Step Into STEAM, Grades K-5
Your Standards-Based Action Plan for Deepening Mathematics and Science Learning
- Sarah B. Bush - University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
- Kristin L. Cook - Bellarmine University, USA
Foreword by Matt Larson
Primary Maths | Primary Science | STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
How do you create an innovative and equitable classroom experience that prepares elementary students for jobs that don’t yet exist while placing a critical focus on mathematics and science content and practice standards—all while meeting the demands of high-stakes testing? The answer to this question is Step into STEAM, which provides a practical and accessible approach for educators to create meaningful and transformative learning experiences for each and every student.
This book guides and inspires K–5 educators through a seamless process of designing and implementing STEAM inquiries that align carefully to key mathematics and science content and practices. Taking an opposite approach to existing resources that provide collections of disjointed STEAM activities, this book empowers teachers and schools to build cohesive and sustainable STEAM infrastructures—grounded in grade-level standards and purposeful assessment—to deepen the mathematics and science learning of each and every student. STEAM instruction is for each and every student; STEAM instruction is about mathematics; and STEAM instruction can and should be implemented for student success and to engage students in making their community and our world a better place.
Loaded with resources to help K–5 teachers and instructional leaders develop, implement, and assess meaningful STEAM inquiries, this research-based book:
- Provides practical, on-the-go resources to help busy teachers get started in creating purpose-driven STEAM instruction
- Allows educators to interact deeply with the content and create equitable STEAM experiences that blend community and societal interests
- Includes online companion printable resources to help educators jumpstart or deepen STEAM learning throughout a school or district, supporting STEAM professional development, professional learning communities, and book studies
Checklists, pictures, graphic organizers, reflection questions, “Try it Out!” sections, and example STEAM inquiries help teachers seamlessly connect multiple subject areas, create transformative learning experiences, engage elementary students in developing creativity and empathy, and enable students to solve meaningful and authentic problems for others—all to prepare students for their bright futures. Make the most of your limited instructional time and become part of the Step into STEAM movement!
“Through carefully crafted research-based frameworks; inspirational, authentic, and approachable practical strategies rooted in the reform efforts of student-centered STEAM learning; and opportunities for professional self-reflection, Step into STEAM rightfully re-elevates educators to their proper places as innovation experts and agents of change in their own classrooms, schools, districts, and communities. An inspirational step in a needed direction, this book from Drs. Bush and Cook is what educators have been craving: a guide to transforming ourselves, our learning spaces, and our profession.”
Richard Cox, Jr.
Expert STEAM Teacher
Instructional Coach
Bullitt County Public Schools
“Step into STEAM offers a rare opportunity for anyone concerned with education to consider what learning would be like with equity, empathy, and experience. By providing examples from teachers who have dared to put children first, this book offers more than just new way to teach, it offers hope for youth today. By considering what youth will need to be successful in jobs that are not yet created, Cook and Bush provide a platform for educators to create authentic, real-world problem-solving in classrooms with attention on the often forgotten about component of STEAM—the M! As a proponent of STEAM education, my recommendation is to grab this book and watch your students love learning again!”
Cassie Quigley
Associate Professor of Science Education at University of Pittsburgh
Author of An Educator's Guide to STEAM: Engaging Students Using Real-World Problems
“Step Into STEAM takes a sophisticated pedagogy from appearing as a complicated challenge to an approach that is accessible to each and every classroom. What separates this work from others? Oh, right: There are no other books like this one! The authors’ practical approach to getting started and go-to resources recognize the reality of busy teachers’ lives. Here you’ll find planning tools and classroom examples of investigations that don’t trivialize any of the STEAM subjects to merely ‘cover’ a subject. Rather, they integrate the subjects in a way that leverages community and societal interests; they exemplify student-driven instruction that capitalizes on students’ strengths; and they focus on equity, empathy, and experience to help students seamlessly blend their noncognitive skills.”
“STEM and STEAM learning must become more than an educational ‘sound bite.’ More importantly, STEAM learning needs to be fully understood AND implemented. Step Into STEAM addresses issues regarding the importance of STEAM learning and provides the support that elementary classroom teachers and instructional leaders need to truly guide their planning, teaching, and assessment of integrated and inquiry-based STEAM. What an amazing resource!”
“Step Into STEAM offers a rare opportunity for anyone concerned with education to consider what learning would be like with equity, empathy, and experience. By providing examples from teachers who have dared to put children first, this book offers more than just a new way to teach; it offers hope for youth today. By considering what youth will need to be successful in jobs that are not yet
created, Bush and Cook provide a platform for educators to create authentic, real-world problem solving in classrooms with attention on the often forgotten component of STEAM—the M! As a proponent of STEAM education, my recommendation is to grab this book and watch your students love learning again!”
“With the increased emphasis on integrated STEM nationally in education, Bush and Cook provide a timely, must-read resource for educators who are seeking ways to implement STEAM in the elementary classroom. The STEAM inquiries, grounded in problem-based learning or the design thinking framework, integrates mathematics and science concepts and the arts to engage each and every student in the classroom. If you are looking for ways to effectively design and implement STEAM inquiries, you owe it to yourself to invest and reflectively engage with this book.”
“Step Into STEAM is a timely guide for those interested in framing their work in STEAM instruction. The authors’ unique and innovative approach is transformational and takes readers on a journey into STEAM teaching and learning. Bush and Cook have written a must-read primer for everyone involved in STEAM education . . . Read this book—and learn from the best!”
“Through carefully crafted research-based frameworks; inspirational, authentic, and approachable practical strategies rooted in the reform efforts of student-centered STEAM instruction; and opportunities for professional self-reflection, Step Into STEAM rightfully re-elevates educators to their proper places as innovation experts and agents of change in their own classrooms, schools, districts, and communities. An inspirational step in a needed direction, Drs. Bush and Cook have carefully crafted the type of book educators have been craving: a guide to transforming ourselves, our learning spaces, and our profession.”
“This is the book I wish I had written! Seldom has a book been as desperately needed as this indispensable resource from Bush and Cook. All elementary educators should leverage this deeply insightful and proven approach to STEAM education so that you become the teacher of STEAM your students deserve. More importantly, use it to help your students become inspired and creative problem solvers who are empowered to not only improve their own lives but improve the society we inhabit as well.”
“This is a great book for elementary teachers and instructional leaders whose goal is to provide meaningful equitable STEAM experiences for their students. This book is rich with classroom-tested examples and strategies to build inquiries that include authentic content directly correlated to mathematics and science standards. Readers are encouraged to engage students in multiple ways to demonstrate relevant science/engineering processes and mathematical practices. A powerful component includes the opportunity to ‘Pause and Reflect,’ which will lead educators to personal insightsfor better implementation of STEAM.”
“Sarah and Kristin understand what creates a superior STEAM inquiry. They believe rigorous, standards-based instruction should be incorporated into STEAM and will capture students’ enthusiasm and create highly engaged, motivated student learners. In each step of the instructional planning process, they want instructors to stop and evaluate how the inquiry will meet instructional standards and challenge our students to think creatively to find solutions to problems. Step Into STEAM will help instructors understand how to create these STEAM inquiries. I highly recommend this book.”
“Unlike with some resources, readers will not be left wondering ‘what does this look like in the classroom’ or ‘how do I get started’ but instead will feel empowered to take steps forward to provide high-quality STEAM experiences for each and every learner.”
