5 STEAM myths debunked

Sarah Hillyard
A teacher sat with students reading
Reading time: 4 minutes

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) sounds like an overwhelming combination of subjects to teach – and only suitable for expert educators. But the reality is doing STEAM is simpler than you think. Here are 5 common STEAM myths and the truth behind them. We also outline a number of simple activities you try with your students.

1. STEAM requires a lot of time

STEAM projects encourage curiosity, creativity and collaboration in the classroom – but they have a reputation for being preparation-heavy and for requiring a lot of teaching time and energy.

But to get the full benefit of STEAM, there’s no need to plan out a full-blown project that lasts a whole month. In fact, you might integrate just one STEAM lesson into your syllabus. Or a lesson could contain a one-off 10-minute STEAM challenge.

Here are some easy, low-preparation challenges your classes can take part in:

10-minute STEAM challenges:

  • Winter unit: How tall can you build a snowman using paper cups?
  • Shapes theme: Using five toothpicks make a pentagon, two triangles, a letter of the alphabet.
  • Bug project: Can you create a symmetrical butterfly?

2. You need fancy materials to do STEAM

The biggest misconception is around technology. When you think of STEAM, you might imagine you need apps, computers, tablets and robots to teach it successfully. It’s true that you will certainly find STEAM challenges out there that involve extensive supply lists, expensive equipment, knowledge of programming and robotics.

However, in reality, you probably have everything you need already. Technology doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. It can refer to simple, non-electronic tools and machines, too. Think funnels, measuring cups and screwdrivers, for example. You can use low-cost regular classroom or household items and recyclable materials that learners' families can donate. Toilet paper rolls and cardboard boxes are very popular items in STEAM.

Here is a low-tech activity you can try:

Combine engineering, art and math using cardboard and a pair of scissors

This challenge involves creating 3D self-portrait sculptures in the using only cardboard. First, teach about parts of the face by observing and analyzing some Cubist portraits (eg, explore Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso). Then have learners cut out cardboard shapes and make slits in them to attach together. They create their self-portrait sculptures by fitting the pieces together using the slits so that the final product will stand by itself. Display the self-portraits and talk about them.

3. STEAM is targeted to older learners

Young children are naturally curious about the world around them, and STEAM experiences begin very early in life. They explore with their senses and test their hypotheses about the world, just like scientists do. Much of their play is based on engineering skills, such as building houses with LEGO® bricks. They learn to manipulate tools while they develop their fine motor skills and their awareness of non-electronic technology. They use dramatic play and enjoy getting their hands full of paint while engaged in art. They learn about maths concepts very early on, such as size (big and small toys), quantities of things, and even babies start using the word “more” if they’re still hungry.

Check out this simple STEAM experiment to learn about plants and their needs.

How do plants eat and drink?

Have students put water and food dye in a pot. Put a white flower in the water. Ask students to guess what will happen.

After a few days, students should check their flowers and observe how it has changed color. They must then record their results. Extend the experiment by asking if they can make their flowers two colors.

Example from English Code Student's Book

4. You have to be an expert to teach STEAM

Educators widely believed that teaching STEAM requires having expertise in all these disciplines. In reality, while some basic knowledge about the concepts and processes behind the challenges is ideal, it is up to you to decide what you feel comfortable teaching.

What’s really important is that the learners master the skills behind STEAM, that is collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and inquiry. Rather than being an expert, the teacher needs to facilitate learning and discovery.

Here’s a simple activity to demonstrate this:

Building a ramp

In this activity, your students will build ramps to test how toys roll/slide down them. This activity covers the following disciplines:

  • Physics: the science involved in creating a stable structure and moving objects
  • Technology: using a simple machine that allows objects to move
  • Engineering and design: planning and building structures to achieve a result
  • Mathematics: reasoning about distance and numbers

Find out more about this ramp challenge in our next STEAM blog (coming soon).

5. You either teach STEAM or teach your curriculum

Some teachers think that you have to stop teaching your regular lessons to do STEAM. However, this is not the case. It’s key to think of ways to connect the challenges with themes and units of work that you plan to teach and integrate them. STEAM can coexist with literacy programs, mindfulness programs or anything else you are teaching.

Here’s an example:

Shadow projector project

If you’re teaching a unit on Space and Planets, make a shadow projector.

