Hands-on, Practical Guidance for Educators
From math,
literacy, equity, multilingual learners, and SEL, to assessment, school counseling,
and education leadership, our books are research-based and authored by experts
on topics most relevant to what educators are facing today.
To add this item to your wishlist, please log in or create an account.
Step Into STEAM, Grades PreK-5
By: Sarah B. Bush, Kristin L. Cook
Foreword by Christa Jackson and Margaret Mohr-Schroeder
Going far beyond a collection of STEAM activities, this book shows educators, as well as school and district leaders, how to build a STEAM ecosystem that can measurably improve every learner’s mathematics and science achievement, as well as engagement, belonging, and interest.
To add this item to your wishlist, please log in or create an account.
- Grade Level: PreK-12
- ISBN: 9781071946275
- Published By: Corwin
- Year: 2024
- Page Count: 240
- Publication date: October 29, 2024
Price: $37.95
Review Copies
Description
Create innovative and equitable experiences that prepare your learners for the future!
STEAM education is crucial for preparing learners to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world. Not every learner is going to pursue a STEAM-related career, but each and every learner needs to be challenged with opportunities to transfer what they are learning in mathematics and science instruction to seek solutions to the complex problems of today—and to meet our future world head on!
In this Second Edition of Step Into STEAM, authors Sarah Bush and Kristin Cook guide and inspire PreK–5 educators through a seamless process of designing and implementing STEAM inquiries that align precisely to key mathematics and science content and practices—all while meeting the demands of guiding assessments. Going far beyond a collection of STEAM activities, this book shows educators, as well as school and district leaders, how to build a STEAM ecosystem that can measurably improve every learner’s mathematics and science achievement, as well as engagement, belonging, and interest.
What truly sets this book apart is its masterful integration of problem-based inquiry as the foundation for STEAM instruction. This updated edition:
- Expands on the latest research in STEAM education across PreK-5 in various educational settings
- Incorporates strategies grounded in Universal Design for Learning to engage all learners
- Provides updated STEAM resources aligned to the Integrated STEM Practices
- Embeds actionable tips throughout each chapter that educators can implement immediately in addition to suggestions for ongoing learning and growth for all
- Offers an updated companion website with additional templates for brainstorming sessions or book studies, action plans, and checklists to help educators put their ideas into practice
This is an essential guide for educators looking to implement STEAM education in their classrooms and beyond. Step Into STEAM provides a comprehensive roadmap for cultivating the creativity, problem-solving abilities, resilience, and empathy that will empower the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and global citizens. Make the most of your limited instructional time and become part of the Step Into STEAM journey!
Author(s)
Sarah B. Bush
Dr. Sarah B. Bush, a former middle school mathematics teacher, is a Professor of K–12 STEM Education and the Lockheed Martin Eminent Scholar Chair at the University of Central Florida. At the University of Central Florida, she is the Director of the Lockheed Martin/UCF Mathematics and Science Academy and is a program co-coordinator of the Mathematics Education PhD track. She teaches primarily graduate courses in mathematics education. She is a prolific writer who has authored 13 books and more than 100 journal articles and book chapters. Dr. Bush recently completed a term (2019–2022) as a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Board of Directors. She served as the lead writer and task force chair for NCTM’s Catalyzing Change in Middle School Mathematics: Initiating Critical Conversations. Dr. Bush was the recipient of the 2021 School Science and Mathematics Association (SSMA) Award for Excellence in Integrating Science and Mathematics and 2018 recipient of the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) Early Career Award. Dr. Bush seamlessly integrates her practical experience as a middle school mathematics teacher in public schools with her innovative scholarship to serve as an instructional leader in the field of mathematics education and STE(A)M education. Dr. Bush co-wrote the Simplifying STEM: Four Equitable Practices to Inspire Meaningful Learning: PreK-5 and 6-12 books published by Corwin in early 2024.
