Literature-Based STEAM Designs

This innovative workshop merges the power of literature with hands-on engineering to create an engaging, interdisciplinary classroom experience. Participants learn how to embed STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) principles into English Language Arts instruction by designing physical solutions to literary problems. This approach encourages students to think critically, creatively, and beyond the text to deepen their comprehension and engagement.

• Limited student engagement with literature through traditional instruction
  
  
• Lack of interdisciplinary connections between ELA and STEAM subjects
  
  
• Few opportunities for students to apply engineering design thinking to literacy tasks
  
  
• Student difficulty in synthesizing creative and analytical thinking skills
  

1. Blending Literature with STEAM Principles
   Educators will learn how to integrate STEAM engineering concepts into literature instruction by developing projects where students design and build solutions inspired by literary conflicts. This connection enriches both reading comprehension and applied problem-solving.
   
   
2. Designing Authentic, Hands-On Learning Experiences
   Participants will gain experience creating classroom activities that are hands-on, standards-aligned, and adaptable to various literary texts and grade levels. These experiences foster deeper student investment and creativity.
   
   
3. Promoting Critical Thinking Through Interdisciplinary Learning
   Teachers will explore how to facilitate student discussions and reflections that connect engineering design to literary analysis. This strengthens both analytical thinking and collaborative skills, empowering students to approach literature through a dynamic, problem-solving lens