Integrating Music and Arts into STEM curriculum with creative STEAM-focused experiences

Thus begins a perspective put forth by Julio M. Ottino, Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Northwestern University and member of the National Academy of Engineering. In his essay, he argues that creative ideas and solutions lie at the intersection, or nexus, of art, engineering, technology and science and that “Remarkable things can happen when boundaries are removed and our thinking spaces expand.”

GoSTEAM@Tech embraces this vision to promote creativity and engagement in K-12 education by creating spaces where STEM teachers, particularly those focused on engineering, computer science, and innovation, can collaborate and learn side-by-side with art, music, theater and dance teachers. Our philosophy is that teachers, when empowered and given the opportunity to collaborate with their colleagues from other disciplines, can develop creative solutions to many of the complex educational challenges facing our schools. Together they can imagine learning experiences that expand students’ horizons and their understanding of the world of possibilities and create magic in the classroom.