Integrating science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and music: Putting the arts in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) through acoustics

Abstract

Music is an important part of education and most students are ardent fans. However, the students are not necessarily aware of the artistic and technical details it takes to create what they hear. These details are what necessitate music and technology coming together. Part of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education should be to help students appreciate the practical applications that come from each of the entities in STEM, namely, science, technology, engineering, and math. Music provides the connection of these elements with a topic that interests the students and motivates their learning. This paper outlines ways for educators to integrate music with STEM topics and put the "A" in "STEAM" (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math).