Designing a Need-Based Integrated Steam Framework for Primary Schools in Bahrain

Abstract

The significant global interest in 21st century skills and their incorporation into school curricula inspired the researchers of the current study to develop a new educational approach of designing curricula that incorporates science, mathematics, technology, arts and engineering (STEAM). In this study, the researchers reviewed several relevant frameworks of curriculum integration in elementary education. Based on previously suggested models, a new model was built up for curriculum development and a STEAM-based activity was presented specifically designed in accordance with the recent theoretical models and practices in STEM education, with the domain of Arts added to it. The activity serves as an example of curriculum development and as a guide to help further development of such activities. This study attempted to provide how math and science curricula can be integrated in a pedagogical knowledge-based framework to show how beneficial and effective is scientific knowledge in real life application if an integrated curriculum is used. The study recommends that increasing the number of integrated math and science methods courses can support primary education teachers in implementing STEAM curriculum within their programs of study.