Skill Sharpeners: STEAM, Grade 4

Engage children in real-world problem-solving with Skill Sharpeners: STEAM. This project-based learning approach integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics to foster empathy, critical thinking, collaboration, and solutions for real-world issues. Skill Sharpeners: STEAM blends creativity with academics, featuring a fun hands-on STEAM project in each unit. These projects encourage children to enjoy the process of creating and sharing their solutions to improve the world. The grade 4 activity books are structured around 9 real-world topics related to the environment, Earth, people and cultures, and social and emotional learning.

Some themes include:

• Cultural Differences STEAM task: Design and create a board game that educates about different cultures.


• Raising Awareness STEAM task: Produce a video to raise awareness about a charitable cause.


• Empty Mall Space STEAM task: Develop a proposal for repurposing an abandoned mall space.


• Food Insecurity STEAM task: Create a picture cookbook featuring nutritious recipes.


• Access to Clean Water STEAM task: Build a model of a water well and create a video explaining its impact on providing clean water to more people.

Each unit includes a grade-appropriate story or nonfiction reading article, a STEAM task to solve, and integrated learning activities:

• Science: Key concepts and vocabulary related to the theme.


• Technology: Models demonstrating real-world technology applications.


• Engineering: Examples of engineering solutions.


• Art: Creative projects.


• Math: Mathematical operations for problem-solving.

Additionally, each title features:

• Career spotlight highlighting specific careers related to the topic.


• Supply list for each STEAM task.


• Bonus STEAM puzzle.


• Certificate of completion.


• Answer key.

Skill Sharpeners: STEAM offers entertaining and engaging activities that stimulate children's thinking and learning without them realizing it. The softcover books contain 144 non-reproducible pages and are designed for grade 4 students. Every Skill Sharpeners workbook now includes a free downloadable Teaching Guide! Skill Sharpeners: STEAM Teaching Guides include:

• How to Use directions for implementing STEAM education.


• Sample pacing guide for completing lessons and activities.


• Teaching suggestions with STEAM rubric and graphic organizers.

Extension activities include literature suggestions, virtual field trips, and discussion guides to deepen children's connections and understanding.