Andrea Novicky

Novicky’s innovative teaching idea, “Pixar This: STEAM Literature,” focuses on engaging students in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) literature exploration, and helps them focus on identifying and analyzing textual evidence to create a stop-motion studio of the literary canon. The project will allow students to experience how STEAM can be integrated into literary concepts, including scaling and measurement, 3D printing, chemistry in mixing part A and B solutions for epoxy and silicone, wire armature creation, ball and socket joints, movement, magnetic force, phonemes, and others. This project is intended to develop an understanding of literature and writing through STEAM applications, including how character development and setting affects the evolution of theme and plot. The goals of the project are to engage students in literature by taking a STEAM-driven hands-on approach; to close the achievement gap for students with disabilities and others through holistic brain engagement; and to demonstrate that STEAM is interdisciplinary.