EDUCATION + SCHOOLS

STEAM learning excites students, builds life skills, according to experts

Jul 31, 2023, 11:41 AM | Updated: Nov 22, 2023, 11:51 am

Guadalupe school groundbreaking ceremony...

The scene at the Guadalupe School groundbreaking ceremony for its new STEM outdoor classroom. (Guadalupe School.)

(Guadalupe School.)

SALT LAKE CITY — Arts advocates, researchers, and educators say the arts have a strong impact on learning. The Guadalupe School in Salt Lake City, Utah, has implemented Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) into its curriculum. The implementation of STEAM learning enables students to participate in experiential learning, creativity, and discovery. 

The Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM said Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) curricula in schools are a good start to providing K-12 students.  The American economy demands more than just an understanding of STEM topics, it requires creativity and innovation. 

The integration of the arts, to form STEAM, is meant to remedy this. 

According to the National Arts Education Association, the Every Student Succeeds Act includes the arts in defining a “well-rounded education.” 

STEAM learning 

According to the National Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM, is “an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.” 

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Education said that education becomes more effective when creativity is integrated into classroom activities. 

Maverick STEAM outdoor classroom 

The Guadalupe School in Salt Lake City recently opened a STEAM outdoor classroom, said Becky Youkstetter, the school’s development director. 

This classroom enables young students to participate in self-directed learning.

Youkstetter said that one-day last winter, a group of students found a frozen dragonfly. Their teacher was able to use their discovery as a teaching tool, giving them a science lesson about the dragonfly. Then, Youkstetter said, the students gathered things from outside and created their own art. 

The integration of the arts into the STEM approach allows a stronger emphasis to be placed on creativity. It helps educators guide students in developing skills for collaboration, problem-solving, and enhanced engagement. 

Experiential learning can help keep students interested and engaged. 

Coupled with the scientific benefits of the arts on the brain, students enjoy creating their own art.

“We know children love art. They love to create. So we wanted to give them the opportunity to really be able to explore their creativity,” said Youkstetter. 

Youkstetter said that the outdoor classroom has outdoor musical instruments and an art wall, where the students can draw and create art inspired by what they are learning. 

“They can create art from their experiences of what they’re learning. It’s just another way to tie in and kind of solidify a topic that they maybe are learning about in that classroom,” said Youkstetter. 

The outdoor classroom also includes elements such as a soil box, a water table, and a topographic map of Utah. All of these features are meant to promote creativity and experiential learning. 

“I just see an excitement. They’re curious, they’ll look at something and ask questions,” said Youkstetter. 

Impact of art on the brain 

According to a report by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), participation and education in the arts have been associated with improved cognitive, social, and behavioral outcomes. The report also said that these outcomes benefit people of all age groups. 

A 2015 literature review written by Melissa Menzer said that toddlers that were attending schools with arts programs integrated into their curriculum could better articulate and regulate their emotions. 

Menzer’s literature review found that parents who sang to their children three times a week observed that their children had stronger social skills. Menzer also found that toddlers who participated in a classroom-based music education program were more likely to be socially cooperative, independent, and interactive. Participation for as little as four months was linked to these increased, teacher-reported behaviors. 

“I see an excitement in learning because of this new space. It’s their favorite place to be,” said Youkstetter of the Guadalupe School’s outdoor STEAM learning classroom. 

Related reading: 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Education + Schools

Jill McCluskey, the mother of Lauren McCluskey, at lauren's lap...

Mark Jones, KSL TV

Third annual Lauren’s Lap held Saturday at Univ. of Utah

Lauren's Lap is held each year by the University of Utah and the Lauren McCluskey Foundation in honor of Lauren McCluskey.

24 hours ago

The Department of Education is hoping changes to FASFA will fix last fall's chaotic rollout of the ...

Michele Rowe

Department of Education hopeful that FASFA delays are in the past

The Department of Education is hoping changes to FASFA will fix last fall's chaotic rollout of the financial aid program.

2 days ago

A classroom in Midvalley Elementary School...

Kyle Remund

One arrested after suspected arson at Midvalley Elementary School

Midvalley Elementary School had to switch to online classes after an act of arson caused a loss of power and heating in the building.

6 days ago

People walk through the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. T...

Hugo Rikard-Bell

Young voters in Utah report feeling discouraged by presidential candidates

Young voters at the University of Utah said they care about reproductive rights, taxes and whether candidates are looking out for their interests.

6 days ago

...

Mitch Harper, KSL Sports

TV info, kickoff time revealed for first Big 12 BYU/Utah rivalry game

SALT LAKE CITY– We have a kickoff time for the BYU/Utah rivalry game at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The two in-state rivals will kick off at 8:15 pm on Saturday, November 9. Television rights for the game will be on ESPN. BYU comes into the matchup with a perfect 8-0 overall record and 5-0 in Big 12 […]

6 days ago

Jake Dickey, right, teaches Salt Lake Community College students how to use the latest technologica...

Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com

Latest moviemaking technology makes its way to Utah through SLCC

Salt Lake Community College has a stage allowing film students to learn the ins and outs of the new filmmaking technology.

7 days ago

Sponsored Articles

4 construction workers fixing roof against clouds blue sky, install shingles at the top of the hous...

Chipman Roofing

Weather the storms by maintaining your roof

By taking the time to assess your roof's condition and make repairs as needed, you maintain the longevity of your home's stability.

Tax Harassment...

Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Feeling intimidated by the IRS? 6 Essential facts you should know.

If you are receiving threatening letters and wage garnishments from the IRS, hiring an attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.

Photo courtesy of Nightmare on 13th...

Nightmare on 13th

Here’s why Nightmare on 13th is the best haunted house in Utah

Fall brings Halloween, and Halloween brings Haunted Houses. There’s no better Haunted House than Nightmare on 13th – here’s why!

USA, Utah, Bear Lake. The deep blue of Utah's Bear Lake contrasts with autumn foliage....

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Experience Bear Lake’s all-year activities

We break down Bear Lake's four-season recreational offerings so the whole family can enjoy their time there any time of the year.

Water park with a vintage VW bug in front with a surfboard on top...

Cowabunga Bay

Spend the last days of summer at Cowabunga Bay! 

Cowabunga Bay is one of Utah's premier water parks that features water slides, a lazy river, a kids' cove, and a beach with lounge chairs.

A young woman smiles while reading the menu at a lakeside restaurant, enjoying the panoramic view o...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best restaurants to try in Bear Lake

Save this guide to the best restaurants in Bear Lake when you need to find a place to dine during your next visit.

STEAM learning excites students, builds life skills, according to experts