Likewise, the topic ‘The Solar System’ can be taught using a combination
of subjects, including mathematics, art, home economics and engineering,
thereby enabling students to learn the required knowledge while also gaining
multiple transferable skills (Min et al., 2012, p. 221). Using the STEAM approach,
teachers can devise, in cooperation with students, a variety of activities that
can be undertaken to learn about a topic in a given period of time. Figure 5
illustrates some of the subjects that can be involved in teaching about ‘The
Solar System’ and some activities that can be undertaken.
Figure 5: Converged Subject Development of ‘The Solar System’
- Data Interpretation
& Expression - Processing Planet Data
[Science]
The Solar System Family
Converged
Teaching & Learning- Designing
a Planet Probe - Making a Mobile
of the Solar System - Drawing a Planet Probe
- Role of Family
- Comparing Solar
System & Family
Family of the Solar SystemMathematics ArtHome Engineering
EconomicsSource: Min et al., 2012, p. 221.
A recent study (Min et al., 2012) found that the effects of STEAM can be
far-reaching, depending on the way the class proceeds. Studies of the impact
of the new curriculum indicate that creative hands-on activities such as those
used in the STEAM approach, by engaging students in a variety of ways, are
helpful in developing character, because they promote transversal skills and
competencies, such as respect, consideration, responsibility, participation
and cooperation, sympathy and acceptance, problem solving and conflict
resolution competencies, and justice (Cho et al., 2012; Kim et al., 2013; Yang
et al., 2011).