How do you create
an innovative and equitable classroom experience that prepares elementary
students for jobs that don't yet exist while placing a critical focus on
mathematics and science content and practice standards—all while meeting the
demands of high-stakes testing? The answer to this question is Step into STEAM, by Sarah Bush and
Kristin Cook, which provides a practical and accessible approach for educators
to create meaningful and transformative learning experiences for each and every
student.
This book guides
and inspires K–5 educators through a seamless process of designing and
implementing STEAM inquiries that align carefully to key mathematics and
science content and practices. Taking an opposite approach to existing
resources that provide collections of disjointed STEAM activities, this book
empowers teachers and schools to build cohesive and sustainable STEAM
infrastructures—grounded in grade-level standards and purposeful assessment—to
deepen the mathematics and science learning of each and every student. STEAM
instruction is for each and every student; STEAM instruction is about
mathematics; and STEAM instruction can and should be implemented for student
success and to engage students in making their community and our world a better
place. Loaded with resources to help K–5 teachers and instructional leaders
develop, implement, and assess meaningful STEAM inquiries, this research-based
book:
1. Provides
practical, on-the-go resources to help busy teachers get started in creating
purpose-driven STEAM instruction
2. Allows
educators to interact deeply with the content and create equitable STEAM
experiences that blend community and societal interests
3. Includes online
companion printable resources to help educators jumpstart or deepen STEAM
learning throughout a school or district, supporting STEAM professional
development, professional learning communities, and book studies
Checklists,
pictures, graphic organizers, reflection questions, "Try it Out!"
sections, and example STEAM inquiries help teachers seamlessly connect multiple
subject areas, create transformative learning experiences, engage elementary
students in developing creativity and empathy, and enable students to solve
meaningful and authentic problems for others—all to prepare students for their
bright futures. Make the most of your limited instructional time and become
part of the Step into STEAM movement!
"Through
carefully crafted research-based frameworks; inspirational, authentic, and
approachable practical strategies rooted in the reform efforts of
student-centered STEAM learning; and opportunities for professional
self-reflection, Step into STEAM
rightfully re-elevates educators to their proper places as innovation experts
and agents of change in their own classrooms, schools, districts, and
communities. An inspirational step in a needed direction, this book from Drs.
Bush and Cook is what educators have been craving: a guide to transforming
ourselves, our learning spaces, and our profession." Richard Cox, Jr. Expert STEAM Teacher Instructional Coach Bullitt
County Public Schools
"Step into STEAM offers a rare
opportunity for anyone concerned with education to consider what learning would
be like with equity, empathy, and experience. By providing examples from
teachers who have dared to put children first, this book offers more than just
new way to teach, it offers hope for youth today. By considering what youth
will need to be successful in jobs that are not yet created, Cook and Bush
provide a platform for educators to create authentic, real-world
problem-solving in classrooms with attention on the often forgotten about
component of STEAM—the M! As a proponent of STEAM education, my recommendation
is to grab this book and watch your students love learning again!" Cassie Quigley Associate Professor of
Science Education at University of Pittsburgh Author of An Educator's Guide to
STEAM: Engaging Students Using Real-World Problems