A STEAM Integrated Curriculum Activity: How to Make the SAD Alien Happy?

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the knowledge and competencies crucial in navigating today's fiercely competitive marketplace and job landscape. Initially heralded by scholars as pivotal for success in the contemporary economy, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) have emerged as indispensable pillars (Kennedy & Odell, 2014). Subsequently, the academic realm has embraced the inclusion of Art as a vital skill set, enhancing students' communication prowess and overall performance, giving rise to the inception of (STEAM) Education. Furthermore, modern educational frameworks of the 21st century prioritize the cultivation of advanced competencies like critical thinking and problem-solving, necessitating diverse instructional methods and strategies such as jigsaw activities and storytelling. These pedagogical approaches are instrumental in fostering a collaborative, effective, and innovative learning milieu. This paper aims to illustrate a research-grounded (STEAM) activity that serves as a model for integration into primary school curricula, exemplifying the synergy between disciplines in modern education.