For Schools and Educators

Inspiring K-5 Students Through Art, History, and Industry

 

Bringing our shared industrial heritage and creativity into your classroom


Patterns of Meaning is an arts-integrated program that uses fine art, history, and hands-on activities to introduce elementary students to the creativity and innovation behind steel, specialty materials, and metal manufacturing. Anchored in our shared industrial heritage and brought to life through large-scale artworks and the Patterns collection, our program engages learners who may never have considered careers in engineering, design, or manufacturing.

Supported by IACMI’s METAL program, our work is part of a national effort to transform the U.S. metal manufacturing workforce by developing stackable curriculums “from K to gray.”

What We Offer for K–5 Schools

Free In-Classroom Visits

  • Interactive presentations that blend fine art, history, and STEM concepts
  • Hands-on instruction guided by local artists
  • Creative projects that scale in complexity for different grade levels, from drawing and collage in early grades to CAD, wax models, sand casting, and additive manufacturing for advanced learners

Optional Field Trips

 



  • Visits to the Patterns of Meaning Exhibit Hall at Pittsburgh’s Energy Innovation Center

  • Opportunities to experience large-scale steelmaking paintings, monumental sculptures made from salvaged foundry patterns, and multimedia artworks in steel, glass, ceramics, and wood

  • Age appropriate hands-on workshops guided by artists and educators in the Patterns workshop.

Why It Matters

  • Introduces students to the contemporary role of manufacturing in aerospace, energy, national security, and global problem-solving

  • Encourages creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and real-world connections

  • Broadens career awareness for students who may not be traditionally encouraged toward technical or engineering pathways

  • Uses fine art as a gateway to explore the creative and technical opportunities within engineering and the sciences

Standards Alignment

All classroom visits and field trip programs support Pennsylvania’s Arts & Humanities and STEELS Science Standards, making them easy to integrate into your existing curriculum.

Quick Facts

  • Cost: Free classroom programs; optional field trips available

  • Location: Serving Pittsburgh and Western PA

  • Flexibility: Single class visit or extended project-based learning

Bring Patterns of Meaning to Your Students

Give your students an unforgettable learning experience that connects creativity, history, and innovation, and opens their eyes to future possibilities.

Learn More

Would you like to learn more about Patterns of Meaning in the classroom?  Contact us here.