Hi Cathy,
I looked a bit at your profile and I am glad that we are now connected. As you may know, I am a full time applied mathematics academic doing research and teaching. This is at the University of Queensland in Australia.
However, I'm also dedicated to making One on Epsilon work. Our mission in this new company is to create content and software that drives curiosity and nurtures parent-student-teacher connection. It isn't necessarily about structured learning and succeeding in the school program, but rather about exploration and curiosity.
I'd love for you to browse through our blog. If you like bits of it then share, either with parents, colleagues or students. More importantly, I'd love to have your critical input on our content. Blog: http://www.oneonepsilon.com/blog Also, if you like One on Epsilon's concept then please register for updates - it only takes 20 seconds. We'll soon be piloting our main (totally free) product for 2017, Epsilon Stream. We are looking for experts who can try it out and give their feedback.
Yoni.
Take a look at Yoni's Blog and let meknow what you think.
Greetings Cathy
No need for STEAM..
IF we adopt a slightly different approach.
The current bandwagon is exclusive, the keepers of the keys are seeking to overlay an elite interpretation of STEM subjects.
An alternative is to adopt "STEM principles"
Under this scheme students identify an issue problem or challenge, the proceed through a series of steps to design, build, test their solution. They then publish their findings to an audience..
Under this approach every subject area is eligible for scarce resources..rather than being exclusively for maths and science..engineering has never been studied at schools level, so it is a guess as to what the 'E' means!
As for technology, many interpret this as computers..and even more reduced, coding.
Not at all!
Technology traditionally in schools has been construction with wood, metal, plastic, fabric and FOOD!
Use of computers has been relegated to a basic skill, like using a pencil, and is employed where ever appropriate.
STEM and HASS exist at the highest policy levels, but there is no need for them in primary and secondary schooling.
Design thinking, algorithmic thinking is the way to go in every area.
In primary schools the main area where construction took place was in the Art room.
I understand the necessity to declare STEAM worthy, however this reflects the 'grab' taking place.
Of course Art does not to miss out on access to Sphero robots(puppets really!) which can paint..or flying robots which can paint light pictures..
STEM principles is the way to go.
Every area can then be expected to join in.
Geography, history, English, music, PE..and maybe even Maths will have a few design projects instead of endless drill and practice
Regards
Gary
VCE (y11/12) Physics and IT
