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STEAM Makers
Fostering Creativity and Innovation in the Elementary Classroom

Second Edition


October 2025 | 184 pages | Corwin

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.


 
Chapter 1. Wonder
History of STEM

 
History of STEM

 
Adding the A

 
Left Brain Versus Right Brain

 
The Maker Movement

 
5 Pillars of STEAM and Maker Education

 
What Does Making Look Like in Schools?

 
Build Curiosity and Wonder

 
The Mindset

 
Why Is This Important?

 
But What About State Testing and the Common Core?

 
Next Generation Science Standards

 
Expanding the Standards

 
What Does It Mean to Be Creative in a Standards-Based System?

 
Try It Checklist

 
Expanding Your Thinking

 
 
Chapter 2. Thrive
District Leadership

 
Principal Leadership

 
Change Makers

 
Parents and Community

 
Social Media Makers

 
Game Makers

 
Creating Opportunities for Learners to Thrive

 
A Thriving STEAM Maker Ecosystem

 
Helping Learners to Thrive

 
Summary

 
Expanding Your Thinking

 
 
Chapter 3. Adapt
How Should K–12 Engineering Be Taught?

 
Engineering Design Process

 
Habits of Mind

 
Creativity in Design

 
All Inclusive

 
The Impact of AI on STEAM and Making

 
Adapting Our Approach

 
Summary

 
Expanding Your Thinking

 
 
Chapter 4. Connect
STEAM Maker Teaching

 
Literature Connections

 
Speaking, Listening, and Thinking Connections

 
Summary

 
Expanding Your Thinking

 
 
Chapter 5. Invite
Inviting the Outside In

 
Inviting Collaboration

 
An Open Invitation

 
An Open Invitation

 
Activities That Invite Learners In

 
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

 
Connect to Local Experts

 
Establish Corporate Partners

 
Exploring Partners in Higher Education

 
Friends and Neighbors as Partners

 
Connect With a Global Community

 
Summary

 
Expanding Your Thinking

 
 
Chapter 7. Expand
Growing People and Programs

 
Expanding Materials and Resources

 
Expand Your Programs Through Grants

 
Summary

 

"In STEAM Makers, 2nd Edition, 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

"The insightful brilliance of Jacie Maslyk returns in an inspiring, updated edition of STEAM Makers. Just as STEAM evolves and sparks continuous growth, Jacie models this beautifully by expanding 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
Key features
  • Charts, checklists, and other visuals provide guidance to readers
  • Photos allow readers to truly see these exciting programs in action 
  • Helpful text features include “Key Ideas,” which summarize each chapter and “Expanding Your Thinking,” which provides readers with reflection questions that are ideal for professional development  
  • Graphic organizers and side bars help clarify concepts
  • Chapters include more than 90 QR codes linking to relevant web resources for readers including technology components that can be used to enhance STEAM and Making programming
 

For instructors

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Paperback
ISBN: 9781071981078
$32.95