New Beginnings turning STEM to STEAM

Having not presented work on this blog for quite sometime has been a personal example of the need and the purpose of this blog, that is, to " model the role of art in times of socioeconomics transition "

Rather than discussing the personal reasons for the long delay in blog posts I want to get going on the things that are happening that hopefully are of importance and value to you and your family.

With many area of interests being worked on one of my most passionate areas of interest in modeling the role of art in these most critical times is that of what's going on in the education system.

With STEM (STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education. ) being a huge focus in national education goals I would like to offer some thoughts on STEM and the movement to turn STEM into STEAM. (STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering Art and Math education

My personal thought on STEM has been that there is a very fundamental element of STEM model that is missing. With lots of study and research I found that I am not alone and other individuals in different organizations feel the same way.

So the missing fundamental is ART, including the many disciplines of art, visual, music, dance, sculpture crafts etc.

Those of us adding the "A" to the model are not arguing against STEM but want to see the model more balanced.

In thinking of an example of a master of STEAM education and life application I can think of no better example than Leonardo da Vinci. Truly a master at integrating science, technology engineering, art and math.

In study after study over decades of examples it has been found where schools have good arts programs the other areas of education also excel. Ultimately it is up to individuals to choose their own balance and for parents to assist their children in doing so. It is my sincere desire to share with parents and youth ways to integrate the "A" into custom tailoring an education model that is best for the individual and to also create lifelong activities to enrich one's own best holistic lifestyle.

I do not believe there is one set way to integrate the "A" into one's lifestyle and education but see more opportunities than one could possibly participate in. There are some basic fundamentals that can form a basis for further exploration and development.

Thinking back to my own childhood and that of my own children I could only think of how visual education began. Teaching a child math usually began with showing the child an image of say apples and adding or taking away. The numerical symbols meant little to the child but the apples sure did. As we progress to adulthood we use text and audible information at a great level to learn and communicate much more than the visual representation used as a child.

Going back to the child, were not the deepest thoughts of a child drawn out through a child making a drawing or painting and then explaining what the he or her was thinking

While looking at the drawing and showing it to we parents?

My point in discussing children's use of visual art in learning is not to redundantly discuss what you already know but to lay a foundation for one of the life enriching activities I promote to individuals of all ages.

My number one "A" activity is to incorporate visual art into all areas of interest, concerns and problem solving. I promise you in presenting information and telling a story be it a favorite movie or a serious documentary on the federal deficit before a word is spoken or a frame of video of video or film is shot, a visual storyboard is developed.

So then my number one " A" activity is to keep and develop a sketchbook. My personal goal and objective in keeping a sketchbook is to first have fun and enjoy doing so. To use it as a means to capture a moment and disconnect from the pace of the day. To record a thought needed in the present or safely stored for future reference.

To learn more on how I apply the fun parts of integrating the "A" into my lifestyle activities please visit my blog "An Easel A Brush And The Bus

http://easelbrushbus.blogspot.com/