Bring on the STEAM in 2017

2 Min Read  •  Digital Magazine

It’s 2017! A fresh new year with lots of possibilities and opportunities to explore. As we head into the cold, dark stretches of January and February, it can be easy to get bogged down in the hum-drum of our curricula. That’s why I love the January issue of STEAMed every year. This begins our 3rd year of the magazine and with it, ideas to invigorate and investigate our lessons. This STEAM in 2017 is a great mix of both testimonies of why integrating the arts is important and how to do so effectively.

If you’re looking for a way to advocate for bringing STEAM to your school, check out how two schools in Cobb County, GA are leading the way (pgs. 6 and 34). Or maybe you’re looking for a whole new way to approach a topic. If so, check out what husband and wife teaching team Wade and Hope King did with the Power Rangers at the Ron Clark Academy (yes – THAT Ron Clark from Oprah fame) on page 10.

If you want to see how organizations are helping schools move into a STEAM direction through partnerships, check out STEAM in 2017 Taking Art to the Cellular Level (pg. 50) which shares some amazing outreach work. And, how do you create a maker space with a purpose? Christopher Sweeney showcases projects that are pushing the boundary on page 45.

A highlight for me in this STEAM in 2017 was being able to interview famed artist Phil Hansen for our cover story (pg. 20). Phil’s incredible personal story of overcoming physical challenges to pursue and thrive in the arts is both heartwarming and incredibly motivating. You’ll also find Phil keynoting our upcoming Winter Arts Integration and STEAM online conference!

And of course, no issue would be complete without some helpful tools, tips, and resources. In this issue, we have a special section dedicated to working with special populations which I think you’re going to find so valuable (pg. 25), as well as a handy checklist of our favorite STEAM tools and lesson plan template (pg. 37). Ready to dig in? Well get cozy and let’s go read the issue of STEAM in 2017!

STEAM in 2017 Quarterly Digital Magazine, Education Closet