11 When we speak about STEAM pedagogical approach several components or, better said, benefits are considered. Firstly, to accompany science with art, we reach on a field of pupils’ motivation to study science subjects, to approach science issues more willingly and to activate themselves more deeply. Not only does art provide an aesthetic component in a lesson, it also concretizes a given issue, so pupils can relate to it more profoundly. Art is surrounding us but it can go unnoticed. By emphasising its surrounding the connection to an out of school environment is established and to point out that this is also connected to a specific science issue we form a cycle, which is already a step toward the stages: from society to school/learning and back to society. Concretization of an abstract issue using art as an accessory is also a step forward of pupils understanding the very basics of science subjects, which are often forgotten as children grows older and the science subjects in school are becoming more abstract and more secluded and are exposed to division from not only non-natural science subjects but even between each other. Benefits of STEAM are also in enhancing pupils’ critical thinking. However, this cannot be achieved solely by using art in a school lesson. Art can be a good point to start asking questions and by those questions assure pupils can express their opinion in a safe environment. Safe environment should be established in any given circumstances, even when lessons are given online. Every pupil should feel comfortable to speak, respect others opinion, be aware that mistakes can also happen and should not be afraid to make them. This way also a communication is provided and a place for own creativity. STEAM as an interdisciplinary approach is a principle the OTA project is driven from. The way STEAM is incorporated within the OTA project is: to use art as a tool to teach natural subjects (chemistry, maths and physics) in primary or secondary schools for pupils in an age range 12–14. How certain art forms are used for specific subject topics depends on a lesson plan, topic itself, issue presented and the objectives of an individual lesson. STEAM as a motivation, STEAM to ensure better understanding through concretization, STEAM for improving creativity, STEAM for enhancing critical thinking, STEAM for teaching pupils to be active citizens in a society.
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