The purpose of this study was to develop an integrated program of science
and art(STEAM) with a focus on visual art that could be utilized in school
settings and disseminated and practiced through textbooks for teachers and
students. First, the researchers conducted a review of literature related to STEAM
education and the main components of STEAM education. In addition, the
researchers reviewed and incorporated standards for STEAM education and the
national standards for science and art were integral to the creation of STEAM
programs with a focus on visual art.
Based on this foundation, the researchers developed STEAM programs for
elementary, middle, and high school students. For each of these groups, kits and
simulations related to the subject matter were created. Formative research was based
on the feedback of teachers who used the program as well as the initial outcomes
of the program in real settings, and through an interactive process of review and
revision, the researchers completed a final version of the program and transformed it
into highly accessible textbooks that increased usability by teachers and students. A
detailed discussion of one of the programs developed for middle school students,
The Magic of Corrosion: Etching, is included in this article for illustrative purposes.
The results of this study indicate that both teachers and students were
interested in STEAM education and responded positively to it. Though the
developed STEAM programs were effective, there are not many such materials
available. The findings of this study point to the need for more educational
researchers and practitioners to develop STEAM programs and materials for
practical use in the classroom.