STEAM

Makerspace / STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math
Makerspaces, STEAM labs provide hands-on, creative ways to encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent as they deeply engage in science, engineering and tinkering. Additionally, Makerspaces provide an enriching opportunity for participants to explore and foster potential career interests in STEAM related fields.
Definition of STEAM Education:  STEAM education is an approach to teaching and learning that integrates the content and skills of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. 
STEAM education focuses on preparing and inspiring generations of learners to meet the challenges of the global society through innovation, collaboration, and creative problem solving to prepare students for post-secondary study and the 21st century workforce.
Background information:
1. Why STEAM Education matters
http://steam-notstem.com/
2. Great resource for how to start a Makerspace at your school
http://makerspace.com/home-page
Teaching Resources:
Engineering, Go For It! resource
http://www.egfi-k12.org/
STEAM related units / lesson plan database
http://daytonregionalstemcenter.org/
Destination Imagination – Creativity in the classroom
http://www.destinationimagination.org/what-we-do/early-learning
http://www.destinationimagination.org/
http://www.pearsoncanadaschool.com/?locator=PS25He
Primary Thematic Units on STEM from Northern Ireland
http://www.nicurriculum.org.uk/key_stages_1_and_2/connected_learning/thematic_stem.asp
NASA Talk – collection of teaching resources
http://www.nasatalk.com/
Curriculum for multiple robotics platforms by Carnegie Mellon University
http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/index.htm
PBS STEM Education Resource Center
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/stem/
Teacher’s guides for STEAM related projects in your classroom / school
http://pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/guides/index.html
Design in the Classroom – teaching the design process
http://designintheclassroom.com/index.html
Stem Careers – For those seeking and promoting STEM careers
http://stemcareer.com/
Tips for Getting Girls Involved in STEM
http://ithare.com/tips-for-getting-girls-involved-in-stem/