STEAM Makers
Fostering Creativity and Innovation in the Elementary Classroom
Second Edition
Purchase
eBook
ISBN:
9781071981092
Available from
January 0001
Paperback
ISBN:
9781071981078
Available from
January 0001
Description
Empower creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking in your classroom!
As STEAM and Making become essential components of fostering student readiness for career, college, and beyond, this new edition of STEAM Makers offers innovative ways to integrate creativity, technology, and hands-on problem-solving into daily practice.
With a renewed focus on emerging technologies, environmental sustainability, and a global perspective, STEAM Makers provides educators with fresh approaches to cultivating students’ curiosity, innovation, and discovery skills. Readers will gain actionable strategies, from designing student-centered makerspaces to connecting with local and global partners, and learn from inspiring success stories from classrooms worldwide. This updated resource includes:
- Case studies, vignettes, and photographs of projects
- Practical and ready-to-use activities and STEAM Maker Starters
- Integration of emerging technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence to foster 21st-century skills
- An expanded focus on ensuring equitable and inclusive opportunities for all
With STEAM Makers, educators will gain the tools to inspire meaningful learning experiences that drive curiosity, creativity, and engagement. By fostering a mindset of exploration and design, educators can empower their students to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Contents
Preface
Preface
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
About the Author
About the Author
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1. WONDER
- HISTORY OF STEM
- WHAT ARE THE JOBS OF THE FUTURE?
- ADDING THE A
- LEFT BRAIN VERSUS RIGHT BRAIN
- THE MAKER MOVEMENT
- MAKER EDUCATION INITIATIVE
- FIVE PILLARS OF STEAM AND MAKER EDUCATION
- WHAT DOES MAKING LOOK LIKE IN SCHOOLS?
- FIND IT! (SPACE)
- FILL IT! (MATERIALS)
- STAFF IT! (PEOPLE)
- BUILD CURIOSITY AND WONDER
- THE MINDSET
- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
- BUT WHAT ABOUT STANDARDS AND STATE ASSESSMENTS?
- NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS
- SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING PRACTICES
- CROSSCUTTING CONCEPTS
- CORE AREAS
- EXPANDING STANDARDS
- WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE CREATIVE IN A STANDARDS-BASED SYSTEM?
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
CHAPTER 2. THRIVE
- DISTRICT LEADERSHIP
- PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP
- CHANGE MAKERS
- PARENTS AND COMMUNITY
- SOCIAL MEDIA MAKERS
- BRIGANTINE SCHOOL DISTRICT: CREATING SPACES WHERE LEARNERS THRIVE
- GAME MAKERS
- CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNERS TO THRIVE
- ELEMENTS OF GAME DESIGN
- A THRIVING STEAM MAKER ECOSYSTEM
- THE SCOTT FAMILY AMAZEUM
- HELPING LEARNERS TO THRIVE
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
CHAPTER 3. ADAPT
- HOW SHOULD K–12 ENGINEERING BE TAUGHT?
