An interdisciplinary approach to learning where academic concepts are coupled with artistic works and cultural practices as students apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in contexts that make connections between school, community, personal interests, and the global marketplace.

2. STEAM Areas
Science
Technology
Engineering
Art
Mathematics
El Anatsui. "Ala," 2013. Courtesy National Museum of African Art.
Cultural Practices

3. Cultural Practice
Cultural practice refers to the manifestation of a culture or sub-
culture, especially in regard to traditional and customary
practices of a particular ethnic group. It also refers to traditional
practices developed within specific ethnic cultures, especially
those aspects that have been practiced over several generations.
Shabazz Palaces performance; Mary Lee Bendolph. “Strips and Strings,” 2003. Gee’s Bend, Alabama; Nike ACG Kimono Men's Jacket.

4. STEAM Education
STEAM education is an interdisciplinary approach to
learning where rigorous academic concepts are coupled
with artistic works & cultural practices as students apply
science, technology, engineering & mathematics in contexts
that make connections between school, community, their
personal interests & the global marketplace.
A middle school student exploring the Virtual Bead Loom Culturally Situated Design Tool (CSDT). Courtesy Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

5. Crosscutting Concepts
The National Research Council's (NRC) framework describes
crosscutting concepts that have application across all domains of
science. As such, they are a way of linking different areas of
STEAM including: Patterns, similarity & diversity; Cause & effect;
Scale, proportion & quantity; Systems & system models; Energy
and matter; Structure & function; Stability & change.
An example of polyrhythms in a two dimensional design.

6. Science
Science, which deals with and seeks the understanding of the
natural world (NRC, 1996, p. 24), is the underpinning of
technology. Scientific processes include “inquiry,” “discovering
what is,” “exploring,” and using “the scientific method.”
Artist and former scientist Fred Eversley's studio. Courtesy the artist.

7. Technology
Technology is the modification of the natural world to meet
human wants & needs (ITEA/ITEEA, 2000/2002/2007). It includes
computers, software, networking systems & protocols, hand-held
devices, cameras & other technologies, including those not yet
developed, for accessing, creating & communicating information.
Theo Eshetu. “Brave New World II (detail),” 1999. Courtesy National Museum of African Art.

8. Engineering
Engineering is the area in which a knowledge of the
mathematical and natural sciences gained by study, experience,
and practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize
economically the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of
mankind” (ABET, 2002).
Sisal Twinner Machine. Maker Faire Africa. Nairobi Hill, Nairobi, Nairobi Area, KE via Flickr.

9. Art
Art is the expression or application of technology, science, math,
and engineering skills and imagination through forms based on
culture, personal style, and technique. Forms range from the
cultural arts, drawing, painting, sculpture, design, music, and
video (NAEA, 1994, p. 32).
Nancy Crow (b. 1943). "Crucifixion (detail)," 1977. Courtesy American Art Museum (Renwick Gallery).

10. Mathematics
Mathematics is the science of patterns and relationships (AAAS,
1993, p. 23). It provides an exact language for technology,
science, art, and engineering.
Sanford Biggers. “Lotus,” 2011. Courtesy the artist; Re-purposed Cornrow Curves CSDT. Courtesy Ron Eglash & Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

11. Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation is the adoption of specific elements of one
culture by a different cultural group. To avoid misappropriation
of forms, or styles from other cultures it is important to present
works in ways that acknowledge, illuminate and respect them.
Use crosscutting concepts such as native, or relevant cultural
systems & system models to explain cultural practices, e.g. four-
fold symmetry & four cardinal directions in indigenous artwork.
If the students’ response to a specific object/image is far from
the work’s cultural meaning, invite them to look closer: many
elements communicate more effectively if we give them more
time and attention.

12. References
• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. (2007-2008).
Engineering accreditation criteria. Baltimore, MD: Author.
• American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
(1993). Benchmarks for science literacy. New York, NY: Oxford
University Press.
• International Technology Education Association (ITEA/ITEEA).
(2000/2002/2007). Standards for technological literacy: Content for
the study of technology. Reston, VA: Author.
• National Research Council. (1996). The national science education
standards. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
• National Art Education Association (NAEA). (1994). The National
Visual Arts Standards. Association Drive, Reston, VA: Author.