Creatively engage children in solving real-world problems with Skill Sharpeners: STEAM. STEAM is an approach to project-based learning that uses science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics to engage children in empathizing, thinking critically, collaborating, and coming up with solutions to solve real-world problems.
Skill Sharpeners: STEAM is where creativity meets academics. Each unit includes a fun hands-on STEAM project that encourages children to enjoy the journey of creating and sharing his or her solution to help create a better world.
Skill Sharpeners: STEAM activity books are organized around 9 real-world topics related to the environment, the Earth, people and cultures, and social and emotional learning. Topics include themes such as:
• Wildlife STEAM task: Create a camouflage cover for an outdoor camera.
• Farms STEAM task: Plan and design a map of a small farm.
• Feeling at Home STEAM task: Paint a design for a mural to show what your home is like.
• Trash STEAM task: Make a model of a robot that can pick up trash.
• Rising Sea Level STEAM task: Design and construct a model of a structure or a solution to help an island nation dealing with rising sea levels.
Each unit includes a grade-appropriate story or nonfiction reading article, a STEAM task to solve, and activities that provide an integrated approach to learning:
• Science: important concepts and vocabulary related to the unit's theme
• Technology: models about how technology is applied in the real world
• Engineering: examples of engineering solutions in the world
• Art: creative solutions through art projects
• Math: math operations to figure out solutions
Plus, each title includes a:
• Career spotlight that highlights specific careers related to the topic
• Supply list for each STEAM task
• Bonus STEAM puzzle
• Certificate of completion
• Answer key
Bonus feature: Each book includes a downloadable Teaching Guide for using this series in a classroom or homeschool. The Teaching Guide provides instructional support, extension activities, and a sample pacing plan and template.
Skill Sharpeners: STEAM creates entertaining and fun activities that get children thinking and learning without even realizing it.
