STEAM approach by integrating the arts and STEM through origami in K 12
While science, technology, engineering and math hold the fastest growing fields today, only 44% and 36% of students are math and science ready, respectively, to enter college. By integrating the arts into STEM, a four part origami based curriculum has been developed, which combines the topics of renewable energy, architecture design, 3D CAD design and printing, and mathematic, science, and engineering principles. The modules are composed of familiar engineering education tactics to get students to think outside of the box like an engineer. Students reverse engineer origami pieces, build an origami chair using the design process, and learn the topic of renewable energies through interactive games. The final module pulls the knowledge gained from the first three together. The students design and 3D print origami structures that are energy efficient and utilizes at least one source of renewable energy. Students go through the design process with brainstorming, prototyping, and working models. The K 12 Next Generation Science Standards for science and engineering has eight practices. Origami Meets STEAM practices all eight including: (1) Asking questions and defining problems, (2) Developing and using models, (3) Planning and carrying out investigations, and (6) Instructing explanations and designing solutions. This project has been introduced to 9th and 10th grade geometry classes. Surveys were given to gauge the effectiveness of activities with the students, teachers, and participating graduate students. This is a work in progress and results of the surveys and work are still being processed.
2016 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE)