What is STEAM education?

What is STEAM education?

STEAM education is an exciting, hands-on, experiential style of learning that combines the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics.  It engages students in rich, authentic, real-world investigations that build the diverse skills that will be most valued in the future. From flexible and creative problem-solving to critical thinking and reflection, students have the opportunity to grow as they ask questions, take intellectual risks and collaborate with their peers.

Welcome to learning in the 21st century!

STEAM vs STEM

Build-A-Mind are mindful that every school is different, with its own routines, structures and expectations.  Hence, with thorough communication prior to the event, our workshops can be very flexible and are able to be adapted to suit the individual needs of the school.

However, a standard workshop takes the following format:

  1. Inspiring opening presentation on the power of STEAM learning
  2. Immersive discussion/brainstorm around a particular topic
  3. Introduction of ‘the challenge’ for the day
  4. Students break off to work independently or in small groups to solve the challenge with guidance from the facilitator
  5. Students experiment with a range of technology and materials and use research, trial and error, and feedback to work towards a solution
  6. At the end of the day, students present their projects to the larger group, explaining their process, justifying decisions they made, highlighting difficulties they faced and celebrating breakthroughs they had
  7. Certificates awarded to all participants as well as special awards given for commendable actions/ideas

 

Sound too good to be true? Read what other schools have to say about Build-A-Mind

STEAM vs STEM

The shift from STEM to STEAM has taken root over the past several years with many educators recognising the limitations of a purely STEM-based approach.  While future economic prosperity may hinge on the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM education sorely neglects the creativity, innovation and design that are required to bring any vision to life.

And thus, STEAM was born.

A STEAM approach allows educators to stimulate and nurture the essential creative brain while still preparing students for an ever-changing and highly competitive job market.  By teaching STEM disciplines in and through the arts, students are provided with the whole pallet of learning.

NOTE: If your school would like to make adjustments to a package, simply contact Build-A-Mind to discuss your needs.

** A travel fee will apply to areas where over 45 minutes of travel is required from our head office in Faulconbridge.

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Why Build-A-Mind?

Besides getting to work with friendly, passionate and professional facilitators, Build-A-Mind make the whole process easy!  

When you invite Build-A-Mind to your school,

Your students will: You will:
  • Learn from our experienced STEAM educators and be excited by their infectious enthusiasm and passion for thinking outside the box
  • Experiment with cool programs and technologies such as Lego Mindstorms, Cubelets and Meeper Bots while also getting creative with old-school materials like straws, foil and even spaghetti
  • Revel in dynamic hands-on activities that focus on making content tangible and practical
  • Engage deeply in projects that have authentic real-world applications that will open their eyes to the possibilities that await them
  • Work alongside our experienced STEAM educators, gaining new ideas and strategies to implement in your classroom
  • Save time by leaving the STEAM integration to us, giving you more time to focus on other quality programming…or assessment…or reporting…or communication with parents…or any of the million other things that demand your time
  • Be truly inspired watching your students think in new ways, take risks and work collaboratively to solve intellectual challenges
  • Rest easy knowing that your students are developing the thinking skills essential to their success in the future

Thank you so much Kerry and Georgia.  You provided an exceptional service - the easiest party I have ever hosted :-). The children loved it and were entertained beautifully.  You were extremely flexible and accomodating.  Thanks so much, we will see you again.

Alena and Family

From start to finish, this was a great incursion.  Kerry was warm and welcoming and all the children responded to her well.  The children had no difficulties working in teams or following the instructions.  When talking to them, they all said that they enjoyed it and that they would do it again.

Emily

Build-a-mind was a fantastic opportunity for our students to be immersed in the world of coding. Interacting with Kerry was amazing, as not only was she extremely professional, but responded quickly to all of our enquiries. Kerry arrived at our school completely prepared to guide us through everything we needed to know - even going above and beyond and providing us with extra resources and useful information. Kerry’s friendly nature made it very easy for the students to remain engaged, with each and every student learning a great deal about coding on the day. We highly appreciate Kerry taking the time and consideration to guide us through these amazing activities, and we look forward to working with her in the future.

Jennifer Awad
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