STEAM is an acronym standing for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. It is an interdisciplinary approach in education that encourages students of all ages to ask questions, problem solve and think outside the box. In other words, it is basic training for the “real” world with activities that engage the students in a hands-on way to do higher level thinking while they are having fun! The internet is loaded with many fabulous sites where one can find lots of STEAM lessons. The good news is most of the lessons are quite simple to set up and many of the supplies are already in your kitchen.
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Left Brain Craft Brain
This amazing website is written by a former chemical engineer with an artistic streak who is now a stay-at-home mom to her crafty daughter. She spends her energy finding projects of “engineering craftiness” for her daughter. The site has wonderful STEAM projects that are easy to do complete with ingredients lists, directions and maybe most importantly, explanations for STEAM why things happen in each particular experiment. I cannot wait to STEAM with my grandchildren! To trach Left Brain Craft Brain CLICK HERE
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Babble Dabble Do
Here is another intriguing STEAM site written by a former architect/furniture designer. She wanted to encourage curiosity and creativity in her children so she has collected a great number of activities of “process art” and “wacky science” experiments. Not only are all the directions and supply lists ready to go, but there are also videos of many of the projects. Once again, I’m anxious to start STEAMING! For the link CLICK HERE
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Lemon Lime Adventures
The creator of this site, Danya, remembered how she couldn’t wait to go to her science class because they were always doing hands-on, fun things. She wanted to make learning “fun, engaging and meaningful” for her own children, so she started STEM Saturdays. She has compiled lots of neat activities that come with good directions and photos. For instance, there is an igloo challenge that uses toothpicks and marshmallows. The only direction for her kids was using the toothpicks and marshmallows, make an igloo. I love how open-ended that is, so it’s all up to the kids to think it through! I know you will enjoy this site CLICK HERE
Okay, now it’s your turn. What wonderful STEAM activities and/or websites have you found? Send in your comments, suggestions, photos and video. We would love to share them with our readers.
