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Programs Module 1: What is STEAM? View Details Module 2: Ways of Thinking and Doing View Details Module 3: Integrating Standards View Details Module 4: Adapting a Lesson to STEAM View Details Innovation Collaborative - STEAM Certificate View Details

The Innovation Collaborative's website represents the organization's goals and values, which include serving as a national forum to foster creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning for STEAM education and professional development. THE INNOVATION COLLABORATIVE SERVES AS A NATIONAL FORUM TO FOSTER CREATIVITY, INNOVATION, AND LIFELONG LEARNING. We identify and disseminate information about the many ways that effective integration of the arts, sciences, humanities, engineering, and the use of technology reinforce teaching and incorporate lifelong learning in both in-school (formal) and out-of-school (informal) settings. Spring Newsletter promo Spring Newsletter Join the Innovation Collaborative Click here to subscribe to the Innovation Collaborative. STEAM Summit Promo Click here to see Keynote presentations from the 2025 STEAM Summit and more. Spring Newsletter promo Spring Newsletter 1/3 READ THE SPRING NEWSLETTER COLLABORATIVE TO OFFER STEAM K-12 LESSONS

RESEARCH THOUGHT LEADERS Our Research Thought Leaders are nationally known educators and researchers who integrate creative and innovative thinking with learning in the sciences, arts, and cognition. They represent both K-12 (formal) and Out-of-School Time (informal) learning. The Innovation Collaborative’s ongoing conversations with these Thought Leaders provide the deep underpinning of our work. This partnership not only stimulates Collaborative research about learning at the intersections of these disciplines but also informs the Thought Leaders’ work. Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman Founder and Chief Director of the Center for BrainHealth and Dee Wyly Distinguished Professor of BrainHealth, University of Texas, Dallas Dr. Rob Horowitz Executive Director ArtsResearch Associate Director Center for Arts Education Research Teachers College, Columbia University Dr. Bonnie Cramond Professor of Educational Psychology, Gifted and Creative Education, at the University of Georgia, and the former Director of the Torrance Center for Creativity and Talent Development, researches the assessment and development of creativity Dr. Bob Root-Bernstein Professor Emeritus, Department of Physiology, Michigan State University Rochelle Darville Fulbright and NSTA Awardee High School Science Teacher West St. John High School, Edgard, Louisiana Dr. Jean Ryoo Director of Research, Computer Science Equity Project, University of California Los Angeles Center X

< Back Rochelle Darville This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. info@mysite.com 123-456-7890

RESEARCH THOUGHT LEADERS CONVENING The Innovation Collaborative’s Research Thought Leaders provide the Collaborative depth in education scholarship and leadership. While the Thought Leaders meet virtually with the Collaborative both individually and collectively, they also convened in person with Collaborative members in Washington, DC on November 30-December 1, 2016. This convening was made possible by a generous National Endowment for the Arts Art Works grant, by the National Writing Project, which facilitated the grant, and by the National Museum of Women in the Arts, which provided the facilities and staff for the meeting. The Collaborative is making ongoing and extensive use of all that it learned in this convening. The Thought Leaders are continuing their input as the Collaborative’s plans move forward. Successes of this convening include: Developing a cohort of leading researchers from a variety of disciplines who can converse, plan, and share enthusiasm about interdisciplinary learning Revising the Collaborative’s rubric to even more deeply reflect the importance of the intersections of the arts, STEM, and humanities to promote creative and innovative thinking, in addition to cross-disciplinary learning Revising the Collaborative’s goals, strategies, and research methodologies to significantly strengthen its work.

