When one thinks of education in the STEM fields, art would be the last thing that comes to mind. Art as a STEM subject sounds as strange as it does unimportant. However, this is simply a result of a post-industrial revolution line of thinking where the best you could be as a person is to understand how machines can be designed and function to mass produce goods.

For the last several decades, this ‘factory’ based thinking has moulded our education systems across the world. This makes sense as our education policies are always a result of the current demand of our species. A hundred years ago the demand was for mass production with high efficiency. However, for the last few decades, new age companies are proving to a higher and higher degree that how you approach industrial problems is very relevant to how you solve industrial problems. In other words, innovation and abstract thinking have become as important for STEM careers as for any other career.

This conclusion has been a result of concepts such as systems thinking and other novel forms of critical thinking, that require the mind to be agile, and dare we say, imaginative. And what better way to stimulate a healthy imagination in the STEM fields than by introducing ART to the STEM curriculum in schools and educational institutions.

Benefits of incorporating art into STEM education:

Art should be considered a STEM subject in schools because it helps students develop important skills that are valuable in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. These skills include:

1. Problem-solving: Art education teaches students how to think critically and creatively, which is essential for solving problems in STEM fields.
2. Critical thinking: Art education encourages students to think outside the box, which is vital for innovation and new ideas in STEM fields.
3. Spatial reasoning: Art education helps students develop spatial reasoning skills, which are essential for understanding and manipulating three-dimensional objects, a skill that is valuable in fields such as architecture and engineering.
4. Technical skills: Art education teaches students how to use various tools and technologies, such as computer-aided design software and 3D modelling, which are used in many STEM fields.
5. Collaboration: Art education also teaches students how to work in teams, which is important in many STEM fields where interdisciplinary teams are the norm.

By including art education in the STEM curriculum, students can develop a well-rounded set of skills that will benefit them in a variety of fields. Furthermore, art integration in STEM can also lead to more creative and innovative solutions to problems and open up opportunities for students in a variety of fields.

The importance of creativity in STEM

Creativity in itself is an essential component in STEM fields. It allows individuals and teams to generate new ideas and approaches to solving problems, which can lead to breakthroughs and innovation. Here are a few ways in which creativity is important in STEM:

1. Problem-solving: In STEM fields, problems often require innovative solutions, and thinking creatively can help individuals come up with new ideas and approaches that may not have been considered before.
2. Innovation: Creativity is essential for innovation. In STEM fields, new ideas and approaches can lead to new products, technologies, and processes, which can drive economic growth and improve people’s lives.
3. Research and development: In STEM fields, creativity is essential for the research and development process. By thinking creatively, scientists and engineers can come up with new hypotheses, designs and experiments, which can lead to new discoveries and breakthroughs.
4. Entrepreneurship: Creativity is also important for entrepreneurship in STEM fields. Entrepreneurs need to be able to think creatively in order to identify opportunities and develop innovative products and services.
5. Communication: Creativity is also important in STEM fields when it comes to communicating complex information in a clear and engaging way that can be easily understood by a diverse audience.

Overall, creativity is an essential component of STEM fields, as it allows individuals and teams to generate new ideas and approaches to solving problems, which can lead to breakthroughs and innovation. Encouraging and fostering creativity in STEM education can lead to more successful and innovative STEM professionals and in turn benefit the society and economy.

How Art can bridge the gap between stem and the humanities?

Art can bridge the gap between STEM and the humanities by providing a way for people from different backgrounds and disciplines to come together and understand each other’s perspectives. For example, scientists can use art to communicate their research to a wider audience in a way that is more accessible and engaging, while artists can use science as inspiration for their work. Additionally, art can be used as a tool for interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving. Artists and scientists can work together to address social and environmental issues, and use their different skills and perspectives to come up with innovative solutions.

Real-world examples of Art and STEM integration

There are many real-world examples of the integration of art and STEM, such as:

1. Architecture: Architects use principles of math and engineering to design buildings, but they also use artistic skills to create visually appealing structures.
2. Game design: Game designers use computer programming, math and physics to create interactive worlds, but they also use skills in art and storytelling to create engaging and immersive experiences.
3. Product design: Product designers use engineering principles to create functional products, but they also use artistic skills to make them visually appealing and user-friendly.
4. Motion graphics: Motion graphic designers use animation and graphic design to create visual effects for film, television and web, but they also use scientific principles of physics to create realistic movement.
5. Virtual and augmented reality: Virtual and augmented reality designers use computer programming and 3D modelling to create immersive experiences but also use art to create believable and engaging virtual environments.
6. Robotics: Robotics engineers use technology and math to build robots, but they also use design and art to create robots that are visually appealing and easy to use.

These are just a few examples of how art and STEM can be integrated in real-world applications. The integration of more subjects can lead to more creative and innovative solutions to problems, and open up opportunities for students in a variety of fields.

Conclusion

Art education can be considered a STEM subject because it teaches students skills that are valuable in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. These skills include problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, and spatial reasoning. Additionally, many careers in STEM fields, such as architecture, product design, and graphic design, require a strong background in art. By including art education in the STEM curriculum, students can develop a well-rounded set of skills that will benefit them in a variety of fields.

At Rooftop, we are on a mission to educate the masses on the significant role art has to play in living life to the fullest, from personal lives to professional lives. It is a good start for many businesses to start introduce art in small ways such as art therapy, to get their teams switched on to take their business to heights previously thought to be unfathomable. Check out our blog page for many interesting reads regarding art, artists and the numerous ways in which art plays a role in making life colorful, both literally and metaphorically.