STEM, STEAM, Make, Dream: Reimagining the Culture of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

by Christ Emdin

STEM, STEAM, Make, Dream explores the ways that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can transform all young people's lives through learning. This includes reimagining our collective relationship to STEM by presenting it as more accepting and accessible than previously acknowledged. Beginning with the ways that STEM has been used to marginalize many children, the book examines the need for the arts - including culture - to serve as an anchor for instruction. It also describes the need for "making" (hands-on creation and tinkering) in establishing relevance in learning. Then, through an experiential approach, the book articulates the value of dreaming of a future that is inclusive of all young people, especially those furthest from opportunity. To help all children claim their STEM identity, the book provides educators, policy makers, and community leaders with tangible ways to honor culture, increase equity, and encourage curiosity. The book demystifies STEM and shows a clear pathway to empowering children with the skills needed to succeed in a science and tech-based world. In addition, it offers educators a roadmap to developing future creators, innovators, scientists, and entrepreneurs. This includes providing the tools and knowledge necessary to advocate for sustainable change and address inequity, apathy, and the many other real problems in education. To do so, the book combines real-world stories, observations, and research in a visually-rich package that includes activities, inspiring quotes, and key takeaways. To help ground research and theory, readers will hear from - and be inspired by - practitioners, activists, and artists ranging from renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson to founding Wu-Tang Clan member GZA to acclaimed educator Gholdy Muhammad. In profiling these innovators, the book reveals how readers can nurture creativity, spark joy, and promote perseverance in all children.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Teaching

192 pages, Paperback

Published December 8, 2021

Reviews

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to teach in a STEAM classroom in high school. This book validates so much of what we are trying to do in the class, but the practical application of it is exhausting and we are constantly fighting the system - other teachers, parents, and even students themselves who find it easier to “sit and get” in other classrooms, and don’t always see the practical skills they are building beyond content. Now that I work with teachers and am trying to encourage STEAM and PBL in their classrooms, I find philosophy only goes so far and teachers need some practical ways to start and assess within a STEAM setting. By adding more resources for teachers throughout the book instead of an add on at the end, this book could have been one I put into all of my schools within our division.

[nika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was hanging around my "currently reading" for a hot second there. I read this for my Teaching Science class I took a year ago! I read around 80-85% of it for my class, and it was very impactful. I didn't read the last few chapters but it was a culturally responsive, and modern approach to STEAM teaching. One of my favorite parts that I would love to implement in my future classroom, and my own life in other ways, were the affirmations added! Building confidence in these subjects is a crucial aspect in the privileged and isolated world of STEAM.

[Charlie Graham · Rating 2 out of 5]

An excellent message trapped in a long-winded nightmare to read. Many sections read like Emdin was unable to decide between 5 different ways of saying the same thing, so he decided to leave all 5 in.
In addition to the clunky writing, little advice is given on how to actually implement the changes discussed. Short of a few specific lesson ideas in the appendix, Emdin does not clearly explain how to practically apply this idea of changing STEM culture.

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for school

Some great points about STEM education. Learning about what STEAM (the addition of the A) is actually supposed to look like in the classroom was very impactful and it was great to learn about culturally responsive practices in science education. Dream culture is so important, especially in the world we live in today.

[Bryce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5 stars. I just know Chris (why is his name Christ on goodreads??) says more influential things on the regular day basis. There are several great points here though, and obviously if educators could actually absorb this book, we'd be better off.

[Darren Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a long read, but one that required rereading and diving into additional resources. Dr. Emdin is a great resource for education in 2022 and beyond.

[Clayton Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

For its purpose as a professional support to help me deliver an culturally responsive modern approach to STEM with a STEAM mentality it was just what I needed.