The STEAM education movement was developed by the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). This was in response to the shortcomings of only having STEM education without the added influence of the arts. In terms of “the arts,” it goes well beyond simple aesthetics. Arts incorporates language arts, social studies, physical arts, fine arts, and music. Essentially, the goal of STEAM is to help students connect the principles they learn in STEM fields and apply them through art and design.
Adding Arts to STEM, allows students to wonder, innovate, and inquire when considering how they can apply the STEM foundations they have successfully learned. You might say that dancing, creating or listening to music, reading literature, or playing games may not seem like activities that encourage serious scientific inquiry. However, STEAM education provides a way to connect these activities (and many others) to the STEM fields for a fully cohesive and comprehensive classroom experience.