Date of Award

Summer 2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education (Graduate)

First Advisor

Dr. Janet DeRosa

Abstract

This research project contains an extensive exploration of a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) approach to curriculum and instruction. STEAM is continually growing as an educational model in transition from the STEM educational (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) model. The research is a response to a two-fold problem in education: a lack of preparation for future leaders in careers that require innovative-thinking and a need for advocacy for the arts in public education. The literature review provides an expansive look at the present information available on STEAM frameworks, programs, curricula design, and teaching practices. Four emergent themes are illustrated within the research: problem solving practices, inquiry-based thinking, collaboration, and student choice. Currently there is not an official STEAM framework or a comprehensive STEAM curriculum plan for secondary educators. The product that evolved from the STEAM research is a secondary education curriculum plan that includes a semester-at-a-glance, Know-Understand-Do (KUD) charts, learning maps, and unit plans. This interdisciplinary curriculum provides a solution to the research problem as it is intended to promote innovative solutions and the value of arts education. In the discussion, the researcher explains how to utilize the curriculum components to foster interdisciplinary thinking and avoid superficial integrated or cross-curricular lesson plans by implementing the unit objectives.

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