iSTEAM

ISTEAM

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.

2023-2024 Academic Year Program with MCCSC

With funding from an Indiana department of Education STEM Integration grant, faculty from Indiana University’s School of Education are partnering with the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) to co-design and facilitate ISTEAM workshops for MCCSC educators. Throughout the 2023-2024 academic year, MCCSC teachers will participate in a series of elementary, middle, and high school workshops designed specifically to engage students at each grade-level. Exemplar activities include designing games that utilize simple circuits (elementary), creating solar sculptures (middle), and generating data visualizations from large data sets (high school). Computer coding and digital fabrication using laser cutters and 3D printers will be emphasized throughout the project.