Quantum Materials : STEAM-Based Learning and Renewable Energy Projects

In education, change is bound to happen. As the world continues to evolve, especially in the technological aspect, the method of teaching students should also evolve. There are numerous reasons why education is significant, and one of them is understanding the issues in terms of sustainability.

There are tons of online noise in the form of unverified claims and false news. So it's essential to know how to distinguish reality from myths, especially when it comes to myths about water recycling and conversation.

The way is through education. You can also make kids learn about all these using STEM toys. This article will talk about STEAM-based renewable energy projects and learn to efficiently impart knowledge to the present youths about significant environmental challenges.

Meaning of STEAM-Powered Learning

To understand this, one must understand the meaning of STEM. S stands for science, T stands for technology, E stands for engineering, and M stands for mathematics. These disciplines are bunched together because they're compatible and interdependent on each other. Now, let's talk about the combination after adding art to it. That's what the A in STEAM means- art.

Numerous intellectuals have a thing or two to say on how tutors can be game-changers via STEAM and education technology. Yet, there's still the concern that the art discipline doesn't seem to fit in with the four science disciplines.

The varying combinations of the disciplines- STEAM and STEM have triggered a debate. However, it is a fact that the inclusion of the art discipline has created accessibility for numerous students. This fosters a more embracing environment to learn, and it lessens the technological gap for students who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to access it.

Students with a natural aptitude for the arts and humanities are bound to perceive information in a way that's different from STEM students. Adding the element of art has its merits because their creative thinking has birthed the establishment of companies.

In the video below, you will find a great DIY STEM project for school competitions. This project shows a sustainable way to water plants using solar power:

Meaning of STEAM-Based Renewable Energy Projects

Robert Lynch writes in his book "Arts, the Environment, and Sustainability" that the art discipline is of immense value, and artists are significant. Education in arts is essential in sustaining the creativity of America and keeping them competitive to ensure that they can favorably compete with other countries in this 21st century. Remembering the context of these words is significant because art has practical applications to sustainability and the environment. This is a favorable argument for the incorporation of art to advance the cause of renewable energy.

How can these thoughts be represented? Below are some real instances of K-12 renewable energy programs that take advantage of the complete potential of STEAM to draw attention to major issues about sustainability:

Learning How to Use Renewable Energy

Allowing students to see a virtual illustration of their school is one of the approaches to teaching them the impact and extent of energy usage. In "Wired," Discovery Elementary students in Arlington were given a task to explore a realistic-looking virtual illustration of their school. Discovery Elementary is an educational institution that depends on several forms of alternative systems and energy. By using hand gestures such as pinching and swiping to see each room up close, they learned about the quantity of energy each appliance, device, and fixture consumes. They also learned the energy-conserving features used at the facility.

Locating and Allowing a Wind Farm

This activity is the brainchild of the National Energy Education Development Project. It allows students to discuss the costs and benefits of bringing a wind farm to the locality. This activity involves research and role play. Students can roleplay as county commission members, investors, developer consumers, farmers, site planners, and environmentalists. Each role will provide a distinct insight. For example, members of the county commission are tasked with analyzing the effect of the wind farm on the job, revenue, and taxes sector of the community.