[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      THE STEM TO STEAM RESOLUTION

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                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, today I introduced the STEM to STEAM 
resolution, which recognizes the importance of art and design in the 
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
  Art and design advance the understanding of STEM learning and 
collaboration. In classrooms and laboratories across the country, the 
innovative practices of art and design play an essential role in 
improving STEM education and advancing STEM research. In order to 
strengthen the pipeline of future artists and designers, we must add 
STEAM to legislation that shapes the future of our education system, 
especially the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the America 
Competes Act. Congress must also encourage institutions of higher 
education to incorporate art and design into their STEM curricula.
  Art and design contribute real solutions to our everyday lives, 
distinguish America's products in a global marketplace, and create 
opportunity for economic growth in the United States. Artists and 
designers can effectively communicate complex data and scientific 
information to multiple stakeholders and broad audiences. The tools and 
methods they use also offer new models for creative problem-solving and 
interdisciplinary partnerships in our growing 21st Century economy. For 
instance, they are integral in planning sustainable neighborhoods, 
renewable energy initiatives, and health information technologies. They 
also play a critical role in the development of modern technology to 
support new American manufacturing opportunities.
  It is also important to seek collaboration among the different 
federal agencies that oversee STEM programs. That is why I recommend 
the creation of a STEM to STEAM Council, which would bring together 
artists, designers, education and business leaders, and Federal 
agencies to facilitate a comprehensive approach to incorporate art and 
design into Federal STEM programs.
  I encourage all my colleagues to support this resolution to change 
STEM to STEAM to expand innovation and opportunity in our country's 
education and research fields.

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