Abstract:

Implementing the STEAM approach necessitates collaboration among various stakeholders, including educators, administrators, policymakers, parents, and the community. This article presents a case study of a private school in Georgia, outlining the integration of a pilot mandatory subject, 'STEAM education,' at primary and preschool levels. The authors engaged with administrators, emphasizing the educational benefits of the STEAM program and addressing factors such as resources, teacher expertise, motivation, and infrastructure.

The pilot involved weekly STEAM lessons for preschoolers and students in grades I-V, with teams focusing on interdisciplinary topics. Customized STEAM sets, comprising 72 topics, were developed to cater to each class, and the program was segmented into distinct components. For preschoolers, play was incorporated to foster an early understanding of real-world principles. Grades one through three engaged in activities promoting interdisciplinary connections and motor skills, while the fourth and fifth grades utilized programmable microbits and intricate projects, integrating diverse competencies.

The article concludes by outlining the phases and challenges of the initial STEAM course and analyzing results obtained over one semester.

Keywords:

STEAM in formal education, STEAM program, STEAM educational kit.