The Important A in STEAM

In the latest edition of Steam Magazine (Summer/Fall, 2016,) NASA scientist Dr. Carol Polanskey describes how early arts experiences helped in her career as a scientist:

"I had to make a decision when I was young about whether to be an artist or a scientist. In the end I decided to be a scientist...But the arts have really helped me throughout my career...I find that most scientists have some interest – deep interest – in either music or visual arts."

The article concludes with the assertion that the best scientists will have studied both science and the arts. Recognizing the importance of including rich, developmentally appropriate experiences with the arts during the early childhood years puts more "steam" behind the push to support children in choosing future careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

The STEAM article is just one more example of how early childhood programs that support "whole child learning" through varied, meaningful, multi-dimensional experiences help create a strong foundation for children’s future learning and career success.

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