Tim Mikulski

'Sesame Street' Moves Full STEAM Ahead

Posted by Tim Mikulski, Aug 27, 2012 4 comments


Tim Mikulski

Tim Mikulski

Thanks to a tweet from Rhode Island School of Design President John Maeda on Friday, the world became aware of a new tool that I hope will greatly move the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education movement to STEAM (A=arts) instead.

What single tool could be that impactful?

I'll give you two hints. He's three-and-a-half years old and he's red. Get it yet?

Elmo could be the next great STEM to STEAM advocate thanks to plans for a new Sesame Street segment for the show's 43rd season this fall. According to a description of the new "Elmo the Musical" segment of the preschool learning show:

"An extension of our STEAM curriculum, each 11-minute episode is an interactive, fun-filled musical adventure created by Elmo and the child at home. Focusing on imagination and math skills, such as enumeration, relational concepts, addition/subtraction, geometric shapes and many more, Elmo takes viewers on thrilling explorations as he imagines himself in 'Sea Captain The Musical,' 'Guacamole The Musical,' 'Prince Elmo The Musical' and even 'President The Musical!' In 'Elmo The Musical,' kids can sing, dance, play and imagine along with Elmo on math-filled adventures!"

It sounds like a solid effort in showing parents (and their kids) the power of the arts in helping young children to learn other vital skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. Think about it. Are you still able to sing the words to songs like this from Schoolhouse Rock?

That's the power of the arts inserted into other subject learning and I hope Elmo can help us to continue to spread the message of STEM to STEAM to newest generation and their parents!

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4 responses for 'Sesame Street' Moves Full STEAM Ahead

Comments

October 02, 2012 at 4:33 pm

Thanks for stopping by and let us know how it turns out!

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Stacy Cantrell says
October 02, 2012 at 10:15 am

I love this!
I am currently working on a Thesis with a STEAM initiative.
I was so excited when I saw Elmo on the Today show pitching what STEAM was and how they were going to be incorporating it into the show.

It made my topic feel more validated and on the cutting edge of art & science.

I love that STEAM has a voice now from a cute little red guy.

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Sandra Koberlein says
September 08, 2014 at 10:20 am

Hi Stacy!
I'm very interested in hearing what you have to say about STEAM - have you completed your thesis?

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Stacy Cantrell says
September 08, 2014 at 4:34 pm

Hi Sandra,

I haven't completed it yet. Should be done in the next month or so. I'm planning to graduate this December. I will let you know when I have an approved copy. I've been trying to get an interview with John Maeda but it has been a wash. Oh well. ;)

Stacy

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