Chapter Highlights

This chapter highlights a culturally grounded and interdisciplinary STEAM+S framework that integrates heritage, theory, and practice to foster meaningful and future-oriented learning experiences.

• Heritage-Based STEAM+S Framework – Extends traditional STEAM education by integrating the social sciences, positioning heritage, culture, and identity as central dimensions of interdisciplinary learning.
• Theoretical Foundations – Grounds the framework in constructivist and sociocultural theories, enriched by design thinking and creative thinking, to support authentic, learner-centred, and culturally meaningful learning experiences.
• Cultural Contextualization through Defensive Architecture – Utilises Omani forts, castles, and towers as culturally rich learning contexts, transforming abstract disciplinary knowledge into real-world and meaningful applications.
• Interdisciplinary Integration – Connects science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and social sciences to promote higher-order thinking, problem-solving, innovation, and creativity.
• Educational and Pedagogical Implications – Provides a roadmap for curriculum design through project-based and inquiry-driven learning, while reinforcing the role of cultural relevance and heritage in sustaining student engagement and deep learning.