Step Into STEAM, Grades PreK-5

Dr. Sarah B. Bush, a former middle school mathematics teacher, is a Professor of K–12 STEM Education and the Lockheed Martin Eminent Scholar Chair at the University of Central Florida. At the University of Central Florida, she is the Director of the Lockheed Martin/UCF Mathematics and Science Academy and is a program co-coordinator of the Mathematics Education PhD track. She teaches primarily graduate courses in mathematics education. She is a prolific writer who has authored 13 books and more than 100 journal articles and book chapters. Dr. Bush recently completed a term (2019–2022) as a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Board of Directors. She served as the lead writer and task force chair for NCTM’s Catalyzing Change in Middle School Mathematics: Initiating Critical Conversations. Dr. Bush was the recipient of the 2021 School Science and Mathematics Association (SSMA) Award for Excellence in Integrating Science and Mathematics and 2018 recipient of the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) Early Career Award. Dr. Bush seamlessly integrates her practical experience as a middle school mathematics teacher in public schools with her innovative scholarship to serve as an instructional leader in the field of mathematics education and STE(A)M education. Dr. Bush co-wrote the Simplifying STEM: Four Equitable Practices to Inspire Meaningful Learning: PreK-5 and 6-12 books published by Corwin in early 2024.Dr. Kristin L. Cook, a former high school science teacher, is a Professor of Science Education in the School of Education at Bellarmine University. She received her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction specializing in Science Education and Environmental Sciences from Indiana University. Dr. Cook teaches courses in K–12 science methods and STEAM Education. In addition to teaching initial certification and advanced graduate classes, Dr. Cook serves as a professional developer and consultant for K–12 STEAM-focused school reform and project and problem-based learning development. Dr. Cook is actively involved in federal grants and research that focus on engaging learners and teachers with the community of science through the exploration of socio-scientific inquiry and transdisciplinary STEAM instruction. Dr. Cook co-wrote the Simplifying STEM: Four Equitable Practices to Inspire Meaningful Learning: PreK-5 and 6-12 books published by Corwin in early 2024.

STEM and STEAM learning must become more than an educational ‘sound bite.’ More importantly, STEAM learning needs to be fullyunderstood and implemented. Step Into STEAM examines and addresses issues regarding the importance of STEAM learning and provides thesupport that elementary classroom teachers and instructional leaders need to truly guide their planning, teaching, and assessment of integrated andinquiry-based STEAM instruction. What an amazing ‘must-have’ resource!

• Foreword by Christa Jackson and Margaret Mohr-SchroederNote by Matt LarsonPrefaceAcknowledgmentsAbout the AuthorsPART 1. THE STEAM LANDSCAPEChapter 1: What Is STEAM and Why Does It Matter?Chapter 2: How Do I Prepare for STEAM Teaching?Chapter 3: What Frameworks Can Guide How I Engage Learners in STEAM?Chapter 4: How Do I Design STEAM Inquiries?Chapter 5: How Do I Implement STEAM Inquiries?Chapter 6: How Do I Assess Learning in STEAM?Chapter 7: What Are Some Examples of Successful STEAM Inquiries?Chapter 8: How Do I Tie It All Together to Create the STEAM Learning Experience?Chapter 9: How Do I Gather Resources for STEAM?Call to ActionAppendicesReferences