With an increase in innovation in industries, there is a lot of talk about STEAM programs and curricula. But what is STEAM? It is an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. You may be more familiar with the similar, older acronym “STEM,” which is STEAM without the arts. The education focus expands from experiential learning and analytical thought to the inclusion of creative critical thinking. With the changing industries, the demand for individuals with skills in STEAM is growing as well. While earlier the integration of STEAM started at the advanced education levels, educators are starting to realize how beneficial the integration of STEAM in early education is.

Children are naturally curious and eager to explore the world around them. STEAM programs capitalize on their innate curiosity by providing hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experiences that encourage creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. 

One of the benefits of integrating STEAM programs from an early age is the development of a strong foundation in these core disciplines. Humans are the most malleable when they are young. Therefore by engaging in activities like science experiments, coding exercises, engineering challenges, artistic expression, and mathematical puzzles at a young age, children not only gain a deeper understanding of these subjects but also cultivate a love for learning that can last them a lifetime. 

STEAM integration also encourages students to approach problems from multiple perspectives, and encourages out-of-the-box thinking. Rather than focusing on specific disciplines, STEAM programs focus more on developing skills that can be used in a wide range of disciplines, reinforcing a more interdisciplinary human-centered approach. This approach mirrors the way real-world problems are solved, where solutions often require expertise from multiple fields working together. 

An important note to make is that early exposure to STEAM programs can help break down gender stereotypes and bridge the gender gap in STEM fields. By providing equal opportunities for all children to explore and excel in these areas, we can empower the next generation of innovators, regardless of their gender or background. It is important for children to see that their gender does not restrict the kind of tasks and jobs they can do — girls can grow up to be pilots or movie directors and boys can be elementary school teachers or nutritionists. 

At U+ Education, we offer the following STEAM programs.

Coding (Technology)
Dive into the world of programming with our 1-on-1 coding tutoring sessions! Whether your child is trying to start from the basics with Scratch, dreams of building websites or applications, or wants to master coding languages like Python, our experienced teachers are here to guide them every step of the way. With personalized lesson plans and a supportive learning environment, coding has never been more accessible or fun. 

Mathematics
As the common adage goes, math is the language of the universe. Our 1-on-1 math tutoring sessions are designed to help your child excel. From homework help to personalized lesson plans tailored to their individual needs, our dedicated teachers are committed to fostering a love for numbers and problem-solving in every student

Arts
Unleash your child’s creativity with our art workshops, where they can explore their imagination and express themselves freely through various mediums. With 100% creative freedom and guidance from our skilled teachers, your child will discover the joy of artistic expression and develop confidence in their abilities.

So why wait? Take the first step towards unlocking your child’s potential today by enrolling them in U+ Education’s STEAM programs. Together, we can empower the next generation of innovators and problem solvers — one curious mind at a time.