Massachusetts STEM Summit 2015

This session will address many questions about how adding arts to STEM learning can help educators meet the goals of the Massachusetts STEM Plan 2.0 by increasing engagement, mastery, and aspirations. After a short introductory film, participants will experience integrated learning firsthand as they move through interactive demonstrations of field-tested projects where the arts are integrated into STEM learning. Each project shows how students were challenged to use their STEM knowledge in creating visual and performing arts pieces. These will be examples from residencies implemented by Flying Cloud Institute in lower elementary, middle, and high schools in Berkshire County including robotics, ceramic chemistry, cyanotype photography, dance, theater, and 2-D design. Demonstrations will be facilitated by specialists from Flying Cloud Institute and representatives from the participating schools: administrators, classroom teachers, art teachers, science teachers, and students. They will share their experiences in securing funding; aligning projects with state standards and school curricula; managing classroom time and materials; and the outcomes achieved for all learners. Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the facilitators and share their own experiences.