Defining the work of the arts in STEM can take on many forms of
directly infusing it through concepts the arts. In any type of arts
implementation. First, teachers can use the arts as a tool for
integration, arts infusion, or STEAM program the presence of a
learning. In this instance, students may learn the life cycle of a
quality, comprehensive, and sequential visual and performing arts
butterfly through song. Typically, we use the arts in this manner
program is essential to its success. Students are able to learn the
through arts integration as students learn through the arts. More
skills and techniques the arts provide and then transfer those
in-depth study using the arts can occur through arts infusion
skills to the other content areas when teachers integrate the arts
where the arts are embedded in the work of STEM. In this case
or infusing them into the curriculum. Another strength of providing
STEM work could not exist if not for the integral work the arts
a quality arts program is that content teachers can rely on
bring to STEAM.
students knowing the work of the arts from their arts teacher so
STEAM might be compared to a popcorn popper. As the kernels
heat and expand, they collide with other kernels. Such might be
the situation where the content areas of STEAM connect and
inform the work of other STEAM content. The arts could connect
with technology on one day while on another day science and
classroom teachers can serve as the facilitators of learning
through the arts rather than having to teach the arts skills and
techniques to their students. Professional learning for teachers in
the arts will enable them with the confidence to best address the
arts in their classrooms.
engineering might make significant connections. There are even
Regardless of the approach a school chooses to take, one point
instances in our instruction when three or more STEAM content
is for certain: providing a quality comprehensive sequential arts
infuse with one another.
program is vital to the success of the STEAM program or any arts
In arts focused schools where emphasis on the arts is more
emphatically, the arts can more regularly take center stage and be
the focus of instruction. On any given day, teachers know they
must take care in providing their students with instruction that
centers more on the content they are trained to teach. At some
integration approach. Ar