Have learners cover one end of a cardboard tube with some thick transparent tape. They should then draw a star, planet, sun or moon on the tape with a permanent marker. Next, have them shine a flashlight through the tubes in your darkened classroom and describe the night sky. They can explore how to make the sky items bigger or smaller by moving the source of light.

Read our posts 'How to improve literacy in the classroom' and 'How to teach students to be global citizens'.

Explore our courses and exams

More blogs from app

  • A teacher stood at the front of a class holding a tablet in front of adult students

    9 steps to teaching advanced business English

    Por app Languages

    The challenge of teaching business English to C1 level students

    Once your English students reach a B2 level of English, they’re fairly competent communicators. For many learners, their motivation to improve starts to suffer when they reach this intermediate plateau. They understand almost everything and can express themselves clearly enough - so why would they want to continue learning English and achieve a C1 level of English?

    The CEFR describes C1-level learners as proficient users of a language. C1-level students have a high proficiency in English and perform well in an international work environment.

    How can we help our upper intermediate students reach this level and see the benefits in their own lives and careers? Here are nine steps you can take as an English language teacher to help your students achieve language proficiency.

  • a man with a backpack stood in a street with shops

    How to prepare for student life in the UK

    Por app Languages

    Deciding to study in the UK is a big step. Moving to a country with different food, language, culture and weather can make you nervous. It is completely normal to experience this.

    You may feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliarity of these things compared to what you are used to. Studying abroad can be a very rewarding experience once you get used to your new situation.

    So how can you conquer your fears? Here are some tips to prepare for life as an international student studying in the UK.

    Research student life in the UK

    Even though you're in the United Kingdom to study, you need to balance studying with a social life. Otherwise you risk boredom or worse, burnout. Luckily, students all over the world love to socialize, and British students are no exception.

    The most well-known time to join student life in the UK is at Freshers Week. This is when new students are welcomed to the university with various social events. There's a fair where university clubs and societies try to get new members. There are clubs for many interests, hobbies and sports, so it's an excellent way to meet people who share your interests. There are some pretty unusual clubs too. At Cambridge, for example, there's a .

    Freshers Week is also a great opportunity to talk to everyone you can. Whether it's in the queue to get your student card or to your neighbor in your first lecture, everybody is in the same situation as you - they know nobody and are trying to figure out who to be friends with. During Freshers Week, you can make good friends and converse with other students. It's all about meeting new people.

    Get to know the faculty and staff

    On your course website you'll be able to have a look at the academic staff and Ph.D. candidate profiles. Learn about their research interests and read a few abstracts of their past publications to get an idea of their work. This will help you understand their main focus during teaching and give you ideas for independent study projects.

    You can get to know the academic staff by signing up for online events before term starts. You'll hear them talking about the course and what you'll learn on it. Think about the questions you might ask.Before the event you should read your course syllabus. While you read, consider the reasons for choosing or arranging certain topics in a specific order. If you have any questions, make a note of them.

    You might even be able to watch past lectures or sign up for events that they are participating in. That way you'll have some familiar faces around the department when you arrive at your university.

    Find out about the student union

    Student unions are a big part of UK universities. Every university has a union that you can join. Sometimes there are a few different student unions, so you can choose the one you think would suit you best. Student unions are on-campus buildings where students can attend events, eat, study and socialize with others.

    But as well as organizing clubs, societies and social events, they can also help with any problems you might have. Every union has a welfare officer, typically a recent graduate elected to assist current students with personal issues they may encounter.

    An international students' officer will be available to assist with any issues overseas students may encounter. This officer will have personal experience as an international student, making them well equipped to provide support. Knowing there are people to listen and help with your problems can be comforting, even if you don't need their assistance.

    Learn about the local social scene

    University life is more than just what's happening on campus. You can investigate a whole world outside your institution. In addition to nightlife, dining and cultural events, there are also sports clubs, outdoor activities and community volunteering.

    has many volunteer opportunities. It's a good way to use your skills to help others. Meeting locals and making friends is important while studying in the UK. It helps build a strong network.The more you see of life in the UK, the more you'll get used to it and feel at ease.

    If you're worried about your level of English - don't be. People in the UK are very tolerant of how their language is used. It's a truly global language, so there's no right or wrong accent.

    If you join the local community, expect to pick up a slight accent from the place you study. It shows that you have become a part of the community.

    Follow your university on social media

    Social media is a key part of all our lives, and this also goes for university life. Schools use social media accounts to share positive information about their staff and students. They also post pictures from the campus.