Kristin L. Cook
Dr. Kristin L. Cook, a former high school science teacher, is a Professor of Science Education in the School of Education at Bellarmine University. She received her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction specializing in Science Education and Environmental Sciences from Indiana University. Dr. Cook teaches courses in K–12 science methods and STEAM Education. In addition to teaching initial certification and advanced graduate classes, Dr. Cook serves as a professional developer and consultant for K–12 STEAM-focused school reform and project and problem-based learning development. Dr. Cook is actively involved in federal grants and research that focus on engaging learners and teachers with the community of science through the exploration of socio-scientific inquiry and transdisciplinary STEAM instruction. Dr. Cook co-wrote the Simplifying STEM: Four Equitable Practices to Inspire Meaningful Learning: PreK-5 and 6-12 books published by Corwin in early 2024.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Christa Jackson and Margaret Mohr-Schroeder
Note by Matt Larson
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
PART 1. THE STEAM LANDSCAPE
Chapter 1: What Is STEAM and Why Does It Matter?
Chapter 2: How Do I Prepare for STEAM Teaching?
Chapter 3: What Frameworks Can Guide How I Engage Learners in STEAM?
Chapter 4: How Do I Design STEAM Inquiries?
Chapter 5: How Do I Implement STEAM Inquiries?
Chapter 6: How Do I Assess Learning in STEAM?
Chapter 7: What Are Some Examples of Successful STEAM Inquiries?
Chapter 8: How Do I Tie It All Together to Create the STEAM Learning Experience?
Chapter 9: How Do I Gather Resources for STEAM?
Call to Action
Appendices
References
Reviews
understood and implemented. Step Into STEAM examines and addresses issues regarding the importance of STEAM learning and provides the
support that elementary classroom teachers and instructional leaders need to truly guide their planning, teaching, and assessment of integrated and
inquiry-based STEAM instruction. What an amazing ‘must-have’ resource!
STEM and STEAM learning must become more than an educational ‘sound bite.’ More importantly, STEAM learning needs to be fullyFrancis (Skip) Fennell
understood and implemented. Step Into STEAM examines and addresses issues regarding the importance of STEAM learning and provides the
support that elementary classroom teachers and instructional leaders need to truly guide their planning, teaching, and assessment of integrated and
inquiry-based STEAM instruction. What an amazing ‘must-have’ resource!
McDaniel College
classroom. What separates this work from others? Oh, right: There are no other books like this one! The authors’ practical approach to getting started and go-to resources recognize the reality of busy educators’ lives. Here you’ll find planning tools and examples of investigations that don’t trivialize any of the STEAM subjects to merely ‘cover’ a subject. Rather, they integrate the subjects in a way that leverages community and societal interests; they exemplify student-driven instruction that capitalizes on learners’ strengths; and they focus on equity, empathy, and experience to help learners seamlessly blend their noncognitive skills.
Step Into STEAM takes a sophisticated pedagogy from appearing as a complicated challenge to an approach that is accessible to each and everyKaren S. Karp
classroom. What separates this work from others? Oh, right: There are no other books like this one! The authors’ practical approach to getting started and go-to resources recognize the reality of busy educators’ lives. Here you’ll find planning tools and examples of investigations that don’t trivialize any of the STEAM subjects to merely ‘cover’ a subject. Rather, they integrate the subjects in a way that leverages community and societal interests; they exemplify student-driven instruction that capitalizes on learners’ strengths; and they focus on equity, empathy, and experience to help learners seamlessly blend their noncognitive skills.
University of Louisville
experience. By providing examples from educators who have dared to put children first, this book offers more than just a new way to teach; it offers
hope for youth today. By considering what youth will need to be successful in jobs that are not yet created, Bush and Cook provide a platform for
educators to create authentic, real-world problem solving in classrooms and beyond with attention on the often forgotten component of STEAM—the M! As a proponent of STEAM education, my recommendation is to grab this book and watch your students love learning again!
Step Into STEAM offers a rare opportunity for anyone concerned with education to consider what learning would be like with equity, empathy, andCassie Quigley
experience. By providing examples from educators who have dared to put children first, this book offers more than just a new way to teach; it offers
hope for youth today. By considering what youth will need to be successful in jobs that are not yet created, Bush and Cook provide a platform for
educators to create authentic, real-world problem solving in classrooms and beyond with attention on the often forgotten component of STEAM—the M! As a proponent of STEAM education, my recommendation is to grab this book and watch your students love learning again!
