Examples of Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning through the STEAM Lens January 24, 2014 , Amy Holt Cline
Implementing Interdisciplinary methods in traditional subjects. Teaching science through using art, technology, engineering and math has given students unique opportunities to demonstrate understanding of old topics in new ways. This newsletter will explain a few different STEAM-focused units taught within 9th grade Biology classes and 8th grade Design Science Lab classes at AIM Academy. Teaching Science at AIM Academy is a creative,engaging and experimental endeavor. The school serves students with learning differences though an arts-based methodology. Their mission is to: “Provide extraordinary educational opportunities to children with language-based learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, utilizing research-based intervention strategies and an artsbased learning environment that is college preparatory in scope and sequence”. www.aimpa.org The units discussed in this newsletter represent several different projects that were taught over the course of 1or 2 years. STEAM subjects and interdisciplinary methods are used constantly at AIM Academy. This packet represents a sampling of units that have been tested with students using the STEAM philosophy. Not every subject within STEAM is taught within every single unit. Although, the author has found that STEAM is a great way to think about teaching a wider range of mental and physical thinking skills. Amy Holt Cline is a Visual Science Teacher at AIM Academy. She and her colleagues are actively implementing new ways to teach old subjects. Inspired by Robert and Michelle Root-Bernstein’s research on the 13 Thinking Tools of the Most Creative People, Amy is working to provide hands-on lessons that teach students high level science content through a wide range of lessons and thinking skills. Amy Holt Cline 2014