Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics underlie every aspect of contemporary civilization, from the buildings that shelter us, to the food that nourishes us, the water that sustains us, the vehicles that transport us, the devices that connect us, and the platforms that send our imaginations soaring.

The projects and resources in STEAM Projects will help middle-school students see connections among these vital fields and provide opportunities to engage with them. The key here is engagement. Rather than reading about a scientific or technological process, then answering questions, students will experiment, observe phenomena, and present research findings. If demonstrations are called for, students, not instructors, will perform and explain them.

This text is not meant to be comprehensive. As an overview, it offers a quick taste of science disciplines covered at this level. Use these projects, not to replace, but to spice up your regular program.