STEAM is important for developing children through the combination of multiple disciplines and learning opportunities. Through playing, the children are also learning. By playing, children are able to work through problems in a fun and dynamic way. What part goes where? How does something spinning make other parts move? How do motors and sensors work, and why? All of these questions and more are asked and answered throughout the building process allowing kids to form their own hypothesis on how and why something will work and test those ideas.
The added benefit of using STEAM in the hospital setting is that it also becomes a therapeutic tool. Encouraging children with limited mobility to stand, bend, and stretch to change the curse of their robot. Inspiring kids with limited finger strength to push bricks together and improve dexterity and fine motor skills. STEAM provides the added benefit of distracting them from pain, a scary procedure, or surgery by shifting their focus towards an engaging and educational experience.
(Colker and Simon, 2014)





