STEAM learning involves the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math to solve real-world problems. It is an educational approach that encourages learning for learning’s sake.
STEAM lessons incorporate a cross-disciplinary approach and integrate the engineering design processto solve complex problems. Student teamwork and creativity play an important role. This article on the Six Characteristics of a Great STEM Lesson and the STEAM Education section on the Education Closet website both provide excellent information for those of you wanting to know more about the basics of STEAM.
STEAM Resources & Activities for Music Teachers
In music lessons, the science of sound, instrument-making, exploring pitch, and visualising sound provide perfect areas of study for students. Here are some ideas and articles to get you started with your own STEAM lessons:
- Build Your Own Bubble Flute
- 7 Ways for Kids to See the Sounds
- Pitch in Jars Experiment
- Enjoy Teaching Sound
- Craft Stick Harmonica
- Make Homemade Music With These 6 DIY Instruments
- LEGO Mindstorms Music Box
- The Phenomenon of Sound: Waves
- DIY iPhone Speaker to Learn About Sound
- Mandala, Music and Math Unit
- Amy Burns STEAM lesson for Grade 3
- Amy Burns STEAM lesson PreK
- Cherie Herring – Chladni Patterns, Tonoscope and Green Screen Magic
- Cherie and Amy presented a session at TMEA 2017 titled STEAM in the Elementary Classroom – they have a useful handout from that session here.
- Also, feel free to take a look at my Pinterest board STEAM for Music Teachers. I have several resources listed there, and I’ll be adding more in the coming months.
Download a copy of the resources mentioned in this episode
Would you like to take a copy of this with you? Click on the download button below and we’ll send a copy straight to your email inbox.You’ll also receive weekly music tech tips and news (if you don’t already).You can unsubscribe at any time.
Midnight Music Community
Specific STEAM resources, training and lesson plans for music teachers will be added to the Midnight Music Community in the coming weeks. Join now so you don’t miss a thing!
2 Comments
Hi Katie,
Your link for The Phenomenon of Sound: Waves doesn’t appear to be working. This sounds like an excellent resource for my secondary students and I would definitely like to explore. Do you have any alternative ideas for this if the link is no longer available?
Thanks,
Chiarene
Hi Chiarene – belated reply! No, sorry I don’t know of an alternative. Looks like they have removed that option on the website and I haven’t managed to find it in a different location.