3D plants: the impact of integrating science, design, and technology on high school student learning and interests in STEAM subjects and careers

STEAM education is an educational approach of interdisciplinary teaching of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. STEAM education, however, is often viewed as only including art elements into STEM teaching. Without true integration of the disciplines in STEAM curricula, students rarely are exposed to the connection among disciplines, and self-identify as solely scientists, artists, or technophiles. STEAM curricula also infrequently integrate design, which promotes creativity and innovation. Effective STEAM curriculum and practices are needed to prepare students to face 21st century challenges and work demands. We designed a high school STEAM educational module that integrated plant science, design, and emergent technologies through the creation of 3D models of plants and augmented and virtual reality (AVR) experiences and investigated its impact on students’ understanding of the intersection of art and design with science, learning and skills gains, and interests in STEAM subjects and careers. The module used a project-based learning approach that relied on student teamwork and facilitation by educators. In this 3D plant modeling module, students: (1) investigated plants under research at a plant science research center, (2) designed and created 3D models of those plants, (3) learned about the application of 3D modeling in AVR platforms, and (4) disseminated project results. We used qualitative and quantitative research methods both before and after the implementation of the model to assess the impact of the 3D modeling module. Student responses revealed that approximately half of the students had a good understanding of the intersection of art and design with science prior to the implementation of the module, while the other half gained this understanding after completing their projects. Students saw art and design playing a role in science mainly by facilitating communication and further understanding and fostering new ideas. They also reported that science influenced art and design ...