- SYSTEMS THINKING
- CREATIVITY
- OPTIMISM
- COLLABORATION
- COMMUNICATION
- ATTENTION TO ETHICS
- ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS
- HABITS OF MIND
- CREATIVITY IN DESIGN
- ALL INCLUSIVE
- SPEECH AND LANGUAGE
- ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL)
- STUDENTS WITH AUTISM
- ENSURING ACCESS TO STEM
- THE IMPACT OF AI ON STEAM AND MAKING
- ADAPTING OUR APPROACH
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
CHAPTER 4. CONNECT
- STEAM MAKER TEACHING
- COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
- CONNECTED LEARNING
- CREATIVE TEAMS
- LITERATURE CONNECTIONS
- LEADING FROM THE LIBRARY
- SPEAKING, LISTENING, AND THINKING CONNECTIONS
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
CHAPTER 5. INVITE
- INVITING THE OUTSIDE IN
- INVITING COLLABORATION
- AN OPEN INVITATION
- INVITING STUDENTS TO USE THEIR VOICE
- ACTIVITIES THAT INVITE LEARNERS IN
- GET CREATIVE CHALLENGE
- ONE WORD DESIGNS
- INVITING LEARNERS INTO THE SPACE
- A GLOBAL INVITATION TO CREATE
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
CHAPTER 6. PARTNER
- REMAKE LEARNING
- A LEARNING ECOSYSTEM
- CONNECT WITH YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
- PARTNER ON A LOCAL PROJECT
- ARTISTS AS PARTNERS
- CONNECT TO LOCAL EXPERTS
- ESTABLISH CORPORATE PARTNERS
- EXPLORING PARTNERS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
- UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
- FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS AS PARTNERS
- CONNECT WITH THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
CHAPTER 7. EXPAND
- GROWING PEOPLE AND PROGRAMS
- EXPANDING MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
- EXPANDING OUR ROLES
- EXPAND YOUR PROGRAMS THROUGH GRANTS
- MY PERSPECTIVE
- SUMMARY
Appendices
- APPENDIX A. GAME DESIGN PLANNING SHEET
- APPENDIX B. DESIGN CHALLENGE TEMPLATE
- APPENDIX C. STUDENT INTEREST SURVEYS
- APPENDIX D. DESIGN PLAN TEMPLATE
- APPENDIX E. BOOKS TO START YOUR STEM LIBRARY
- APPENDIX F. GET CREATIVE DESIGN TEMPLATE
- APPENDIX G. CHILDREN’S LITERATURE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL GOOD
- APPENDIX H. ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS EXTENSION IDEAS
- APPENDIX I. MAKERSPACE SUPPLY LIST A–Z
- APPENDIX J. CHOICE BOARDS
- APPENDIX K. LET’S MAKE SLIME
- References and Additional Resources
- Index
Additional materials
Description
Empower creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking in your classroom!
As STEAM and Making become essential components of fostering student readiness for career, college, and beyond, this new edition of STEAM Makers offers innovative ways to integrate creativity, technology, and hands-on problem-solving into daily practice.
With a renewed focus on emerging technologies, environmental sustainability, and a global perspective, STEAM Makers provides educators with fresh approaches to cultivating students’ curiosity, innovation, and discovery skills. Readers will gain actionable strategies, from designing student-centered makerspaces to connecting with local and global partners, and learn from inspiring success stories from classrooms worldwide. This updated resource includes:
- Case studies, vignettes, and photographs of projects
- Practical and ready-to-use activities and STEAM Maker Starters
- Integration of emerging technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence to foster 21st-century skills
- An expanded focus on ensuring equitable and inclusive opportunities for all
With STEAM Makers, educators will gain the tools to inspire meaningful learning experiences that drive curiosity, creativity, and engagement. By fostering a mindset of exploration and design, educators can empower their students to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Contents
Preface
Preface
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
About the Author
About the Author
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1. WONDER
- HISTORY OF STEM
- WHAT ARE THE JOBS OF THE FUTURE?
- ADDING THE A
- LEFT BRAIN VERSUS RIGHT BRAIN
- THE MAKER MOVEMENT
- MAKER EDUCATION INITIATIVE
- FIVE PILLARS OF STEAM AND MAKER EDUCATION
- WHAT DOES MAKING LOOK LIKE IN SCHOOLS?
- FIND IT! (SPACE)
- FILL IT! (MATERIALS)
- STAFF IT! (PEOPLE)
- BUILD CURIOSITY AND WONDER
- THE MINDSET
- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
- BUT WHAT ABOUT STANDARDS AND STATE ASSESSMENTS?
- NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS
- SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING PRACTICES
- CROSSCUTTING CONCEPTS
- CORE AREAS
- EXPANDING STANDARDS
- WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE CREATIVE IN A STANDARDS-BASED SYSTEM?
