STEAM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, STEAM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications.

Though the United States has historically been a leader in these fields, fewer students have been focusing on these topics recently. According to the U.S. Department of Education, only 16 percent of high school students are interested in a STEAM career and have proven proficiency in mathematics. Currently, nearly 28 percent of high school freshmen declare an interest in a STEAM-related field, a department website says, but 57 percent of these students will lose interest by the time they graduate from high school.

As a result, the Obama administration announced the 2009 "Educate to Innovate" campaign to motivate and inspire students to excel in STEAM subjects. This campaign also addresses the inadequate number of teachers skilled to educate in these subjects. The goal is to get American students from the middle of the pack in science and math to the top of the pack in the international arena.

Blended Learning

What separates STEAM from traditional science and math education is the blended learning environment and showing students how the scientific method can be applied to everyday life. It teaches students computational thinking and focuses on the real world applications of problem-solving.

TMSA Triad- Elementary School - STEAM education focuses on the introductory level STEAM courses, as well as awareness of the STEAM fields and occupations. This initial step provides standards-based, structured inquiry-based, and real-world problem-based learning, connecting all four of the STEAM subjects. The goal is to pique student interest in wanting to pursue STEAM courses, not because they have to. There is also an emphasis placed on bridging in-school and out-of-school STEAM learning opportunities.

TMSA Triad- Middle School - At this stage, the courses become more rigorous and challenging. Student awareness of STEAM fields and occupations is still pursued, as well as the academic requirements of such fields. Student exploration of STEAM-related careers begins at this level, particularly for underrepresented populations.

TMSA Triad- High School - At the high school level, the program of study focuses on the application of the subjects in a challenging and rigorous manner. Courses and pathways will be available in STEAM fields and occupations, as well as preparation for post-secondary education and employment. More emphasis is placed on bridging in-school and out-of-school STEAM opportunities.