1. Because artists fulfill their greatest societal
function when they direct their energies towards society’s greatest needs.
Because they share the view that educators must produce a citizenry of curious,
critical-thinking, question-asking young people.
2. Because artists are uniquely capable of illuminating
relationships between things, ideas, and emotions, and helping audiences
understand and feel those interconnections.
3. Because the best art tells important stories and asks
important questions. Peering into the worlds of scientists, mathematicians,
inventors, and builders puts artists and their audiences face-to-face with the
most important, entertaining, and enduring dilemmas that humans confront.
4. Because ultimately there is no real distinction
between STEM education and arts education. Those are just mantels we hold
while fighting for turf in the curricular battles of the day. At bottom, we’re
preparing young people to be culture-makers, equipped with the curiosity, the
skills, and the confidence to construct stories that help them make sense of
the then and now and to author the worlds of tomorrow.
STEM, STEAM
new focuses for schools
