STEAM: Emphasizing the Importance of Art in STEM

As parents, students, and educators embark on a new academic year, several age-old misconceptions about science remain at the forefront of learners’ minds.I can’t understand and keep up.There’s no room for my creativity.I’m better off sticking to what I know I’m good at.Sound familiar? These beliefs keep countless bright minds from exploring a field that so desperately needs diverse perspectives and contributors. In an effort to mitigate this problem, a different entryway into science was proposed during a 2007 discussion within the Americans for the Arts National Policy Roundtable. STEAM – an acronym for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics – was born.Over the next decade, the STEAM model – an interdisciplinary approach to STEM including art – was implemented in a variety of educational settings. Prospective benefits included improved problem-solving skills and overall proficiency in said subjects for students. By teaching STEM subjects intertwined with art, students can approach problems with a more well-rounded, imaginative lens.  Credit: Angela - stock.adobe.comCopyright: ©Angela - stock.adobe.com This isn’t a brand new idea. Albert Einstein often said playing and listening to classical music helped translate his disorganized images and ideas into logical theories, and he certainly isn’t the only great mind art helped expand. Previous research has shown how proficiency in artistic skills like learning a musical instrument can improve overall cognitive development. In 2010, the Rhode Island School of Design incorporated STEAM curricula in their programs, calling it a “[valuable] symbiosis between the arts and sciences.” This has inspired numerous other schools to follow suit. Oregon City High School, my alma mater, added STEAM Literature to its repertoire of classes in 2018. As one of the first students to take the class, I enjoyed the unique combination of science and language arts.Although STEAM education has shown promise and positive results on an anecdotal basis, empirical evidence has not shown any significant improvement when compared to a traditional STEM education. But even without vast research support, the model continues to spread and inspire educators to allow more space for artistic disciplines in STEM education. STEAM-based education advocates for improved accessibility to otherwise intimidating fields. And given how young the model is, STEAM education may remain a worthwhile venture to explore. Author Bio: Jane Arterberry is working on her undergraduate degree in biology with a chemistry minor at Portland State University Honors College. She is a member of PSU’s eXtreme Virus Lab, a BUILD EXITO trainee, and interested in genetics and molecular biology. Her favorite things include watching live music, petting everyone’s dogs, and making academia a more inclusive place.