CONNECTIONS AND APPLICATIONS OF MATHEMATICS IN A STEAM EDUCATION CURRICULAR UNIT

Abstract

Mathematics is a fundamental component of STEAM education, providing a foundation for many scientific and technological fields. It provides a foundation for scientific inquiry, technological development, engineering, and the arts. By emphasizing the connections between mathematics and other STEAM areas, we can help students develop a deeper understanding of the world and the necessary skills for success in the 21st century. With this in mind, this paper presents a study in which the main objective is to understand the difficulties experienced by higher education students of this curricular unit when they need to establish connections between mathematics and other STEAM areas. The study involved thirteen students aged between 18 and 21 taking a degree course in technologies for STEAM education. The study was a qualitative investigation, and findings suggest that visualizing the connections can be challenging for students. Different languages and terminologies, different ways of thinking, and the lack of previous interdisciplinary teaching are some of the reasons for students to report having difficulties establishing connections with the STEAM areas.