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
CHAPTER 2. THRIVE
- DISTRICT LEADERSHIP
- PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP
- CHANGE MAKERS
- PARENTS AND COMMUNITY
- SOCIAL MEDIA MAKERS
- BRIGANTINE SCHOOL DISTRICT: CREATING SPACES WHERE LEARNERS THRIVE
- GAME MAKERS
- CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNERS TO THRIVE
- ELEMENTS OF GAME DESIGN
- A THRIVING STEAM MAKER ECOSYSTEM
- THE SCOTT FAMILY AMAZEUM
- HELPING LEARNERS TO THRIVE
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
CHAPTER 3. ADAPT
- HOW SHOULD K–12 ENGINEERING BE TAUGHT?
- SYSTEMS THINKING
- CREATIVITY
- OPTIMISM
- COLLABORATION
- COMMUNICATION
- ATTENTION TO ETHICS
- ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS
- HABITS OF MIND
- CREATIVITY IN DESIGN
- ALL INCLUSIVE
- SPEECH AND LANGUAGE
- ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL)
- STUDENTS WITH AUTISM
- ENSURING ACCESS TO STEM
- THE IMPACT OF AI ON STEAM AND MAKING
- ADAPTING OUR APPROACH
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
CHAPTER 4. CONNECT
- STEAM MAKER TEACHING
- COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
- CONNECTED LEARNING
- CREATIVE TEAMS
- LITERATURE CONNECTIONS
- LEADING FROM THE LIBRARY
- SPEAKING, LISTENING, AND THINKING CONNECTIONS
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
CHAPTER 5. INVITE
- INVITING THE OUTSIDE IN
- INVITING COLLABORATION
- AN OPEN INVITATION
- INVITING STUDENTS TO USE THEIR VOICE
- ACTIVITIES THAT INVITE LEARNERS IN
- GET CREATIVE CHALLENGE
- ONE WORD DESIGNS
- INVITING LEARNERS INTO THE SPACE
- A GLOBAL INVITATION TO CREATE
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
CHAPTER 6. PARTNER
- REMAKE LEARNING
- A LEARNING ECOSYSTEM
- CONNECT WITH YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
- PARTNER ON A LOCAL PROJECT
- ARTISTS AS PARTNERS
- CONNECT TO LOCAL EXPERTS
- ESTABLISH CORPORATE PARTNERS
- EXPLORING PARTNERS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
- UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
- FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS AS PARTNERS
- CONNECT WITH THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
CHAPTER 7. EXPAND
- GROWING PEOPLE AND PROGRAMS
- EXPANDING MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
- EXPANDING OUR ROLES
- EXPAND YOUR PROGRAMS THROUGH GRANTS
- MY PERSPECTIVE
- SUMMARY
Appendices
- APPENDIX A. GAME DESIGN PLANNING SHEET
- APPENDIX B. DESIGN CHALLENGE TEMPLATE
- APPENDIX C. STUDENT INTEREST SURVEYS
- APPENDIX D. DESIGN PLAN TEMPLATE
- APPENDIX E. BOOKS TO START YOUR STEM LIBRARY
- APPENDIX F. GET CREATIVE DESIGN TEMPLATE
- APPENDIX G. CHILDREN’S LITERATURE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL GOOD
- APPENDIX H. ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS EXTENSION IDEAS
- APPENDIX I. MAKERSPACE SUPPLY LIST A–Z
- APPENDIX J. CHOICE BOARDS
- APPENDIX K. LET’S MAKE SLIME
- References and Additional Resources
- Index
Additional materials
Reviews
STEAM Makers
Fostering Creativity and Innovation in the Elementary Classroom
October 2025 | 192 pages | Corwin
| Format | Published Date | ISBN | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paperback | 01/02/2026 | 9781071981078 | $37.95 |
| Lifetime | 01/02/2026 | 9781071981092 | $35.00 |
Empower creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking in your classroom!
As STEAM and Making become essential components of fostering student readiness for career, college, and beyond, this new edition of STEAM Makers offers innovative ways to integrate creativity, technology, and hands-on problem-solving into daily practice.
