iSTEAM: Integrating Art into STEM

The Center for P-16 Research and Collaboration at the IU School of Education offered STEAM programming to cohorts of middle school teachers from Summer 2019 to Fall 2022. The iSTEAM professional development institute infused art and music into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curricula by bringing together art, music and STEM teachers to explore connections with the goal of designing and implementing engaging, inquiry-based activities with students. The program focused on engaging students in creative pursuits to build robust understandings of core disciplinary concepts and advance their technological and artistic knowledge and skills. Awareness of careers in disciplines that foster creativity and innovation were introduced throughout the institute so participating teachers could share these options with students.