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STEAM Zines

STEAM Zines is a self-directed program designed for classrooms at any level between grades 3 and 7 to explore environmental responsibility and self-expression. Students conduct research on current-day issues like sea-level rise and greenhouse gases before presenting their solutions in zines—handmade magazines that combine language and visual arts. Participants will learn about science, gain confidence in voicing their opinions, and think proactively.

Welcome

On this page, you will have access to video tutorials and PDFs that will guide you and your students through the program.

The materials are organized into 4 modules equipped with thematic workbooks and companion videos you can use in your classroom. The modules will introduce students to zines, the Wolfsonian collection, and different strategies for communicating ideas in addition to highlighting techniques to create and personalize a zine.

The STEAM Zines process covers:

  1. Interpreting scientific research
  2. Applying research to students' own lived experiences
  3. Storyboarding relatable stories
  4. Designing and creating zines using found and original artwork

It is up to you to choose which materials to incorporate into your classroom curriculum—it is by no means necessary to engage with all videos in the modules.

We encourage educators to create course-specific parameters or guidelines for their students around content, project research, or presentation. These parameters can help strengthen the tie to your course content, reinforce student learning, and give students the opportunity to follow their curiosities and sharpen their research skills.

Materials

Participating classrooms will need the following materials:

Required

  • Plain letter paper (8.5 x 11"; 3 sheets/student)
  • Plain color cardstock (8.5 x 11"; 3 sheets/student)
  • Scotch tape
  • Scissors
  • Colored pencils and/or washable markers
  • Elmer's liquid glue or glue sticks

Optional

  • Colored wire
  • Stickers / alphabet stickers
  • Kids' plastic sewing needles + embroidery floss
  • Pipe cleaners
  • White cards (5 x 7")
  • Old magazines, newspapers, or collage material

MDCPS STEAM Designation

The Wolfsonian–FIU is happy to work with participating educators and provide STEAM school designation partnership cover pages. If you would like to use this program toward your school's MDCPS STEAM designation, please email us at education@thewolf.fiu.edu.