Science Tests : Scores Improve with STEAM!

After years of teaching primarily STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics ) educational programs, the scores on science tests have not improved precipitously.   Teachers and educational researchers realized that by adding an "A" --for ART-- student learning would pick up STEAM!   By adding Art and project-based learning back into the mix, scores on science tests, as well as math tests, have shown marked improvement.

Stem had been founded and funded as a way to increase SAT and ACT scores in science and mathematics; and to provide the foundational skills necessary to get teacher accreditation in these modalities. 

But, not all ideas are perfect at inception...some of them need a bit of tweaking! Funding for STEM programs was a step in the right direction, and making sure teachers are up to speed in the ever-changing worlds of technology and engineering, is also a great idea; however, the scores on math and science tests did not reflect the additional skill level they were intended to produce.

That is why math and science education is under review again, and why programs like Crafternoon Delights are gaining momentum. The two main questions being asked are, " Why are these curricula being viewed as exclusive of other modalities?" and   "Why have so many schools dropped Arts education from their curriculum?"

Under the STEM philosophy,  Art and Science education were viewed as separate disciplines that demanded different teaching methods.  However, as we have delved deeper into the ways in which we learn, it has become clear that Science and Art, as well as Math and Music are intrinsically related!

Crafternoon Delights was founded upon the philosophy that teaching through project-based learning that used Art and Craft as the basis for demonstrating STEM principles would create a greater understanding of core concepts.

Educational researchers now recognize the importance of integrated education and that project based learning that has a foothold in Art, is the perfect compliment to higher level thinking. Art puts the STEAM in STEM! Using project based integrated education curriculum, students are able to see how the knowledge they garner in  science education is important to all aspects of everyday life. The whole basis of integrated education is to teach real-world application of the math and science education principles. 

Form and function are the guiding principles in integrated education that uses Art as the glue.  Art is now being recognized as more than decorative or illustrative, but that it also represents an essential part of the process of inquiry, such as problem finding, problem solving, and communication.  The elements of design in art are applicable to life and all the modalities of education.

The impetus that propels people to excel at mathematics and science education or engineering and art education are generally the same..the desire to discover the deeper intricacies in the world.  The integration of Art into technologies such as engineering has always been recognized in the “form and function” debate. Does form follow function or does function follow form?  Either way, Engineering and Art are fundamentally linked. Take cars as an example:  From the Model-T  to the newest concept car,  the evolution of technology is as much about the aesthetic and design (form) of the car as it is about functionality.

The fundamental concepts of form and function are primarily the same.   Line, shape, color, structure/function as well as sequencing, motion, and patterning are terms of language in science education and art education. Students who are taught in integrated education project-based learning programs  develop a clearer understanding of the underpinnings of science and how these principles can be extrapolated to solve existing and future problems. Educators are now seeing that students who previously had difficulty in STEM classes are quickly picking up STEAM!

Further resources:
Crafternoon Delights: Integrated Education Is Picking Up Steam!
Science Education and Art Education:The Perfect Pair 

Community Involvement : Great Tools and Resources for Homeschooling Parents

I grew up in an entrepreneurial family. My father was a Chef who specialized in opening new restaurants, or giving an existing restaurant's menu a "face lift."  I always said I learned my math costing out menus!

My Grandfather was a contractor/builder and my Grandmother's family were retail merchandisers.
How does that relate to community involvement?  Well regardless of what business your family is in, there are great opportunities to not only teach business skills but to show how greater community involvement can mean a greater bottom line!

As an educator and business coach, I like to demonstrate how community involvement can help clients gain free publicity and often new customers, while improving the community they live and do business in.  A Win-Win situation!

Parents, especially homeschooling parents, can easily take advantage of these ideas.  As a side note, if you are thinking of starting a home-based business...which is something I highly recommend  to most homeschooling or stay-at-home moms...I 'd love to talk with you! For more information please visit my website  CEO-MOMS.net and lets talk soon!

But, back to community involvement.  Businesses that participate in community involvement programs distinguish themselves from their competitors in a positive way.  Current research shows that  82 percent of American consumers consider corporate social responsibility  when deciding which products or services to buy and where to shop.

Here are four things to consider when incorporating community service into your business and family plan.

•  Build relationships within your community. Look at your community to see what's important. For example, does the animal shelter need donations?  Businesses that host  "community impact" events, get media attention and can often enlist family and friends to help with the event.  If you have a business that has a slow day of the week or a slow season, use that time to sponsor events and drive up the bottom line on otherwise slow days!

• Get your employees on board.  When your employees feel they have a voice in the business, they do a better job. Giving employees an avenue to give back and be recognized for their good work is important to morale and builds a collaborative and inspired team,  Often these events uncover leadership opportunities for employees, which leads to increased staff performance and fulfillment and, ultimately, increased productivity and sales.

• Create a custom volunteer plan.  Business owners should evaluate their business and employee strengths and select volunteer activities that draw upon those strengths. For example, if you own an accounting firm, you could volunteer to help a nonprofit set up their accounting practices or do their taxes.  Similarly, if you own a restaurant, consider catering a church or community staff meeting...offer to match the tips for that event and to show your appreciation for your local leaders. It's tax deductible and philanthropic too!

•  Let customers know about your community involvement programs.Once you've implemented your strategy, let current and prospective customers know what you're doing by including this information on your website. Put a dollar amount of how much your donated time or services would normally cost next to the number of hours your employees have spent giving back so it's easy for customers to understand how much your company gives to the community.

If you are homeschooling your children let them participate in community involvement programs.  Even if you are not an entrepreneur, the business that you or your spouse works for may well have a community involvement program that would be appropriate for you and your child to participate in. If they don't have a community involvement event perhaps, you could brainstorm one and suggest it!  Business owners are always looking for ways to get more customers, free advertising and greater profits!

People love to see children engaged in these programs and it creates an integrated education learning situation for them too!  Using all the tools and resources that are at your disposal makes your job as a homeschooling teacher/mom easier, a lot more fun...and profitable!

Read, Read, Read!

Helen Grace

If you found this article helpful, you might want to read my blog on Crafternoon Delights.com.

Also read these articles:
Crafternoon Delights - An Education Website for Integrated Learning
Education Tools And Resources That Promote Literacy Learning
Crafternoon Delights Announces Grand Opening Of Integrated Education Website