CANTON—Mass Audubon’s Museum of American Bird Art in Canton has been awarded a $48,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to engage young learners in a multisensory, hands-on art and design project that cultivates a stronger bond to natural systems and enhances understanding of essential STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) concepts.

The creation of a welcoming community space where students and other visitors can create and discuss with a focus on science, the environment, and art--to be known as The Nest--is part of Mass Audubon’s commitment to lead in  the growing field of STEAM education.

The project will be managed by MABA Education Manager Sean Kent and address several perceived needs in the communities the Museum serves: insufficient access to high-quality STEAM programming for many children, their families, and educators; limited resources for school districts and educators stay current with rapidly evolving changes in STEAM curricula; and the worrisome reality that too many young people still lack opportunities to forge connections to nature.

(National STEAM Day is Sunday, November 8.)

“When The Nest opens to the public, children, families, and adults will have access to cutting-edge equipment, including laser cutters and 3D printers,” Kent said, “and be able to use these amazing tools to create art inspired by nature and come up with innovative solutions to urgent environmental challenges, especially climate change.  

“Arts and nature,” he stressed, “are two essential components of what makes life worth living.”