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A Musical Perspective on STEM: Evaluating the EcoSonic Playground Project from a Co-equal STEAM Integration Standpoint

Flannery, Michael orcid logoORCID: 0000-0003-3025-8822, Johnson-Green, Elissa and Lee, Christopher (2020) A Musical Perspective on STEM: Evaluating the EcoSonic Playground Project from a Co-equal STEAM Integration Standpoint. International Journal of Education & the Arts, 21 (14). ISSN 1529-8094

Abstract
Research on teaching and learning in integrated education has focused on connections between arts and non-arts domains to provide a comprehensive experience for K-12 learners. Recently, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education has explored arts integration for more effective STEM learning. However, effective integration is often elusive; the arts are sometimes diluted as a consequence of well-intentioned integration within STEM subjects, with STEM learning risking similar superficial treatment within arts curricula. This qualitative pilot study focuses on The EcoSonic Playground Project (ESPP) – an integrated STEAM project for students of all ages – and evaluates its effectiveness from a co-equal integration standpoint, where participants use skills across STEM and arts areas equally in service of a common, musical goal. Findings suggested that this project supported, the application of existing cognitive and social-emotional skills and STEAM practices within an arts framework while fostering in participants the synthesis of new connections among skill areas. While recognizing findings are context specific, conclusions and recommendations may be of particular interest to educators and researchers exploring STEAM or other arts integration initiatives in the classroom.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Subjects:Social Sciences > Education
Social Sciences > Teaching
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Institute of Education
DCU Faculties and Schools > Institute of Education > School of Arts Education & Movement
Publisher:Penn State Libraries Open Publishing
Official URL:http://www.ijea.org/#about
Copyright Information:Authors
ID Code:32301
Deposited On:24 Feb 2026 13:52 by Dr. Michael Flannery . Last Modified 24 Feb 2026 13:52
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