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STEM to STEAM: Resources Toolkit

Whether you are looking for resources on integrating science, technology, engineering, and math or on infusing the arts to transform STEM into STEAM, these curated compilations will help you plan different approaches to integrated studies.

STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math

Explore ways to use STEM lessons and approaches to help students practice cross-disciplinary thinking and build skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. (30+ Resources)

STEAM: STEM + Arts, Design, Humanities

Discover information, examples, and tools related to incorporating aspects of the arts, design, and the humanities into STEM-based school activities. (15+ Resources)

Maker Education

Find resources and tools to help bring elements of maker culture into schools and classrooms, and encourage students to explore STEAM subjects within the context of maker projects. (30+ Resources)

9 OUTSTANDING STEM RESOURCES

1. Exploratorium
Provides interactives, web features, activities, programs, and events for K-12. Saturday and Summer professional development workshops are available through the Teacher Institute.

2. NASA - Educators
Lesson plans, teacher guides, classroom activities, video clips, games, posters, and more for teachers and students in grades K-4, 5-8, 9-12, and higher education.

3. eGFI: Dream Up the Future
Promotes engineering education with K-5, 6-8, 9-12 lesson plans, activities, outreach programs, and links to web resources. Teachers and students can download the first three issues of eGFI magazine.

4. Kinetic City
Science games for students in grades 3-5. One activity asks students to replace the body systems of a character who sounds like Arnold Schwarzenegger. The website requires free registration.

5. National STEM Video Game Challenge
Middle school (5-8), high school students (9-12), and educators are invited to design games that incorporate STEM content or STEM themes in innovative and engaging ways. Home schoolers are eligible to enter as well. Sign up to be notified about the 2013 competition.

6. Master Tools
Eight interactive math and science tools and simulations for students in grades 6-12. All simulations and curriculum materials meet the new National Science Education Standards and National Math Education Standards.

7. Engineer your Life
This guide introduces girls in grades 9-12 to young women engineers and highlights careers. A section for parent and counselors furnishes background in engineering to better advise students. The site has a link to a companion site for girls in grades 5-8.

8. A Compendium of Best Practice K-12 STEM Education Programs ( PDF, 6.2 MB, 106 pgs.)
All 38 K-12 STEM programs included in this report provide challenging content/curriculum, an inquiry-learning environment, defined outcomes/assessment, and sustained commitment/community support. Each program entry gives an overview, defines target population and learning environment, and presents highlights of results. Contact information is provided.

9. STEM Educator Materials
Download posters, educator guides with activities and age-appropriate career information for your students. All activities meet national education standards of learning for math, science and technical literacy. Registration is required but free.