Arts with STEM Education

By infusing arts into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, we're crafting learning environments that are vibrant canvases for innovation. As public schools continue to be underfunded (sometimes unconstitutionally - we see you, Ohio), the first cuts made are usually to specials or electives like music and art. Performing and visual arts both nurture skills like creative thinking, problem-solving, self-expression and discernment to name a few. Cutting these programs is not only a disservice to the students, it’s a void that’s hitting our workforce and society at large. It’s a disservice to us all. 

Crafting Creative Solutions in Science and Technology

In educational technology, artists' perspectives drive innovative problem-solving approaches that might otherwise be overlooked by conventional STEM fields. From prototyping gadgets to visualizing complex data sets—artistic processes encourage out-of-the-box thinking necessary for breakthroughs in today’s increasingly complex technological landscape.

The fusion between artistic imagination and scientific precision leads to discoveries that resonate on both practical and aesthetic levels. Consider how design principles from architecture can lead to stronger yet more elegant bridges or how musical rhythms can inspire algorithms for efficient code sequencing.

The Role of Arts in Developing STEM Literacy

A student doodling during a math lesson isn't necessarily off task—perhaps they’re synthesizing information visually. The integration of arts within STEM education teaching strategies plays a crucial role in developing literacy among our nation’s youth—a demographic yearning for diverse methods to digest difficult concepts. Through projects intertwining art elements with mathematical theories or scientific experiments interlaced with theatrical performances, students don’t just learn—they experience knowledge multi-dimensionally.

This holistic approach fosters an environment where more Leonardo da Vinci’s (an artist as much as an inventor) can shape our future. It’s time to break down the walls of these silos we’ve been living in and understand that STEM and the arts are but parts of one grand intellectual adventure.

Design Thinking in Educational Technology

Innovators like Steve Jobs didn’t revolutionize industries by adhering strictly to technical know-how. They leveraged design thinking—a cornerstone concept stemming from artistic practice—to engineer products seamlessly integrating form and function. Today's educational tech thrives when developed with this ethos. Partner content libraries, virtual labs featuring 360-degree views akin to walking through digital museums—all these owe their intuitive user interfaces to design principles rooted deeply within the arts. Merging aesthetics alongside utility spawns experiences captivating users’ senses while catering to learning objectives.

The shift is not just about innovation; it's also about making these advanced tools accessible and user-friendly for everyone. It's exciting to see where this blend of creativity and practicality will take us next.

The Well-Meaning Push for Women & Girls in STEM

Please know that we NEED women in STEM. We need all people in STEM. Diversity is a winning strategy in just about everything. In order to get better results, a wide breadth of lived experiences is always a good way to go. And…

We need everyone to be able to bring all of their skills to the table - including art skills. 

Making space for people of all genders to be in STEM careers is important. Bringing their arts capabilities and interests with them should be encouraged. Imagine a world where you don’t have to pick. 

Cultivating Well-Rounded Professionals Through STEAM

Being well-rounded isn’t just good for kids - it’s good for us old(er) folks too. For me, having a performing arts background has been a differentiating factor in almost every role I’ve had. And it’s certainly helped me in this journey of acquisition entrepreneurship (read more on that here in my last article if you missed it). 

Enhancing Problem-Solving Abilities Across Disciplines

Involvement in the arts doesn’t only jazz up your resume; it fine-tunes your brain to hit those high notes when facing tough problems—a must-have for professionals where one-size-fits-all solutions fall flat on their face. 

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that degrees awarded in science and engineering have grown substantially—by 55% between 2000-2015—but employers still bemoan a dearth of critical thinkers.

Smart executives are learning to look for team members who aren’t just technically adept but also bring knowledge richly marinated in creativity—a trait honed through art experiences. Being an artist teaches vulnerability, experimentation, creative solutioning and more. Great assets to bring to business. 

Innovation and Artistry

Some of the world’s most prestigious organizations are making the connection between science and arts for integrated STEAM experiences. One exciting example is the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins. It’s an initiative of the Pedersen Brain Science Institute there. One of their focus areas is Impact Thinking, a translational research approach designed to solve intractable problems in health, well-being and learning through the arts. They are singing my song! 

How Performing Arts Experience Influences Leadership in STEM

Drawing from a tapestry of performing arts experience has given me unique insights into leadership. Standing ovations are great but steering teams toward groundbreaking innovation? That deserves its own kind of applause.

This journey taught me how crucial skills—like creative thinking—are when navigating increasingly complex landscapes where science and math meet society head-on. And guess what? Those higher education stats from places like the National Science Foundation back up the notion that injecting arts into STEM (making it STEAM) enhances problem-solving abilities across various fields—from coding algorithms for clean energy platforms to sketching blueprints for next-gen vascular tissue engineering.

Give Me a Break

Switching up tasks, giving your brain a break from its usual routines fuels increased performance. For some people, it’s stretching or taking a walk. For me it often includes an arts break - singing or listening to music. Engaging in creative arts activities lights up different parts of your brain. It allows other perspectives to come into view. Even if you aren’t a great artist - who cares? Do art anyway. It’s not always about the end product. It’s about exercising your brain and body in a different way. The magic is in the doing. 

And may I suggest bringing those endeavors to work? I love talking with my team about their hobbies. I know someone who knits on breaks. I have a friend who’s in a company band. Take some time out to doodle. Almost everyone I know who does these kinds of things comes back to their work refreshed and more engaged. 

In Closing…

Are STEM programs great? A lot of them are. I’m not saying we should shut them down. I am saying they’re in need of a glow-up. Performing and visual arts are the special sauce that elevates science, technology, engineer and math. Together they can spur faster innovation that’s more creative, beautiful even. End users find this more appealing and the humans doing the STEM work do as well. So let’s all agree, it’s STEAM from here on out.

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