STEM education–that’s science, technology, engineering, and math–has gotten an increasing amount of buzz over the past few years.
And now, there’s a twist on STEM: the addition of the arts, making it STEAM.
Supporters (including Elmo) say a more focused inclusion of the arts helps kids become creative, hands-on learners by sparking innovation.
A recent Michigan State study supports that notion, pointing to a higher number of patents created and businesses launched by adults who participated in arts and crafts in their younger years.
But the STEAM model’s still relatively new – and unproven.
Listen to the Radio Story on NPR.
Read the entire story on NPR State Impact at http://stateimpact.npr.org/ohio/2014/08/25/stemasteam/