Alte text: Preschool-age students use pipettes to drop water in a science experiment. The blog title is displayed in overlayed text: "Igniting Curiosity: Tips to Advance STEAM Education."
As we celebrate National STEAM Day, there's no better time to spotlight how science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM) can ignite curiosity and equip students with the skills to solve tomorrow’s complex challenges. At the ESC, we believe that advancing STEAM education goes beyond just textbooks—it’s about encouraging students to think critically, collaborate, and innovate through hands-on experiences. In this blog, we’ll explore effective approaches to high-quality STEM instruction, share examples of our recent initiatives, and offer tips to help educators create inspiring, real-world learning environments.
Engaging Students in Real-World Challenges: The Key to High-Quality STEAM Instruction
In today's rapidly evolving world, we know the demand for skilled STEAM professionals is greater than ever. However, the approach to teaching STEAM must shift if we want to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow. High-quality STEAM instruction begins not in the lecture hall, but in the hearts and minds of students engaging with real-world challenges. This engagement fosters discussions, critical thinking, and collaboration—skills essential for success in the workforce and beyond.
The Shift from Information Delivery to Engagement
Many classrooms operate on a model where teachers are the primary source of information. This approach often means that students passively receive knowledge, regurgitating facts for tests rather than truly understanding concepts. But in an age where information is readily available at the fingertips of students—thanks to computers and AI—this model is no longer sufficient.
Instead, the focus should be on engaging students in the learning process. When students are tasked with solving real-world problems, they become active participants in their education. They are no longer just memorizing facts; they are applying their knowledge, collaborating with peers, and developing solutions to challenges that matter. This shift empowers students to take ownership of their learning and cultivates a mindset geared toward innovation.
Engaging with Real-World Challenges
The heart of effective STEAM education lies in open-ended problem solving. By presenting students with authentic challenges, educators can spark curiosity and creativity. For example, a project might involve designing a sustainable water filtration system for a community in need or developing an app to help local businesses thrive. These types of projects require students to draw upon a variety of disciplines, including math, science, engineering, and even the humanities and arts.
Discussion and Critical Thinking
Engaging in real-world challenges naturally leads to rich discussions. Students must articulate their ideas, listen to diverse perspectives and critically evaluate potential solutions. This dialogue not only enhances their understanding of the subject matter but also hones their communication skills—an essential component of collaboration in any field.
Moreover, through critical thinking, students learn to assess the feasibility of their ideas, consider ethical implications, and understand the impact of their solutions on the broader community. This depth of engagement cultivates a sense of responsibility and awareness that is vital for future leaders.
Collaboration: The Key to Success
In today’s interconnected world, collaboration is a critical skill. STEAM projects that require teamwork mirror the dynamics of the modern workplace, where professionals must work together across disciplines to solve complex problems. By working in groups, students learn to negotiate roles, share responsibilities, and respect diverse viewpoints.
Collaboration in STEAM education also encourages students to build empathy and develop social skills. They learn to appreciate the strengths of their peers, adapt to different working styles, and navigate conflict—all invaluable skills in any career.
On this National STEAM Day, challenge your definition of what STEAM education means in your classroom. How can you engage students in their learning, teaching them invaluable skills for tomorrow?
Recent STEAM Initiatives at the ESC of Central Ohio
At the ESC, we are fortunate to be able to help teachers engage their students with technology and science content through our Project Innovation program. We have Ozobots, drones, 3D printers, Doodler pens, vinyl cutters and more to loan out to schools to help inspire innovative STEAM thinking! We encourage, coach and support teachers as they push their students to think through real world challenges.
Alt text (image 1): Students trace lines with markers on worksheets to allow the Ozobot to travel over them.
Alt text (image 2): A student is bent over his desk watching the Ozobot travel over some drawn lines on a worksheet.
Alt text (image 3): A student is bent over a worksheet while using a marker to color in a section on the paper.
One success story comes from Hoffman Trails Elementary School in Hilliard where 5th grade students designed the childcare room for their new recreation center. Students researched a specific age group, then developed prototypes and presented their ideas to members of the Parks and Recreation Leadership team.
