STEAM, the transdisciplinary approach to teaching that emphasizes finding solutions over memorizing facts, is a significant change in pedagogy.

The exercises in this creatED course intentionally cultivate collaboration skills using a series of FLEXIBLE Thinking Tools™ that teachers bring directly into classrooms to help students with problem-finding and problem-solving projects.

• IDENTIFY Real-World Challenges and Problem-Finding Strategies: Use a problem-finding protocol to address real-world challenges. Use STEAM cross-curricular standards and crosscutting concepts to find and solve problems. 

• DEFINE Innovative Ways to Create Solutions: Explore a unique series of FLEXIBLE Thinking™ tools that guide the innovation process. 

• EXPLORE Prototypes and Rapid Revision Techniques: Form entrepreneurial teams and focus on a STEAM challenge. Tinker with motors, LEDs, and other materials to design and improve prototypes. Use a rapid revision protocol to improve prototypes.

• ASSESS Solutions and Communicate Prototypes' Benefits to Investors: Convince others to invest in your team’s innovation. Examine the collective impact of collaboration.

When flexible thinking and collaboration are intentionally taught and celebrated, all members of the learning community—educators and students—acquire the mindsets and skills to thrive in a world where change is constant and learning never stops.