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Empower creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking in your classroom!As STEAM and Making become essential components of fostering student readiness for career, college, and beyond, this new edition of
STEAM Makers offers innovative ways to integrate creativity, technology, and hands-on problem-solving into daily practice.
With a renewed focus on emerging technologies, environmental sustainability, and a global perspective,
STEAM Makers provides educators with fresh approaches to cultivating students' curiosity, innovation, and discovery skills. Readers will gain actionable strategies, from designing student-centered makerspaces to connecting with local and global partners, and learn from inspiring success stories from classrooms worldwide. This updated resource includes:
- Case studies, vignettes, and photographs of projects
- Practical and ready-to-use activities and STEAM Maker Starters
- Integration of emerging technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence to foster 21st-century skills
- An expanded focus on ensuring equitable and inclusive opportunities for all
With
STEAM Makers, educators will gain the tools to inspire meaningful learning experiences that drive curiosity, creativity, and engagement. By fostering a mindset of exploration and design, educators can empower their students to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
List of contents
Chapter 1. Wonder
History of STEM
History of STEM
Adding the A
Left Brain Versus Right Brain
The Maker Movement
5 Pillars of STEAM and Maker Education
What Does Making Look Like in Schools?
Build Curiosity and Wonder
The Mindset
Why Is This Important?
But What About State Testing and the Common Core?
Next Generation Science Standards
Expanding the Standards
What Does It Mean to Be Creative in a Standards-Based System?
Try It Checklist
Expanding Your Thinking
Chapter 2. Thrive
District Leadership
Principal Leadership
Change Makers
Parents and Community
Social Media Makers
Game Makers
Creating Opportunities for Learners to Thrive
A Thriving STEAM Maker Ecosystem
Helping Learners to Thrive
Summary
Expanding Your Thinking
Chapter 3. Adapt
How Should K-12 Engineering Be Taught?
Engineering Design Process
Habits of Mind
Creativity in Design
All Inclusive
The Impact of AI on STEAM and Making
Adapting Our Approach
Summary
Expanding Your Thinking
Chapter 4. Connect
STEAM Maker Teaching
Literature Connections
Speaking, Listening, and Thinking Connections
Summary
Expanding Your Thinking
Chapter 5. Invite
Inviting the Outside In
Inviting Collaboration
An Open Invitation
An Open Invitation
Activities That Invite Learners In
Inviting Learners Into the Space
A Global Invitation to Create
Summary
Expanding Your Thinking
Chapter 6. Partner
Remake Learning
A Learning Ecosystem
Connect With Your Local Community
Partner on a Local Project
Connect to Local Experts
Establish Corporate Partners
Exploring Partners in Higher Education
Friends and Neighbors as Partners
Connect With a Global Community
Summary
Expanding Your Thinking
Chapter 7. Expand
Growing People and Programs
Expanding Materials and Resources
Expand Your Programs Through Grants
Summary
About the author
Jacie Maslyk, EdD, has served in public education over the past twenty-eight years. During that time, she has served in many roles. As a classroom teacher and reading specialist, she worked in both inner city and suburban school districts. She served as an elementary school principal and director of elementary education for ten years, with extensive experience in curriculum, assessment, and instruction. A successful school leader, she was recognized as a National Distinguished Principal finalist in Pennsylvania in 2013 and 2014. Dr, Maslyk worked in district administration as an Assistant Superintendent before moving into her current role as an instructional coach and educational consultant, supporting schools through professional learning and job-embedded coaching. She provides workshops (on-site and virtual), model lessons, and curriculum support to school districts and educational organizations across the country.
In addition to STEAM Makers: Fostering Creativity and Innovation in the Elementary Classroom, Jacie has also published Connect to Lead: Power Up Your Learning Network to Move Your School Forward, Remaking Literacy: Innovative Instructional Strategies for Maker Learning, Unlock Creativity: Opening a World of Imagination With Your Students, and All In: Taking a Gamble in Education.
Connect with Jacie on Bluesky @jaciemaslyk.bsky.social, X @DrJacieMaslyk, Instagram @jaciemaslyk or email her at jaciemaslyk@gmail.com
