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Using Project-Based Learning to Teach STEAM

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Converting STEM into STEAM Programs

Part of the book series: Environmental Discourses in Science Education ((EDSE,volume 5))

Abstract

Teaching STEAM courses is more effective when students integrate information across disciplines. While the study of individual disciplines in K12 produces useful knowledge on the part of the learner, it is only by drawing on the knowledge base of several of these disciplines, including the arts, that many complex real-world problems can be addressed. Project-Based Learning (PBL) provides excellent opportunities for integrated learning by using student-directed problem-solving to produce a product and, in so doing, gain mastery of concepts. PBL projects usually are implemented by a small student team with the teachers functioning as advisors or guides to the team to produce a final product. Projects can be designed around current curriculum standards and often include opportunities for advancing skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and oral and written presentations. PBL projects may take from several days to several months to complete and often culminate with a public presentation. This chapter both focuses on the educational theory that lies behind the use of PBLs.

“Students who are in real contact with problems which are relevant to them, wish to learn, want to grow, seek to discover, endeavor to master, desire to create, move toward self-discipline” (Rogers 1969, p. 158)

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational Leadership, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA

    Gary Ubben

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  1. Gary Ubben
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Correspondence to Gary Ubben .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, TN, USA

    Arthur J. Stewart

  2. University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA

    Michael P. Mueller

  3. University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    Deborah J. Tippins

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Ubben, G. (2019). Using Project-Based Learning to Teach STEAM. In: Stewart, A.J., Mueller, M.P., Tippins, D.J. (eds) Converting STEM into STEAM Programs. Environmental Discourses in Science Education, vol 5. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-25101-7_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-25101-7_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-25100-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-25101-7

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

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