STEAMing into the future

By CIS Design teacher and STEAM ambassador Joe Sergi

What is STEAM?

STEAM stands for science, technology, entrepreneurship (or Engineering), arts and mathematics. It is a teaching approach which demonstrates how each of these disciplines are connected and closely aligned with what students will experience when they enter the workforce.

Many people think schools which integrate STEAM into their curriculum simply use ipads, interactive whiteboards and only teach science. STEAM is so much more than that! It’s not a subject, instead, it’s an engaging, hands-on, inquiry-based teaching framework that can be customised for all types of students and programmes.

Why is a STEAM so important?

STEAM provides an effective teaching framework for developing young learners with essential 21st century skills such as collaboration, research, problem solving, critical thinking and creativity. We can’t be teaching our children there is a ‘bubble sheet answer’ for everything! Life isn’t like this. STEAM provides students with the opportunities to think critically and approach problems from multiple perspectives.

What does a STEAM teaching approach look like at CIS?

The approach is integrated across our curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, as well as in co-curricular programmes such as robotics, coding and lego leagues.

From Grade 1 onwards, students are exposed to STEAM experiences in our stimulating makerspace rooms. These are special areas filled with state-of-the art equipment such as 3D printers and laser cutters, all designed to motivate students to experiment, build and invent!


To find out more information about CIS and its STEAM programme sign up for a fun family day out at their STEAM Fair on April 23 at www.cis.edu.sg/steamfairt www.cis.edu.sg/steamfair