STEAM, a step beyond STEM – Observatorio

Science education is one of the pillars of pedagogical training to generate skills such as innovation, reasoning, problem solving, research skills, collaboration, creativity and other knowledge structures necessary for student development. In previous articles, we have talked about the importance of STEM education, the projects that empower it and the participation of girls and women in this field of knowledge.

An acronym in the English language for STEM, referring to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the term has almost come into use early twenty-first century To refer to professions and curricula that focus on the practice of exact sciences.

Recently, the letter “A” was added to the acronym to designate an art major and to complete the term to cover that major, so what does this mean for the STEM movement and education in this field?

Integration of art and science

The STEM movement’s initial focus and the skills it developed seemed quite inclusive, but its blind spot was the scant presence of the arts and humanities. This resulted in a Decrease in allocated funds To manage it and problem a student community with few career options related to the arts.

Making room indoors for art and design brings enriching benefits to a science-based education. In addition to the skills offered by STEM education, progress toward STEAM paves the way Obtaining faculties of arts and humanities Such as dialogue, critical thinking, assertive communication, and empathy among others.

The arts also serve the purpose of presenting scientific and career programs in a more attractive light, making use of the intersections between science and the arts when creating curricula and grouping classes. It is also important that the learning process is more interesting and light.

How does a project with STEAM look good?

mexican robotics team Quantum Robotics It consists of 29 students from Tec de Monterrey and the National Polytechnic Institute. Students cover a variety of knowledge areas, including mechanics, electronics, programming, planning, life sciences, communications, business management, time and resources, and general communications, among others.

In previous articles, we talked about how students do they worked in it He is set to build a robot capable of exploring the surface of Mars: rover toAffectionately nicknamed by young people, it is an autonomous vehicle designed from scratch by students to participate in international competitions such as Canadian International Challenge Rover and the Rover University Challenge 2022.

What is most noticeable about the impressive Mexican Emotion project is not its technical specifications, but the creativity for which it is named. “rover to It is the result of a joint effort. Michelle Sanchez, co-founder and business leader for the team, explained in an interview with Forbes MexicoNS. Student Tec de Monterrey also thanked the Foundation for supporting each of the team members, adding that each one collaborated with traits and skills vital to the success of the project.

A simple procedure such as naming an independent compound suffices to indicate the difference between the extent to which perspective expands when space is allowed for the arts and humanities in science practice. The team participants were creative enough to find a way to embrace their connection to Mexican culture and honor the history of Rovers, which have been invaluable in the discovery and exploration of Martian soil.

This is the kind of detail that characterizes the project, keeps morale high, facilitates learning and collaboration, and contributions at scale belong to the intersection of the arts, humanities, and sciences. The Inter-University Working Group recently participated in Mexico Air and Aerospace Fair (FAMEX) 2021In preparation for competitions such as Rover University Challenge 2022.

“Quantum Robotics members had a platform where they had the opportunity to present rover to, in addition to its mission to promote #STEAM activities in Mexican children and youth,” Professor Elizabeth Torres, student teacher, told the Observatory. The professor added that conferences and courses to disseminate science are an essential part of the development plan of the team she supports.

Quantum Robotics is currently looking for sponsors to promote more projects such as Project rover to. If you are interested in learning more about how to provide support, consult the section Call in your page.

Have you ever heard of STEAM education? What benefits do you think incorporating the arts and humanities into science education can generate? Tell us in the comments.