Critical Thinkers • Innovators • Problem Solvers

STEAM vs STEM: What is the Difference?

Let’s start with STEM.

STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and math.

STEAM is an acronym that includes every STEM subject — plus the arts. The arts are much beloved by students and adults alike, and our art curriculum at Indy STEAM Academy includes dance, music, drama, visual arts and more. 

STEM content areas develop the left side of the brain while the arts advance the right side of the brain. Our K-5 public charter academy nurtures the academic and creative talents of every student. By embracing a STEAM model, we help students make connections between the scientific “Let’s Find Out” and the innovative “What If?”. 

What is STEAM?

STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

STEAM is the integration of these content five areas. We lead our students through design and inquiry processes that include investigating, planning, problem solving, creating, evaluating, reflecting, and retooling. Our students design models and prototypes that solve real world problems and challenges.

girl holding paint brushThe STEAM process helps students make connections between what they are learning in school with their real-life environments. We develop the whole child by enabling a deeper understanding of subject matter.  Through practical application of skills and experiencing the joy of expressing themselves — we broaden the experiences of our students through music, drama, dance, and the visual arts. Here’s more about what STEAM means to us and why we named our school in its honor: 

Science

Science is everywhere in today’s world. It is part of our daily lives from cooking, to gardening to recycling. We embrace the significance of the science involved in things we do every day.

Technology

Technology is transforming how we learn, work and play. We live in a digital world with a global economy. We embrace our world today with our steady gaze on future technologies.

Engineering

Engineering is the practical application of science, technology, and math. With our Engineering curriculum we solve real world issues using hands-on learning and designing models and prototypes. It’s fun and engaging!

Art

Fine Arts develop the imagination, creativity, and critical thinking skills of students across every content area. Art brings yet another means for self-expression and joy. 

Math

Mathematics is the foundation of science, engineering and technology.  Math helps students develop vital problem-solving, analytical and reasoning skills.

musical instrumentsIndy STEAM Academy is the only elementary school in the area with an elective for fine arts. Our Indy STEAM students learn to play instruments and read music. They choose from piano, guitar, xylophone or violin. Afterschool, we host choir and band. Our students take dance classes with a focus on Alvin Ailey’s modern dance, tap and ballet. And our visual arts curriculum includes drawing, painting, ceramics,, pottery and weaving. 

Indy STEAM’s founder, Dr. Yvonne Bullock is purposeful in her arts programming. 

“There are several STEM focused schools in the Indianapolis area, but none have an integrated focus that includes the Arts.  This may be due to the great push for accountability in Reading, Math, and Science to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) on the State Report Card. As a result, I believe the Arts has taken a back seat to other content areas.  

Indy STEAM Academy recognizes the need to develop the whole child by nurturing the academic and creative talents of students, so we included the Arts as one of our focus areas.  We know that the Arts develops the right side of the brain and fosters creativity, innovation, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills.  These are skills that are needed to be successful in STEM careers.“

Imagination, creativity and critical thinking skills are in good use at Indy STEAM Academy. Our tuition-free K-5 public school is enrolling! Find out more about us, today. 

About Indy STEAM

The mission of Indianapolis (Indy) STEAM Academy is to nurture the academic and creative talents of students through the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. We build a strong literacy foundation to ensure the achievement of all students and prepare them for high school, college, and careers in a 21st century global workforce. #weareIndySTEAM#chooseIndySTEAM#IndySTEAMAcademy Enrolling K-5 now! 

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Who We Are

We are a tuition-free public charter school with staff who are committed to providing a high-quality STEAM education for all students including students from low-income families, under-served minority students, and underrepresented students.