Importance of the "A" for Arts in STEAM-Based Education

     The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.  These disciplines require the application of precise knowledge and accurate skills.  However, Albert Einstein famously said that "imagination is important than knowledge.  Imagine is everything; it's the preview of life's coming attractions".  In the thought process for applying STEM in solving challenges and adding to the world's collective knowledge, Einstein implied that hypothesizing for the next experiment involves creativity and  critical thinking outside the box from connections to other disciplines.  Through creativity and making connections, we can come up with a new discovery and invention that benefits our lives.

     The application of the arts in STEAM was practiced by Leonardo Da Vinci from his character traits:  He was always curious and explored many topics outside his primary interest.  He also always recorded information to check later and make connections with.  Furthermore, he visualized his information with diagrams and drawings.  Da Vinci is known today for his many works in art and engineering based on measurements and precise details.  Two of his most celebrated works include the Vitruvian Man, based on Marcus Vitruvius' statements on the mathematical ratios in the human body.  Da Vinci's La Gioconda painting of "The Last Supper" was constructed with the individuals depicted with precision geometry and spacing.

     Through the arts, STEM is applied to benefit us in our world.

Sources:

• https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/einstein-famous-quote-misunderstood/
• https://followmentalgarden.substack.com/p/leonardo-da-vinci