University of Pittsburgh
and in fact emphasizes the concept of transdisciplinarity. Transdisciplinarity is meaningful STEAM instruction that goes beyond simply connecting the
disciplines but supports meaningful connections among the disciplines that creates learning beyond the disciplines themselves. This idea melds
throughout the book with examples and suggestions for how to develop such a program that provides meaningful learning experiences across and
among the STEAM disciplines.
While some STEM and STEAM books tend to be heavy on one discipline and can leave out other disciplines, this book advocates interdisciplinarityValarie Akerson
and in fact emphasizes the concept of transdisciplinarity. Transdisciplinarity is meaningful STEAM instruction that goes beyond simply connecting the
disciplines but supports meaningful connections among the disciplines that creates learning beyond the disciplines themselves. This idea melds
throughout the book with examples and suggestions for how to develop such a program that provides meaningful learning experiences across and
among the STEAM disciplines.
Indiana University
Step Into STEAM is a must-read for anyone interested in STEAM! Rather than supplying a set of prescribed lesson plans to follow, the authors provide guidance, practical suggestions, and thought-provoking questions to assist the reader as they successfully plan for and implement STEAM inquiries. These STEAM inquiries, which maintain a sharp focus on mathematics and science content and practices, hold the potential to highly affect learning for each and every student.”Susie Katt
Lincoln Public Schools
is transformational and takes readers on a journey into STEAM teaching and learning. Bush and Cook have written a must-read primer for
everyone involved in STEAM education . . . Read this book—and learn from the best!
Step Into STEAM is a timely guide for those interested in framing their work in STEAM instruction. The authors’ unique and innovative approachRommel J. Miranda
is transformational and takes readers on a journey into STEAM teaching and learning. Bush and Cook have written a must-read primer for
everyone involved in STEAM education . . . Read this book—and learn from the best!
Towson University
of student-centered STEAM instruction; and opportunities for professional self-reflection, Step Into STEAM rightfully re-elevates educators to their
proper places as innovation experts and agents of change in their own classrooms, schools, districts, and communities. An inspirational step in a
needed direction, Drs. Bush and Cook have carefully crafted the type of book educators have been craving: a guide to transforming ourselves, our
learning spaces, and our profession.
Through carefully crafted research-based frameworks; inspirational, authentic, and approachable practical strategies rooted in the reform effortsRichard Cox Jr.
of student-centered STEAM instruction; and opportunities for professional self-reflection, Step Into STEAM rightfully re-elevates educators to their
proper places as innovation experts and agents of change in their own classrooms, schools, districts, and communities. An inspirational step in a
needed direction, Drs. Bush and Cook have carefully crafted the type of book educators have been craving: a guide to transforming ourselves, our
learning spaces, and our profession.
The Community and Social Impact Atrium Health
the world around us. This book thoughtfully integrates STEM literacy and a research-informed focus to implement content and practice standards for
PreK–5 students, teachers, and leaders. Students are empowered through equitable STEAM instruction to connect their lived experiences in order to
impact local communities and society at large.
Step Into STEAM provides a remarkable resource in bringing together mathematics and science learning in authentic ways that inform and reflectFarshid Safi
the world around us. This book thoughtfully integrates STEM literacy and a research-informed focus to implement content and practice standards for
PreK–5 students, teachers, and leaders. Students are empowered through equitable STEAM instruction to connect their lived experiences in order to
impact local communities and society at large.
University of Central Florida
Every craftsperson needs a good set of tools. A painter needs their collection of brushes, a carpenter their assortment of saws, an engineer their pencils and scales. Each tool is related, and some may seem indistinguishable to a casual observer—but the right tool in the right hands can make a world of difference. Teachers—especially STEAM teachers—are no exception, and for them Step Into STEAM can be both toolbox and tool: at once an indispensable collection of ideas, guidelines, hints, and tips, and a single convenient place to find them all. You might not use every tool on every job—but when you need just the right one, you’ll be glad you know where to find it.Alan Perez
Jefferson County Public Schools
Other Titles in: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) | Elementary Maths | Elementary Science
Review Copies
Related Resources
- Access to companion resources is available with the purchase of this book.