You Can’t Spell STEAM Without the Arts Happy STEM/STEAM Day! This took place on November 8 this year, and was a day to celebrate all things involved with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math! It was also a day to look at how the Arts are involved in STEM, and why the STEM to STEAM movement is so important. We’ve all learned the importance of STEM in school; these areas of study provide a wealth of knowledge and many different paths to go down to find what you love. But, none of these areas would be complete without the creativity of the Arts to enhance their analytical beauty. We can see different aspects of the Arts blended into each area of STEM.

Science:

Art is alive in almost every aspect of Science. From 3D anatomical structures, to colorful microbes and fungi, everywhere you look within science you can see Art. We utilize art when teaching different parts of science; using photos and sculptures can help people better understand the structure of DNA, or the different constellations seen in the sky. It can also be used to help study Science as well; using funny mnemonic devices (memory devices) can help make memorization easier, and allows for some hands-on creative moments. You can also use coloring pages to help you relax, and learn the different parts of an organ!

Technology:

Art and Technology somewhat go hand-in-hand, though you may not think so initially. Technology has been used to enhance art, to allow for structures to be imaged on the computer, before bringing them into 3 dimensions. Many different types of art can be created through the use of technology. From taking better digital photos thanks to updated cameras to being able to type pages and pages of faraway adventures and inventive creatures, to using outdated pieces of technology to create intricate sculptures. The use of technology to make art is incredibly apparent today. Art can also be used to inspire new technological creations. By using technology, immersive art galleries can be created, so artists' works can be shown all over the world. As technology advances, so does the ability to make new works of art. The two areas grow and change together; art is necessary to create new and wonderful technology.

Engineering:

Engineers utilize creativity and artistry when creating different new inventions. From the creation of blueprints all the way through to the final constructed product, being able to think creatively and abstractly, as well as analytically, is a great blend to achieve a finished design! The Arts can also be used to help overcome obstacles in engineering. By utilizing creativity and thinking outside the box, new ideas and suggestions can help solve problems and could lead to even better creation.

Math:

Complex mathematical equations are a beauty in themselves. The different symbols used together to solve the most challenging problems, the flow of numbers throughout until coming to a final answer. Together, all these things paint a mural of knowledge that can only be solved by concentration, perseverance, and the ability to look at the sum of all the parts to create the dynamic, creative, complex whole. You don’t have to give up your artistic side in order to be successful in the STEM world. Rather, having the ability to be creative and embrace the art in everything can help you succeed in the STEM world. And help us grow and evolve into the STEAM world. Bridging the gap between STEM and the Arts can help create a new generation of creative mathematicians, intellectual engineers, and analytical sculptures. A STEAM generation: Smart, Talented, Engaged, Accomplished, Motivated.

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