STEM is more than just the four subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
STEM is more than just the four subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is a holistic approach to the educational experiences that you provide in your classroom. Discovery is seldom in just one subject area; rather, it involves integrated approaches that include music, the arts, social skills, and reading.
Select one of the STEM subject areas and, using your topic, describe a topic-related activity that combines the STEM area you selected with an art element.
What role does the art segment of the activity play in enabling the children to grasp the lesson concept(s)?
Imagine that you are extending this activity to include all of the families in your class and the larger community. What strategies could you use to engage families and the community in your class STEAM activity? Be creative and think big!
Sample Solution
STEAM Activity: Exploring Sound Waves through Music and Art
STEM Subject: Science (specifically, physics and sound waves)
Art Element: Music
Target Age Group: Elementary school students (age 8-12)
Full Answer Section
Activity Description:
This activity will combine science, music, and art to help students understand the concept of sound waves. Students will begin by exploring how sound is created and travels through various materials. They will then use their understanding of sound waves to create their own musical instruments and design unique visual representations of sound.
Materials:
- Tuning forks
- Rubber bands
- Balloons
- Plastic cups
- String
- Paints, markers, crayons, or other art supplies
- Construction paper or cardboard
- Music players or instruments (optional)
Activity Procedure:
- Introduction: Begin by discussing the basic properties of sound waves: they are vibrations that travel through mediums like air, water, and solids. Demonstrate this by using a tuning fork and vibrating it on different surfaces. Ask students to observe and describe what they see and hear.
- Sound Exploration: Divide students into groups and provide each group with a variety of materials like rubber bands, balloons, and plastic cups. Encourage them to experiment with stretching, blowing, and tapping these materials to create different sounds. Ask them to discuss how the size, shape, and tension of the materials affect the sound produced.
- Instrument Creation: Using the materials provided, students will design and build their own musical instruments. This could involve creating simple string instruments, drums, or wind instruments. Guide them to consider the principles of sound waves while designing their instruments, such as the length and tension of strings, the size and shape of resonating chambers, and the materials used.
- Visual Representation: After creating their instruments, students will use art supplies to create a visual representation of sound waves. Encourage them to experiment with different colors, shapes, and lines to capture the movement and energy of sound. They can also incorporate musical notation or symbols to represent the sounds produced by their instruments.
- Performance and Sharing: Students will have the opportunity to showcase their instruments and artwork to the class. They can play their instruments individually or as a group, creating a unique soundscape. Encourage them to discuss their creations and explain how they used their understanding of sound waves to design their instruments and artwork.
Role of the Art Segment:
The art segment of this activity plays a crucial role in helping students grasp the lesson concepts in several ways:
- Visual Representation: Creating visual representations of sound waves allows students to translate their auditory perceptions into tangible expressions. This helps them solidify their understanding of the abstract concept of sound waves and visualize their properties.
- Creative Exploration: Art encourages students to explore their creativity and express their ideas in a unique way. It allows them to personalize their learning and connect with the science concepts on a deeper level.
- Interdisciplinary Connection: Integrating art with science highlights the interconnectedness of different disciplines. It demonstrates that science is not isolated from other areas of knowledge and can be used to inspire creative expression.
Extending the Activity:
To engage families and the community in this STEAM activity, several strategies can be implemented:
- Family Workshop: Organize a family workshop where parents and children can participate in the activity together. This will provide a platform for families to learn about sound waves in a fun and interactive way and strengthen family bonds through shared learning experiences.
- Community Concert: Arrange a community concert showcasing the musical instruments created by students. This will provide an opportunity for students to share their learning and showcase their talents. It can also involve local musicians and community members, fostering a sense of connection and collaboration.
- Interactive Art Installation: Create an interactive art installation in a public space that incorporates sound and art elements. This could involve sound sculptures, sound-activated visuals, or immersive sound experiences. This will engage the community in a thought-provoking way and raise awareness about the science of sound through artistic expression.
- Online Platform: Develop an online platform where students can share their creations, participate in online discussions about sound waves, and learn from other communities engaged in similar activities. This will foster global connections and provide a platform for ongoing learning and engagement.
By utilizing these strategies, this STEAM activity can extend beyond the classroom walls and create a ripple effect of learning and engagement within families and the wider community. The combination of science, music, and art will provide a stimulating and enriching experience for all participants, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them and inspiring creative exploration.
Additional Considerations:
- This activity can be adapted to different age groups and learning abilities by modifying the complexity of the tasks and materials used.
- It is important to incorporate safety guidelines and ensure adult supervision during the activity, especially when handling materials that could be harmful.
- Assessment can be conducted through observation, participation, discussions, and analysis of student creations.
- Collaboration with music