Over the past few years, there appears to be much more advocacy for STEM than ever before. The importance of STEM jobs have become far more realized from a technological standpoint, along with for the long-term. However, there seems to be. debate that’s also arisen because of the newfound rise of STEM: How do the arts and STEM relate?
It can be a bit daunting to think about, given that the arts and STEM can be classified as two different areas as a whole. You could say that projects out of the arts, or STEAM, are more inclined to the use of creativity, while STEM could be considered more logical. However, wouldn’t both use that same amount of critical thinking? According to an article written by Connie Lin of Fast Company, she claims that “creativity is general in nature,” and is a multifaceted competency that involves similar attitudes, disposition, skills, and knowledge, all transferable from one situation to another.”
While the aspects in which creativity is applied can be different for both the arts and STEM, it doesn’t take away from the fact that creativity is a sole part of both fields. Creativity allows us to think outside of the box, along with forming critical solutions to different scenarios. Creativity can be described as “human skills that computers, artificial intelligence, and automation cannot achieve,” which is where the similarities of STEM and the arts begin to blend once again. Tara Henderson explains that “The arts allow us to expand ways of knowing and learning to inspire more learners,” furthering the idea that the arts and STEM can coincide, but also benefit each other. An example could be how she also explains how she’d implemented an “art-inclusive approach” to teaching STEM, allowing these concepts to be realized and connected through an artistic lens. There is a broad appeal to the arts, and it allows us to not only improve upon these skills more, but it also can give us new outlooks on art in general.
Overall, the arts and STEM are similar because of their creative aspects, as stated above. They may not seem similar at first glance given the contrasting subjects of both fields, but both field not only require out of the box thinking, but creativity also furthers the effort fo both fields, and they can co-exist and collaborate in helping those who aspire to be in either field.
