In a recent PD on integrating STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering & Math) held at RAFT (Resource Area for Teachers) I was introduced to the following flow chart:
As a certified art educator I will admit that I have allowed myself to function under the stereotype that I am a right brained thinker... an intuitive out of the box creative type who is therefore not expected to be good at science or math. Because of this limiting definition of self, I have not always embraced STEM integration with the same passion and vigor that I would defend the value of arts integration or the need for sustained and substantial electives course offerings. This PD however was the access point that I needed in order to embrace the other skills and characteristics that I possess, because after all no one is honestly all right or left brained. I appreciated this graphic because I was able to see how the scientific process of exploration/discover, analysis/feedback, and benefits/outcomes so neatly mirrors the methods and strategies that I utilize not only in my curriculum design but also in my art making processes. I am sharing the flow chart as I find it a natural complement to many units and concepts addressed through my organization including but not limited to:
- Design Thinking Protocols
- "Shark Tank" or Entrepreneurship and Innovation Content/Unit
- College and Career Research
I challenge educators such as my self, who have resisted STEM integration to at the very least use this flow chart when developing and implementing protocols within your class (as I am sure that you already are, though perhaps without the scientific context).
