Learn more about STEM versus STEAM and how it helps drive education.

Most people are aware of STEM, which is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math. STEM is regarded as one of the most important topics to know and teach because it shapes the way our world works and will continue to shape how our future infrastructure would be.

However, not many people are aware of STEAM. In essence, it is very similar to STEM, except for the extra addition of the arts, hence, it’s acronym Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. Arts, in this case, encompasses pretty much all of the arts, like, visual art, dance, drama, music, design and anything that includes creativity.

As similar as they are, both of these approaches differ widely:

• STEM is grounded in more of axiomatic truth, meaning there are minimal requirements for creativity. It’s like saying 1+1 is 2 or Na + Cl is salt. The answers in STEM are mostly unarguable truths.
• STEAM on the other hand, ties all of the rigid information STEM has to offer into a creative package. In a sense, STEAM encourages students to think through a logical and analytical perspective, but approach problems with out-of-the-box creativity.

Read on to find out more details about STEM versus STEAM!

Why Is STEAM So Important?

As we mentioned above, science, technology, engineering, art, and math aren’t just about numbers and formulas—artistry is a major contributor.

Artists and scientists are deeply interconnected. Both:

• Explore uncharted territories of human potential
• Challenge existing boundaries of understanding
• Transform abstract concepts into meaningful, transformative creations

Think about the most innovative technologies and designs we use every day – smartphones, architectural marvels, digital art, interactive media. None of these existed just a few decades ago. How did they come to life? Through the perfect blend of technical expertise and artistic vision.

The most incredible innovations happen when technical precision meets artistic imagination. STEAM isn’t just about what we know – it’s about what we can envision and create.

Related: Why is STEM Education So Important?

How Can I Incorporate Art Into STEM?

In the case of art being a type of science and math, it is often overlooked how technical most forms of art are.

Music theory is highly linked to mathematics, in fact, most music IS math! The circle of fifths, beats per minute, the Pythagoras ratios on guitar frets, chords are essentially triangles.

As another example, in the case of visual art, architecture and design, many professionals rely on mathematical equations and ratios to get their creations right on the first try. In fact, this is not even something new. Ancient paintings and artifacts have been seen to follow the golden ratio. Monuments such as the Great Pyramids of Egypt have also baffled modern professionals as to the exact measurements are incredibly close to the golden ratio too.

In a sense, STEM and creativity have always come hand-in-hand, however, due to the required syllabus and institutionalized education, it has been separated into their own categories, making it logistically more streamlined.

By being aware of the fact that creativity and art bring STEM to life, and opens up doors to endless opportunities, you are already taking the first steps of incorporating it. As you learn about STEM and grow your knowledge, you will also start to realize how important it is to have a certain level of creativity in order to really push your boundaries and do your very best.

Creativity Is Key to Excelling in STEM

Some students may study STEM for years and still not fully realize the power that creativity and art can bring to the subject. However, as you become more aware of the true potential of STEAM, and hold to the value that art is part of science, math and technology, you will be able to dream up innovations that nobody else has ever been able to dream up.

Keep on working hard to master your STEM subjects, but always keep an open heart and open mind on being unique and doing something new. You might find yourself being the next scientific savior of this world!

For more information on STEM programs that Engineering For Kids has to offer, find your closest location!