HISTORY OF THE INNOVATION COLLABORATIVE The Innovation Collaborative, established in Washington, D.C., in May, 2013, is an outcome of the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded SEAD (Science, Engineering, Arts, Design) project. This project grew out of meetings co-organized by the NSF, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. WHY A major project of the SEAD Network was the call for and analysis of white papers related to current research and creative work across the arts and sciences. The Innovation Collaborative seeks to take this research and further explore its applications (and implications) for learning in K-12 classrooms and informal learning environments. HOW Drawing on the combined expertise of leading national arts, sciences, and humanities institutions, researchers, and practitioners, the Innovation Collaborative researches STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math) in formal and informal learning settings. A focus of this research is how these intersections deliver vital creative and innovative thinking skills while teaching important content. The Collaborative also has begun its programming outreach to educators and administrators with its K-12 STEAM Teacher/Administrator Professional Development. By working continually to build shared vocabulary, goals, and strategies, the Collaborative develops rich mutual understanding and cooperation across disciplines and learning settings. WHAT Since its inception in May, 2013, the Innovation Collaborative has accomplished many goals. Among these are: Conducted three rounds of strategic planning Developed ongoing, successful and productive collaborations among a number of diverse institutions and disciplines that support Collaborative goals Developed an active Research Thought Leader group made up of nationally known researchers representing the arts and sciences, as well as neuroscience and creativity Completed its multi-year National Endowment for the Arts-funded national research project. This project identified K-12 effective practices for teacher/administrator professional development and classroom implementation that support promote creative and innovative thinking at the intersections of the sciences, arts, and humanities Completed a two-year National Science Foundation-funded project, in partnership with Texas Southern University . This project, comprised of 70 leading STEAM Out-of-School Time researchers and practitioners across the U.S., studied where STEAM is in relation to serving all populations in Out-of-School Time and where it could head next. Has procured significant funding that is helping grow its infrastructure. Has successfully conducted annual STEAM Summits where educators, administrators, and supporters across learning settings learn and interact in relation to relevant STEAM topics. Is launching its national research-based K-12 Teacher/Administrator Professional Development.

WHY IS RESEARCH-BASED STEAM IMPORTANT? The Workforce and Innovative Thinking Nationally recognized researchers, educators, businesses, and governmental studies state that the United States’ future in the global economy could be significantly impacted by how well today’s students learn to think innovatively. STEAM Rapidly Expanding The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) movement is expanding exponentially in a variety of venues. It has been demonstrated that STEAM can help promote these important creative and innovative thinking skills. SEAD Research Documented the Need The Innovation Collaborative is an outcome of the National Science Foundation-funded SEAD (Science, Engineering, Arts, Design) network and initiatives, which were co-organized by the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Science Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. An analysis of the 55 SEAD white papers submitted by university science and arts practitioners internationally showed that there is a significant need for research and advocacy in the wide variety of arts/STEM learning applications. Lack of Data on Effective Practices However, research also has demonstrated that there is a great lack of significant data documenting the impact of STEAM in a variety of learning settings. Anecdotal Evidence Shows Success Anecdotal evidence shows the success of these strategies in promoting important thinking skills, but research is needed to document what practitioners are seeing. How Important Are the Results? The practices that are effective in delivering creative and innovation thinking skills in today’s students and adults are vital in developing a workforce that can innovate. WHAT HAS THE COLLABORATIVE DONE TO ADDRESS THIS NEED? K-12 Effective Practices The Collaborative conducted research for 6 years to determine the most effective practices that delivered these important creative and innovative thinking skills in concert with mandated content learning in STEAM teacher/administrator professional development and classroom implementation. This research is the first effort by a coalition of national institutions. Based on input from the research and from experts in all disciplines, a comprehensive set of criteria has been identified, and statistically validated rubrics have been developed. These findings are now driving the Collaborative’s national STEAM Teacher/Administrator Professional Development. Out-of-School Time Effective Practices The Collaborative, in partnership with Texas Southern University , studied STEAM in Out-of-School Time nationally in a two-year project funded by the National Science Foundation. 70 leading STEAM researchers and practitioners from across the U.S. and also from Canada and Germany determined where the Out-of-School Time field is and where it needs to head next. This will be presented in the project’s Final Report. Who Are the Advisors? One of the strengths of the Innovation Collaborative is its cadre of nationally and internationally recognized researchers who serve as very active advisors for all our work. Known as Research Thought Leaders, they help provide the foundation for our research and all the work that we do. There are additional advisory teams of experts and practitioners from all disciplines helping strengthen the research and practice in K-12 and Out-of-School Time Learning.

