STEAM and inclusive education: hands-on science experiments using static electricity

Abstract

Education policies progressively reflect the need for an improved and generalised scientific literacy. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education embraces this goal and many programs have been implement to target the need for an active and effective STEAM education at all school levels from kindergarten through high school. This study was implemented in the Room 1 of the Learning support centre of the school, attended by eleven students (one girl and ten boys), six of those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), in which we apply structured teaching methodologies. The results of this study aim to reveal the potential for creativity and the role of inclusion and STEAM education. Experiments using static are fun. When most people consider experiments using static electricity, then visualise the one involving hair and a balloon. Though, many further experiments will amaze people of any age and can effectually also exemplify how physics and chemistry are used in creating illusions.