STEM plus Arts = Learning Full STEAM ahead!

“Thank you for working so closely with our teachers, being so creative, and inspiring our children to think above and beyond.” Shelly Cefalu, PTA representative at North Forest Pines Elementary School

The Request: Can you create a residency that engages the students while simultaneously educates the students about the Laws of Motion?

The Answer: No problem. We will use a combination of the elements of Dance, Drama, and Storytelling to teach the students the three basic Laws of Motion. You will be able to assess their understanding of their knowledge of the subject throughout the process by the questions you ask them and the answers they are readily able to give. They will complete the FIVE day residency by creating a live human machine that moves and talks. They will demonstrate how they machine is affected by changes in mass and force through changes in their movement. The students will each write and perform a short monologue from the machine’s point of view. You will notice that all students at all levels will be able to participate. I can guarantee you that not one child will feel left out and all learning styles will be reached. We will use visual, audio, kinesthetic and tactile methods for learning.

The Result: A fantastic STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) residency where learning, collaboration and fun was had by all. One hundred and twenty-five students were taught the three Laws of Motion. One hundred and twenty-five students students choreographed and performed a piece of movement. One hundred and twenty-five students wrote and presented a short monologue using descriptive language. Five teachers and hundreds of parents were THRILLED.

Student Response: THIS is incredible. Can we do this every year? I did not know that science could be easy. Did we really build a live machine? I would go to school every day with a smile on my face if we always had workshops like this.

My Response: I love teaching students using arts integration. It is such a pleasure to watch as the light bulb of learning turns on and they become excited about what’s next.

THE QUESTION: How can we ensure that every school has an arts integrated STEAM program?

THE ANSWER: We at Story Tapestries are working towards the goal of having a STEAM program in schools across the country. We apply for grants, make connections, raise money and partner with administrators to bring these programs to their community.

Help these stories continue to be told by joining us for Bonus Day! YouthSpark Bonus Day is just around the corner on June 25th! Microsoft will be matching all donations at 100% and there is $200,000 in matching funds!

                                      Thank you for your support!

Here at Story Tapestries we believe that learning = movement. The experience of learning moves students forward both personally and academically. We also know that in order for a child to successfully move full STEAM ahead in their lives, including the arts in their education is a necessity.

The arts are the glue that holds the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) of STEAM together. Our teaching artists integrate concepts across disciplines and engage both sides of the brain in the learning process; activating the minds of every type of learner, and helping students dissolve all barriers to learning. Learning through the arts means creating an experiential learning environment where children utilize all their senses to synthesize information. The push and pull of disseminating information between teacher and student can often be an interaction that is difficult to navigate.

Utilizing the arts into STEM and core curriculum empowers teachers to help students reach their full personal potential, bringing the fun back into the learning process. Thanks to your support, our thoughts and ideas are turned into actions and programs that are transforming the lives of teachers and students. Our STEAM programs allow students to build something they can be proud of while learning valuable life skills, such as teamwork, creative problem solving, and overcoming obstacles. We aim to give students a break from endless standardized tests and get them away from working in isolation by moving them into an interactive, inspiring group dynamic.

Thank you for being a part of this inspiring learning process, allowing us to keep moving forward!

Pictured: Max Bent teaching math and science through beatboxing in a Story Tapestries residency program.