BECOME A MEMBER! JOIN NOW! The Innovation Collaborative is helping elevate the way that students think and learn in school and out of school. The Collaborative is a coalition of national science, technology, engineering, arts, humanities, math (STEAM) and higher education organizations. It promotes the arts, sciences and humanities intersections in all student learning settings. It focuses on research, effective practices in learning settings, policy, and convening. The Collaborative is conducting the first national research to determine effective practices that promote creative and innovative thinking at the intersections of these disciplines in K-12 out-of-school settings. Join us in making a difference! Why Should You Be a Part of These Efforts? Neuroscience shows: That there is great value to an integrated approach to learning. By creating a synergy between diverse educational institutions, we can provide greater service to education. You can be a part of this exciting movement. Research counts: The Collaborative’s approach offers unique opportunities to evaluate and disseminate good practice that are not available within a single discipline. You can receive up-to-date information about new developments. We also welcome members’ input. Membership offers: A unique opportunity to be part of a cutting-edge network of individuals and institutions. Member Benefits Collaborative membership is a great value! Access to others working nationally at the STEAM intersections via connections through the Collaborative Priority access to Collaborative webinars Updates on breaking STEAM news Contribution $25/year, July 1 – June 30 For individuals only

The Innovation Collaborative serves as a national forum to foster creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning. We identify and disseminate information about the many ways that effective integration of the arts, sciences, humanities, engineering, and the use of technology reinforce teaching and incorporate lifelong learning in both in-school (formal) and out-of-school (informal) settings. ABOUT Mission: The Innovation Collaborative serves as a national forum to foster creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning. It identifies and disseminates information about the many ways that effective integration of the arts, sciences, humanities, engineering, and the use of technology reinforces teaching and incorporates lifelong learning in both in-school (formal) and out-of-school (informal) settings. Goals : The Innovation Collaborative promotes creativity and innovation in diverse audiences, advances knowledge, and positively shapes education practice through research, effective practices, policy, and convening. History : The Innovation Collaborative is an outcome of the SEAD (Sciences, Engineering, Arts, and Design) Network. The SEAD Network is a community of advocates for the importance and value of research and creative work across the arts and sciences. Council : Governance for the Innovation Collaborative includes a national advisory council, which serves as a think-tank, and a working group that carries out the recommendations of the larger council. Partners: Discover what organizations are partnering with the Innovation Collaborative. JOIN US! Help us support teaching and learning in the arts, sciences, and humanities! To learn more, contact us at info@innovationcollaborative.org . JOIN

OUT-OF-SCHOOL-TIME NSF PODCASTS EQUITY, INNOVATION AND STEAM – STRENGTHENING THE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CONNECTIONS The Innovation Collaborative, in partnership with the National Science Foundation and Texas Southern University (TSU), hosted a national STEAM Out-of-School-Time conference at TSU in Houston, in July. Given the dynamic nature of this important conference, the Collaborative wanted to get real-time reflections from some of the key attendees. Towards that, midway through the in-person convening, we did a series of short video interviews with several attendees, asking them to share their perspective on the conference and STEAM education in general. We'll be posting future updates here, or visit the Innovation Collaborative's Youtube channel, www.youtube.com/@TheInnovationCollaborative . Professor Erica Halverson of the University of Wisconsin Madison Nicole Temple, Vice President of Education, Houston Museum of Natural Science Dorothy Bennett, Director of Creative Pedagogy, New York Hall of Science Gabriela Kane Guardia, Executive Director of Latinitas in Austin John Falk, Director and Founder of the Institute for Learning Innovation Judy Koke, Senior Fellow and former Deputy Director, Institute for Learning Innovation

STEAM POSITION In its position as a national STEAM education trailblazer, the Innovation Collaborative has adopted a position on STEAM education. This position was thoughtfully developed by a team of Collaborative leaders representing arts, sciences, and humanities institutions, with continuous input by all Collaborative members across disciplines and learning settings. THE INNOVATION COLLABORATIVE'S POSITION ON STEAM EDUCATION STEAM (Sciences, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math) is an approach to education that promotes student-led explorations driven by curiosity and the application of competencies and practices across disciplines that can effectively prepare them for success in education and the 21st century workforce. This approach includes but is not limited to: Observing the world, asking questions, and visualizing solutions Developing the mindset of interdependence among the disciplines for deeper understanding and synthesizing Creatively problem-solving Collaborating in and across the disciplines Persisting through explorations and innovation using multiple perspectives Evaluating and communicating ideas Critically reflecting Assuring that all student populations have equitable access to STEAM education benefits. We are offering a fresh way of looking at arts integration as transdisciplinary where it goes beyond the separated approaches informing each other to the infusion of skills, practices, and knowledge through the simultaneous experience of the various disciplines. Transdisciplinary approaches allow for the holistic use of disciplinary processes to promote cognitive and affective growth.