RI STEAM Expo

Families & educators are invited to the RI STEAM Expo!  

What is the RI STEAM Expo?

The RI STEAM Expo will be a vibrant, hands-on celebration that brings together families, students, educators, higher education, and industry partners to engage in STEAM learning.  Organized by the RI Department of Education with support from Governor McKee's Math Matters RI initiative.

• An Expo Hall filled with community organizations, student groups, and industry partners engaging PK-12 students, families, and educators in STEAM activities.
• Workshops for families of students in grades pre-kindergarten to high school that support STEAM engagement at home, offer insight into STEAM career paths, and highlight the importance of STEAM learning for ALL students.
• Professional Learning for educators to support high-quality STEAM instruction, opportunities for career exploration, build industry partnerships, staying current with emerging technologies, and more!

What is STEAM? 

STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art+Design, and Mathematics, but it means much more...

• STEAM education integrates knowledge and skills to engage students in collaborative, problem-based learning experiences that are relevant to their lives.
• STEAM education leverages creative thinking. STEAM education bridges the arts with technical subjects, engaging more students.

The term STEM was first expanded to STEAM by the RI School of Design to create a model that better prepares future generations for in innovative economy!

Why is STEAM Important?

STEAM Education is essential for developing critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving skills...

• STEAM instruction encourages real-world problem solving to advance technology advancement, sustainability, and community accessibility.
• Essential skills such as collaboration, communication, persistence, and adaptability develop when students engage in STEAM learning.
• Opportunities for STEM/STEAM careers are projected to grow twice as fast as other careers and typically provide better job satisfaction and offer a higher salary.