Giving Compass' Take:

• Traditional STEM curriculum is also expanding to include arts courses, and in process creating a new framework to encourage children to tap into problem-solving tools, and approach their work with a creative eye, particularly in the elementary school setting.

• What are the most effective ways to blend science and creativity? How will teachers adopt this new approach successfully?

• Here's another example on how to make STEM in schools exciting for students. 

While some may view STEM as exacting subjects, these fields also rely on creativity to push the boundaries, develop innovative products and make new discoveries. Without experimentation, and abstract and creativity thinking — all skills inherent in an arts education — astronauts wouldn't be orbiting the earth, scientists wouldn't have discovered uranium and inventors wouldn't be testing out cars that can drive themselves.

Bringing more creative approaches into science subjects is deemed so crucial, some teacher education programs are developing courses that will better prepare teachers to encourage these skills in their future or current classrooms. The University of Southern Maine, for example, has a course entitled “Creative Thinking Into STEM Education," which helps educators be better equipped to weave creative thinking into STEM courses.

Read the full article about interweaving STEM and the arts by Lauren Barack at Education Dive.