There has been considerable discussion about whether to include the A for art in the acronym. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math has been used for a longer time period. How people understand this term varies. Some see it as just separate entities and STEM activities might support one or all of them. In my opinion a better understanding is that these topics all work together to solve problems. Maker spaces, a popular addition to many schools and libraries, provide experiences where students can do just that. In starting this website and blog I had to decide whether to include art in the mix or not.
As a public school science teacher who also taught art for many years, I probably am a little biased. I see so much overlap, not just in the way they work together or how one can inform the other, but also similarities in the processes used. Art uses observation, experimentation, and incorporates science topics such as material properties, light, optical characteristics etc. Though engineering is about solutions, aesthetics are often important to that solution. Though I have chose to include art, I would not argue too much with someone who did not want to include it. I can see both sides. Here are a few articles that informed my decision.