Since 2019, the IU School of Education has offered STEAM professional development programs to cohorts of middle school art and STEM teachers from rural schools in Southwest Central Indiana. The ISTEAM project infuses art into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curricula by having teams of teachers explore interdisciplinary connections with the goal of designing and implementing engaging, inquiry-based activities for students. The program utilizes engineering design, art, and music to engage students in creative and innovative pursuits that serve to build robust understandings of core disciplinary concepts and advance student technological and artistic knowledge and skills. Career awareness of disciplines that foster creativity and innovation are highlighted throughout the program such that participating teachers can share STEAM career options with their students. This program is sponsored by the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement.
ISTEAM
Spring 2022 ISTEAM Summer Institute
For Spring 2022, ISTEAM faculty will facilitate a summer institute at the IU School of Education, Bloomington, June 1-3. This three-day workshop is ideal for middle school science, STEM, and art teachers interested in working across disciplines to engage students in creative pursuits while also teaching deeper-level content knowledge. The ISTEAM Summer Institute will provide participating teachers with:
- Classroom materials for hands-on design projects
- $150 per day stipend ($450 total)
- Breakfast and lunch each day
The workshops will run from 9am to 3pm with breakfast starting at 8:30am. Recruitment priority will be given to teams of middle school art and STEM teachers from rural schools, but all middle school teachers are encouraged to apply.