The STEAM Journey Begins

Hola from the west coast and welcome to my blog! I've started my 2018 sabbatical leave and am organizing various activities related to continued STEAM research and scholarship.

In 2013, I started this quest by visiting and walking around the campus of MIT with my cousin (who happened to be a Professor there). Driving back to Maine, I started thinking about our conversations and the development of a course designed around expanding STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The concept of a new course was exciting, but something was missing!

A nagging series of questions arose surrounding the "missing link." Alas, after creating numerous graphic drawings and brainstorms, I realized it was the "arts" - STEAM! Name a person in the diverse worlds of the sciences that doesn't have backgrounds in the arts (i.e., artists, poets, musicians, designers, etc )?? As a result of many sleepless nights and long walks, I finally designed an introductory course that contributes to the continued efforts in the science community to engage and create opportunities for interdisciplinary study for student work and research - STEAM.

Two essential questions will guide the sabbatical leave:

1. What is nature of the relationship between STEM and STEAM in the areas of art and science?

2. What type of activities increase student engagement, raise motivation, focus on relevant issues, and more importantly develop critical thinking and problem-solving in an innovative and creative manner?

I've chosen the west coast for this adventure as a "scholar-in-residence." Simply stated, this is "home" and provides a diverse and rich array of "places" and "spaces" to work that includes various K-12 schools, institutions of higher education, museums and exhibitions, and non-profit organizations.

So my friends, this blog will take you on a diverse exploration of STEAM. Welcome to the beginning of this journey, and I can't wait to share with you my discoveries and learnings!