11 Websites, Apps, and Games for the STEAM Classroom

As STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) careers continue to rise in demand, America is lagging behind. Can we even begin to change the trajectory so that we can compete with countries like India and Korea on a global level? It’s possible for us to change the tide, but we need to change our attitudes first. If we don’t, the consequences will be severe. Over the next decade, for instance, the number of computer science jobs in the U.S. will outnumber qualified people by 1 million. That’s 1 million jobs for the taking that Americans will miss out on because of inadequate skill sets.

The truth is that Americans have an attitude problem. This indifference toward STEAM is a byproduct of academic disengagement, fueled by the way children are taught in American K-12 schools. As interactive technology becomes commonplace in classrooms, education becomes more of a form of entertainment.

Educators should find innovative ways to reach students. But there is a blurry line between creative learning and babysitting tactics to keep students from declaring boredom. For students to thrive in the area of STEAM, we need teachers to make STEAM learning exciting and meaningful. Thankfully, there are an abundance of websites, apps, and games that seek to help teachers do just that. To get educators started, we have compiled a list of 11 websites, apps, and games for the STEAM classroom. If these tools don’t spice things up in your classroom, nothing will.