Our Indian education system has always been geared towards preparing students from their foundational years to contribute to society. They are educated in their respective fields to ensure they are suitable for the task and acquire the right skills. With the digital disruption of society through technological development and advancement, the education system is now integrating STEAM into its curriculum to meet the modern demands of students entering the workforce. STEAM education is an approach to learning that incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. These five subjects represent the world around us, opening up opportunities, innovation, and career prospects for the next generation. Various reports also identify the importance of skill-based education, as opposed to knowledge-intensive education.

STEAM learning is an invisible force that will fuel the future Indian digital economy. The objective is to help learners understand the world of STEAM and its applications through games, multisensorial activities, visual arts, languages, experiential learning, interdisciplinary learning, and making them global citizens. STEAM education doesn’t just increase students’ knowledge; it prepares them for their future in a technological world where they’ll need to think critically, solve problems, collaborate with others, and create solutions. In other words, an effective education system has a dual responsibility. Firstly, our next generation should be ‘ready for life’ and be positive contributors to the advancement and enrichment of their nation. They should also be exposed to a digital environment with updated tools and enlightened educators.

Some of the STEAM learning areas include 3D Printing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, IoT, Augmented Reality, Number Sense, Patterns, Data Management, Life Systems, Climate Change, Human Anatomy, Coding, Web Designing, Software Designing, Technology, Social Media, Gaming, Dance, Drama, Music, Language, Visual Arts, New Media, Designing, Space & STEM. Creativity is often disregarded when it comes to the objectivity of the Sciences and traditional STEM learning. However, the inclusion of the Arts allows students to learn STEM subjects in a more creative way. The most recent developments in education have seen STEM turn to STEAM, a change that better suits the demand for an innovative education system. STEAM education is the need of the hour because arts and creativity have always been crucial for turning scientific theory into a practical, applicable reality. By integrating the Arts into STEM, students’ learning becomes more interesting.

As educators, we must open as many doors as possible for our foundational years’ students. We must teach them Science as well as Arts, so they can see the world from different perspectives and always find solutions to problems. We must show them that education is not just about learning theory and taking tests, they can learn through dramatics, creating art, speaking different languages, building models, or learning by doing.

As Dr. Jenny Nash, Head of the Education Solutions Design Team at LEGO Education, is quoted saying, “A baker uses Chemistry. A chemist develops make-up, and a computer animator designs the on-screen special effects used in blockbuster movies. Experiencing STEAM subjects in an integrated way is more authentic and representative of the world we’re preparing students to enter.”

Our school is soon going to introduce a STEAM lab for foundational years, which will allow students to create their own artistic masterpieces. They will have a range of resources and excellent support from teachers. This futuristic lab will help students acquire the skills and knowledge they need about design and thinking. The STEM subjects will teach students the mathematics behind shapes and concepts, and the science behind EVS will teach them to create smart roads. But combining art will teach them to decorate the road beautifully. STEAM is a progression of the original STEM acronym. The STEAM learning approach is not an attempt to detract from STEM or its subject areas, instead, it aims to enhance the learning process by invoking a greater sense of creativity. According to Dr. Kristin Cook, associate dean of Bellarmine’s Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education and a long-time science educator, “Incorporating the A in STEM brings in personal expression, empathy, meaning-making, and the purpose of what you’re learning. It’s the humanizing piece of transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary instruction.” As the world continues to explore new ideas to train students to be successful innovators, they should be equipped with four primary skills: communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Students in their foundational years should be sensitized to STEAM ethics through simulations and discussions with mentors.