Jihan is a Philadelphia visual artist, community arts educator and a museum educator at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. Thomas extends her creative work in community centers, shelters, and traditional K-12 classrooms within the Philadelphia School District. Jihan loves being creative and encouraging others in their pathways towards their own unique expressions

This time has truly been challenging for everyone. As a visual artist and community educator, I usually look forward to my summer schedule where I facilitate art programming for campers from all over the city, but like everyone around the world, COVID-19 has completely changed that. Fortunately, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate as a STEAM instructor for Greater Work Preschool in Philadelphia where the facility operated a small camp through social distancing.

Together, the campers and I learned through STEAM-based projects. One of my favorite projects was when we learned about animal habitats and campers created their own habitat. Campers did a great job identifying the importance of animals being in their natural surroundings. Another great theme focused on engineering where campers learned to construct their own homes. We had the opportunity of exploring the basic elements on how to construct a home as well as draw architectural blue-prints of their own type of home. Along the way, campers made great observations and made meaningful connections with their work. Be sure to check out these great STEAM projects!

NAEA Position Statement on STEAM Education

For more STEAM resources, visit Edutopia.