An Educator's Guide to STEAM

This practical book will help readers understand what STEAM is, how it differs from STEM, and how it can be used to engage students in K–8 classrooms.

Readers will find easy-to-understand examples of what STEAM education looks like in a variety of classrooms and will hear from teachers, instructional coaches, principals, and administrators about what it takes to ensure that STEAM is a schoolwide success. Each chapter of this popular text incorporates elements of connected learning—a type of learning that draws on students’ interests that teachers can capitalize on when using STEAM to address real-world problems.

This updated and expanded edition is essential reading for teachers who want to keep pace with fast-moving technological advancements and honor their students’ interests and cultures. The authors provide updated problem-solving scenarios to assist with STEAM curriculum design; additional information on AI-powered tools, with guidance for effective implementation; attention to current topics in science such as climate change, cybersecurity, and the ethical implications of AI; and lesson plans and activities to enhance the guide’s practical application in today’s classrooms.

Book Features:

• A practical teaching guide that uses classroom scenarios relevant to today’s students.
• A conceptual model with specific strategies, such as problem-based learning, student choice, technology integration, and teacher facilitation.
• Updated with an increased focus on emerging technologies, culturally relevant strategies, and lessons from classrooms.
• Materials to support authentic assessment such as rubrics, STEAM units, and formative assessment examples.

Cassie F. Quigley is a professor of science education at the University of Pittsburgh. Danielle Herro is a professor of learning sciences at Clemson University.

“As a teacher, and now teacher educator, I understand the complexity of teaching and the difficulty of enacting change in one’s practice—such as shifting to STEAM teaching. The authors of this book do due diligence in unpacking this complexity and discussing specific barriers teachers and schools might face in this undertaking. More importantly, they provide inspiration to sustain readers through this challenging work by emphasizing the rewards for both students and educators who engage in STEAM education.”
—From the Foreword by Deborah Hanuscin, Western Washington University

“The second edition of An Educator’s Guide to STEAM is a timely must-read for all K–8 educators deeply dedicated to preparing youth for their lives of today and the future. The book brilliantly captures compelling stories of STEAM teaching in action and leaves readers ready and equipped to build bright futures by fostering student growth through transdisciplinary STEAM. As a STEAM researcher and educator, my recommendation is to engage with this book today!”
—Sarah B. Bush, professor of K–12 STEM education, Lockheed Martin Eminent Scholar Chair, University of Central Florida

“This essential guide equips educators with practical lesson plans and diverse educator perspectives. Readers gain valuable insights for creating sustainable, schoolwide STEAM initiatives. The authors masterfully demonstrate how connected learning principles can transform student interests into meaningful problem-solving experiences that prepare them for tomorrow's challenges.”
—Kristin Cook, associate dean and professor of science education, Bellarmine University

“Dr. Quigley and Dr. Herro have the rare talent of marrying research and daily practice in classrooms. As a district-level administrator for a rapidly diversifying school district, I am consistently seeking research that identifies instructional strategies to close opportunity gaps for our students who have been historically marginalized. Our classroom educators have used their research to develop and implement standards-based, real-world, engaging STEAM units that our students love! Most importantly, their research has supported our staff in improving academic outcomes for our students.”
—Stephanie Leonard, assistant superintendent for teaching, learning and equity, Sun Prairie Area School District, Wisconsin

“If educators could choose only one book to guide them in designing and implementing meaningful STEAM education, An Educator’s Guide to STEAM would be the one. The second edition expands on the original, with timely updates on student diversity and cultural relevance, data science integration, and emerging tools like AI. A standout feature is the new set of grade-specific appendices, packed with original lesson plans, driving questions and student hooks, rich technology integration, cross-curricular standards alignment, detailed project timelines, and curated resources for student inquiry. These additions alone make the book an indispensable asset for any educator committed to transforming learning through STEAM.”
—David J. Shernoff, director, Center for Mathematics, Science, and Computer Education; associate professor of school psychology, Rutgers University