From STEAM to… SENSE.STEAM. Re-acquainting ourselves with attentiveness

Abstract

This article is the first in a series on art and science in education. The text introduces the idea of integrating art and science in education, with a focus on two key points. Firstly, we examine the practical application of STEAM education and its implications for different communities. Secondly, we deep dive into the significance of attentiveness in human experience and education. We authors, who are science educators, recognize the difficulty of integrating spiritual, social, and political aspects into science education, as well as the perception of art as separate from everyday life. We suggest a notion of STEAM which goes beyond traditional subject categories, highlighting a comprehensive approach based on sensory experience and perception where the ”A” stands for attention and aesthetics based on the ancient Greek aisthesis, meaning sensation or perception.