    Occasionally, a student takes over their account, giving them a chance to show what it's like to study there.

    Student-run sites and social accounts also give an insider perspective on student life. Sites like cover news relevant to students, and have sections that cover news at specific universities. is also a place where current and former students discuss all aspects of student life in the UK, from exams to the TV shows students like to watch.

    Pay attention to the English language test

    You'll have to pass an English test for your visa to study in the UK. Treat it as a chance to learn. Focus on the test content, as it reflects the daily tasks of the UK and student life.

    For example, the speaking component of the PTE Academic test, which can be used for UK visas and to access 99% of British universities, tests your ability to summarise an academic lecture. You may have to summarize a lecture for a friend who couldn't attend, not just for your classes.

    Every task on the test has a real-world application, so if you can pass the test, you can be confident that you stand a good chance of making the most of life in the UK.

    Remember, although you can do as much research as you like, there's only so much you can learn online. To truly understand a place, you must be there and learn from the firsthand experience it offers. Be ready to be surprised and take advantage of things you never thought would happen. You only get to be an undergraduate once, so make the most of every opportunity.

  • Buisness people in a workplace stood around a table laughing

    Business English idioms: Understanding corporate lingo

    Por app Languages

    When it comes to business, communication is key. Knowing how to use business English idioms can really help you express yourself, make connections and achieve success. These colorful expressions add depth and nuance to our conversations, making it easier to communicate confidently and effectively.

    Today, we explore several commonly used idioms you might come across when using English in the workplace, providing examples of how they can be used and shedding light on their meanings.

    Ballpark figure

    A ballpark figure means an estimate or rough guess of a quantity or value. It's a handy way to give a general idea or range without getting too into the details. This can be really helpful during negotiations or planning when you don't need exact numbers. Ballpark figures give you a sense of the bigger picture without bogging you down with specifics.

    In the red

    If someone says they are "in the red", it means they are having a tough time financially and are experiencing losses or negative cash flow. This happens when expenses are more than the money coming in, resulting in a negative balance or deficit. The term originated from using red ink in financial records to indicate negative numbers.

    Blue-sky thinking

    A way to describe a really creative and outside-the-box approach to problem-solving or brainstorming. Basically thinking or brainstorming without any boundaries or limits. A manager might encourage a team to do some blue-sky thinking, allowing them to come up with some very imaginative ideas and concepts.

    Square the circle

    An idiom for attempting an impossible task, originating from a math problem where you can't create a square with the same area as a circle using just a compass and straight edge. Someone may say trying to reach a solution all clients were happy with was like trying to square the circle, implying that it was a difficult and almost impossible task.

    Don't put all your eggs into one basket

    This saying suggests that relying on just one strategy or investment is not wise. It emphasizes the importance of diversification and spreading risks for long-term success. To achieve sustained success, a financial advisor may suggest to their client to diversify their investment portfolio and not solely rely on one option.

    Make ends meet

    The meaning of making ends meet involves being able to complete a task or project using the existing income or resources. It requires efficient management of finances to cover necessary expenses, despite having a limited budget or resources.For instance, if someone is working on a project with a restricted budget, they may need to make ends meet as they cannot obtain additional funds to support it.

    Cover all bases

    This means considering every possible factor and handling them carefully to prevent problems or risks. Making sure everything is examined, and anticipating any potential challenges or situations. A business doing a report or analysis may want to "cover all the bases" to prevent any surprise issues or gaps.

    The origin of this is likely a reference to baseball. When playing defense, the goal is to protect or 'cover' your bases and stop the other team from getting points.

    Get down to brass tacks

    To solve a problem or task, by focusing on the important details and practical steps needed for success. Avoiding unnecessary distractions and concentrating on what's essential.For instance, a project manager might say, "Let's focus on the necessary steps we need to take to complete this project on time by getting down to brass tacks."

    Playing hardball

    "Playing hardball" means being tough and unwavering during negotiations or business deals. It shows that someone is assertive and firm in defending their interests. If the other party is unyielding, a skilled negotiator may suggest "playing hardball" to get a better deal.

    These are just a few of a long list, but by adopting idioms and English phrases like these into your professional interactions, you can strengthen relationships with colleagues and showcase your understanding of the business environment more clearly. Plus, it can give you a boost of confidence in your language learning and in navigating the complex world of corporate English.