STEAM Integration Resources

Connecting Art with Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Judson STEAM Academy - Where Creativity Meets Innovation

Why STEAM Integration?

At Judson STEAM Academy, art serves as the bridge that connects all disciplines. The "A" in STEAM represents not just art, but the creative thinking, design process, and innovative problem-solving that drives success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Science + Art

Core Connections: Color theory and light physics, biological forms in nature study, chemical processes in art materials, environmental sustainability in art practices
Six-Week Period Integration Examples:
Nature's Patterns (1st Six-Week Period)

Students study fibonacci sequences in nature while creating botanical drawings, connecting mathematical patterns with biological growth.

Light & Color Science (2nd Six-Week Period)

Explore how light wavelengths create color while experimenting with prisms, filters, and color mixing in painting.

Microscopic Art (3rd Six-Week Period)

Use microscopes to observe cellular structures, then create abstract artworks inspired by microscopic forms.

Technology + Art

Core Connections: Digital art creation, 3D modeling and printing, virtual galleries, photography and image editing, animation basics
Six-Week Period Integration Examples:
Digital Photography (1st Six-Week Period)

Learn camera basics, composition rules, and digital editing while exploring elements of art through photography.

3D Design Basics (2nd Six-Week Period)

Introduction to 3D modeling software to design sculptures that will be created in clay or other materials.

Virtual Art Gallery (6th Six-Week Period)

Create a digital portfolio and virtual exhibition space using web-based gallery tools.

Engineering + Art

Core Connections: Structural design in sculpture, architectural drawing, problem-solving through art projects, materials engineering, design process
Six-Week Period Integration Examples:
Sculpture Engineering (2nd Six-Week Period)

Design and build sculptures that can support specific weights, learning about balance, tension, and structural integrity.

Architectural Drawing (3rd Six-Week Period)

Study different architectural styles while learning perspective drawing and basic blueprint reading.

Art Tool Design (6th Six-Week Period)

Design and create custom art tools, considering ergonomics, function, and artistic potential.

Mathematics + Art

Core Connections: Geometric patterns and tessellations, proportion and golden ratio, perspective and geometry, symmetry studies, measurement and scale
Six-Week Period Integration Examples:
Geometric Design (1st Six-Week Period)

Create artworks using geometric shapes, exploring angles, polygons, and mathematical relationships in design.

Proportion Studies (2nd Six-Week Period)

Learn about the golden ratio and apply proportional relationships in portrait drawing and composition.

Tessellation Art (3rd Six-Week Period)

Study Islamic geometric patterns and M.C. Escher while creating original tessellation designs.

Major Cross-Curricular Projects

2nd Six-Week Period: "Art Meets Science Fair"

Students collaborate with science classes to create visual presentations and artistic demonstrations for the school science fair, combining scientific accuracy with artistic communication.

3rd Six-Week Period: "Cultural Mathematics"

Explore how different cultures use mathematical concepts in their traditional art forms, connecting social studies, mathematics, and art education.

6th Six-Week Period: "Community Design Challenge"

Work with local engineers and community planners to propose artistic solutions to real community problems, integrating all STEAM disciplines.

Year-long: "Digital Portfolio Development"

Use technology to document artistic growth, create virtual exhibitions, and present work to authentic audiences.

STEAM Integration Assessment

Process Documentation

Students maintain STEAM journals documenting how they use concepts from other disciplines in their art projects.

Assessment Criteria:
  • Accurate use of disciplinary vocabulary
  • Clear connections between art and STEAM concepts
  • Evidence of problem-solving process
  • Reflection on learning across disciplines
Collaborative Projects

Group projects with students from other STEAM classes, requiring cooperation and integration of multiple perspectives.

Assessment Criteria:
  • Effective collaboration and communication
  • Integration of multiple STEAM disciplines
  • Creative problem-solving approaches
  • Quality of final presentation or product

Teacher Resources

STEAM Lesson Plans

Detailed integration activities

Download
Cross-Curricular Connections

Standards alignment guides

View
Professional Development

STEAM training resources

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