Alt text (image 1): A student sketches out a diagram of a childcare room with a pencil.
Alt text (image 2): Three young students discuss what to do next after sketching out their ideas on a large piece of paper.
Alt text (image 3): A young female student shows off her colorful sketch of their idea of a childcare room.
This year the ESC has a class set of drones! We’re working with teachers to inspire students to utilize coding in order to solve real world problems that drones can help us solve including providing aid to remote areas or areas impacted by natural disasters. During Ohio Tech Day this past September, the Project Innovation team allowed students at Canal Winchester High School to experience flying a drone firsthand. Students attempted a drone obstacle course and learned about the many practical uses of drones in future careers!
Alt text (image 1): An ESC staff member wearing a yellow safety vest holds a purple hand controller to control a drone.
Alt text (image 2): A purple drone sits on a mini landing pad inside of a library with an elevated hoop in the background.
Alt text (image 3): A purple drone sits next to a small landing pad on a carpeted floor.
Another success story comes from Hilliard Tharp Middle School. The team helped students combine creativity and technology to create vinyl logos for their lockers. Students learned about graphic design and were then tasked with designing a logo that represented themselves. After designing their logo, the Project Innovation team helped students cut their logos with our vinyl cutter and weeded the designs from their background. Our team then helped students add their logos to their lockers, where they’ll be displayed for the rest of the school year helping to add some individualism and decoration to the previously blank hallways.
Alt text: A student presses a sticker onto a locker.
Alt text: a closeup of a drawing of a dog with tails and ears made to look like footballs.
Teachers from across Ohio have also been engaging in professional development from LEGO® this fall! Through the Teach Computer Science grant, teachers were able to attend the LEGO® training and receive a LEGO® kit to take back to their classrooms free of charge. Teachers learned not only coding using LEGO® SPIKE kits but also offline computer science skills, like algorithmic thinking, that they can apply to their classes. Participants from every content area made connections to how to use LEGO® to enhance their students' learning! More free LEGO® classes will be coming this spring!
Alt text (image 1): Teachers work together to build a LEGO® robot that can be coded to move.
Alt text (image 2): A teacher plugs in a plug on either side of a LEGO® robot being built.
Alt text (image 3): A piece of paper sits on a desk that reads, ”Make Computer Science Fun” with an agenda written below it.
What’s Next for STEAM at the ESC?
Join our Central Ohio Science Teacher Chat Series, a monthly virtual event designed to connect and inspire 4th and 5th grade teachers passionate about STEM education. Each chat will feature a virtual visit to different schools, showcasing best practices and practical starting points into STEM instruction. You’ll learn how to bring STEM and Project-Based Learning (PBL) into your classroom with easy, actionable ideas. Exchange resources and strategies with fellow educators who are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists. Register for the next chat on November 13: https://bit.ly/3BziR0g
STEAM Resources and Further Reading
National STEAM Day is a reminder of the importance of preparing students to meet future demands with curiosity, creativity and resilience. At the ESC, we're committed to driving this vision forward by helping educators create immersive learning experiences. By fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and a hands-on approach to solving real-world problems, we’re laying the groundwork for students to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Together, let’s continue building a future where STEAM education empowers every student to shape a better tomorrow. Learn more about our STEAM learning and collaboration opportunities here.
Claire Anthony is the science and STEM specialist at the ESC. With an academic foundation in Middle Childhood Education from the University of Dayton and a master's degree in educational administration from Ohio State, Claire has dedicated her career to pushing the boundaries of education and preparing students to be the problem solvers of tomorrow. Claire’s journey in education began at COSI and Westerville City Schools. She then helped open Metro Early College Middle School, where she played a pivotal role in building and shaping the middle school program. She worked as a teacher, dean of students and principal which allowed her to implement strategies that transformed the educational experience for her students. At Metro, she was instrumental in innovating community partnerships that engaged students in STEM design challenges and integrated STEM thinking across all content areas. Passionate about advancing educational practices, Claire’s approach combines a deep understanding of educational theory with a commitment to practical, results-driven solutions. Claire lives in Westerville with her husband and 2-year-old son and enjoys spending her free time at the pool and the park.