Step Into STEAM, Grades PreK-5: Your Standards-Based Action Plan for Deepening Mathematics and Science Learning

Create innovative and equitable experiences that prepare your learners for the future!

STEAM education is crucial for preparing learners to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world. Not every learner is going to pursue a STEAM-related career, but each and every learner needs to be challenged with opportunities to transfer what they are learning in mathematics and science instruction to seek solutions to the complex problems of today―and to meet our future world head on!

In this Second Edition of Step Into STEAM, authors Sarah Bush and Kristin Cook guide and inspire PreK–5 educators through a seamless process of designing and implementing STEAM inquiries that align precisely to key mathematics and science content and practices―all while meeting the demands of guiding assessments. Going far beyond a collection of STEAM activities, this book shows educators, as well as school and district leaders, how to build a STEAM ecosystem that can measurably improve every learner’s mathematics and science achievement, as well as engagement, belonging, and interest.

What truly sets this book apart is its masterful integration of problem-based inquiry as the foundation for STEAM instruction. This updated edition:

• Expands on the latest research in STEAM education across PreK-5 in various educational settings
• Incorporates strategies grounded in Universal Design for Learning to engage all learners
• Provides updated STEAM resources aligned to the Integrated STEM Practices
• Embeds actionable tips throughout each chapter that educators can implement immediately in addition to suggestions for ongoing learning and growth for all
• Offers an updated companion website with additional templates for brainstorming sessions or book studies, action plans, and checklists to help educators put their ideas into practice

This is an essential guide for educators looking to implement STEAM education in their classrooms and beyond. Step Into STEAM provides a comprehensive roadmap for cultivating the creativity, problem-solving abilities, resilience, and empathy that will empower the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and global citizens. Make the most of your limited instructional time and become part of the Step Into STEAM journey!

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.