With a renewed focus on emerging technologies, environmental sustainability, and a global perspective, STEAM Makers provides educators with fresh approaches to cultivating students’ curiosity, innovation, and discovery skills. Readers will gain actionable strategies, from designing student-centered makerspaces to connecting with local and global partners, and learn from inspiring success stories from classrooms worldwide. This updated resource includes:
- Case studies, vignettes, and photographs of projects
- Practical and ready-to-use activities and STEAM Maker Starters
- Integration of emerging technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence to foster 21st-century skills
- An expanded focus on ensuring equitable and inclusive opportunities for all
With STEAM Makers, educators will gain the tools to inspire meaningful learning experiences that drive curiosity, creativity, and engagement. By fostering a mindset of exploration and design, educators can empower their students to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Table Of Contents:
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- About the Author
- INTRODUCTION
- CHAPTER 1. WONDER
- HISTORY OF STEM
- WHAT ARE THE JOBS OF THE FUTURE?
- ADDING THE A
- LEFT BRAIN VERSUS RIGHT BRAIN
- THE MAKER MOVEMENT
- MAKER EDUCATION INITIATIVE
- FIVE PILLARS OF STEAM AND MAKER EDUCATION
- WHAT DOES MAKING LOOK LIKE IN SCHOOLS?
- FIND IT! (SPACE)
- FILL IT! (MATERIALS)
- STAFF IT! (PEOPLE)
- BUILD CURIOSITY AND WONDER
- THE MINDSET
- WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
- BUT WHAT ABOUT STANDARDS AND STATE ASSESSMENTS?
- NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS
- SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING PRACTICES
- CROSSCUTTING CONCEPTS
- CORE AREAS
- EXPANDING STANDARDS
- WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE CREATIVE IN A STANDARDS-BASED SYSTEM?
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
- CHAPTER 2. THRIVE
- DISTRICT LEADERSHIP
- PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP
- CHANGE MAKERS
- PARENTS AND COMMUNITY
- SOCIAL MEDIA MAKERS
- BRIGANTINE SCHOOL DISTRICT: CREATING SPACES WHERE LEARNERS THRIVE
- GAME MAKERS
- CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNERS TO THRIVE
- ELEMENTS OF GAME DESIGN
- A THRIVING STEAM MAKER ECOSYSTEM
- THE SCOTT FAMILY AMAZEUM
- HELPING LEARNERS TO THRIVE
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
- CHAPTER 3. ADAPT
- HOW SHOULD K–12 ENGINEERING BE TAUGHT?
- SYSTEMS THINKING
- CREATIVITY
- OPTIMISM
- COLLABORATION
- COMMUNICATION
- ATTENTION TO ETHICS
- ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS
- HABITS OF MIND
- CREATIVITY IN DESIGN
- ALL INCLUSIVE
- SPEECH AND LANGUAGE
- ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL)
- STUDENTS WITH AUTISM
- ENSURING ACCESS TO STEM
- THE IMPACT OF AI ON STEAM AND MAKING
- ADAPTING OUR APPROACH
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
- CHAPTER 4. CONNECT
- STEAM MAKER TEACHING
- COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
- CONNECTED LEARNING
- CREATIVE TEAMS
- LITERATURE CONNECTIONS
- LEADING FROM THE LIBRARY
- SPEAKING, LISTENING, AND THINKING CONNECTIONS
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
- CHAPTER 5. INVITE
- INVITING THE OUTSIDE IN
- INVITING COLLABORATION
- AN OPEN INVITATION
- INVITING STUDENTS TO USE THEIR VOICE
- ACTIVITIES THAT INVITE LEARNERS IN
- GET CREATIVE CHALLENGE
- ONE WORD DESIGNS
- INVITING LEARNERS INTO THE SPACE
- A GLOBAL INVITATION TO CREATE
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
- CHAPTER 6. PARTNER
- REMAKE LEARNING
- A LEARNING ECOSYSTEM
- CONNECT WITH YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
- PARTNER ON A LOCAL PROJECT
- ARTISTS AS PARTNERS
- CONNECT TO LOCAL EXPERTS
- ESTABLISH CORPORATE PARTNERS
- EXPLORING PARTNERS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
- UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
- FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS AS PARTNERS
- CONNECT WITH THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY
- SUMMARY
- EXPANDING YOUR THINKING
- CHAPTER 7. EXPAND
- GROWING PEOPLE AND PROGRAMS
- EXPANDING MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
- EXPANDING OUR ROLES
- EXPAND YOUR PROGRAMS THROUGH GRANTS
- MY PERSPECTIVE
- SUMMARY
- Appendices
- APPENDIX A. GAME DESIGN PLANNING SHEET
- APPENDIX B. DESIGN CHALLENGE TEMPLATE
- APPENDIX C. STUDENT INTEREST SURVEYS
- APPENDIX D. DESIGN PLAN TEMPLATE
- APPENDIX E. BOOKS TO START YOUR STEM LIBRARY
- APPENDIX F. GET CREATIVE DESIGN TEMPLATE
- APPENDIX G. CHILDREN’S LITERATURE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL GOOD
- APPENDIX H. ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS EXTENSION IDEAS
- APPENDIX I. MAKERSPACE SUPPLY LIST A–Z
- APPENDIX J. CHOICE BOARDS
- APPENDIX K. LET’S MAKE SLIME
- References and Additional Resources
- Index
Recent Product Reviews:
"In the new edition of STEAM Makers, Maslyk shows us how we can bring in curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, self-directed learning, and a failure mindset into our classrooms and schools while addressing curriculum standards and literacy skills. The book provides everything you need to get started or level up your existing STEAM practices. As a former teacher-librarian, I also really appreciated the comprehensive ideas around children's books, which can be used to set the stage for projects, and also how libraries can support teachers on their journey. STEAM Makers centers student choice and voice with the educator as amplifier and facilitator and lists ideas for community involvement, all of which are necessary in a world where information can be accessed so easily. This book is a must-read!"
Jennifer Casa-Todd, Faculty Lecturer, Lakehead University, Ontario
"This is a great book for any educator looking to add more STEM to their classroom. It's filled with quick ideas and guiding principles, and the included profiles of STEAM leaders are terrific examples of what to aspire to as a STEAM Maker."
Chris Woods, Teacher, DailySTEM
“STEAM Makers is more than a book—it’s a blueprint for reimagining learning. It empowers teachers, librarians, and school leaders to design inclusive spaces where creativity thrives and student voice leads the way. Whether you're launching a makerspace, designing hands-on PD, or connecting curriculum to global goals, this guide offers practical tools and powerful inspiration. It helps cultivate the kind of curiosity and innovation today’s students need to become tomorrow’s changemakers!”
Jennifer Womble, Chair of Future of Education Technology Conference/District Administration, FL
"The insightful brilliance of Jacie Maslyk returns in an inspiring, updated edition of STEAM Makers. Just as STEAM evolves and sparks continuous growth, Jacie expands her vision, serving as both mentor and motivator for educators seeking innovative ways to ignite learning. Far beyond a how-to manual, this book vibrantly pulses with actionable ideas and heartfelt wisdom, encouraging a culture of creativity, collaboration, and curiosity. As a principal and educator, I found myself continually inspired, nodding along to Jacie’s passionate, crackling prose. Truly, this new edition is an essential anthem for anyone eager to amplify innovation in the schoolhouse through the powerful lens of STEAM."
Sean Gaillard, Principal, Charles England Elementary School, NC
"In the second edition of STEAM Makers, Dr. Jacie Maslyk uplifts the power of creativity, innovation, and authentic learning experiences for each of our students. This resource amplifies what’s possible when we foster curiosity, student agency, and real-world problem-solving. Jacie’s work is a true celebration of community-driven, transformative education—and a must-have for educators who believe in empowering learners to lead the future."
Sarah Thomas, PhD, Founder, EduMatch