Digitalized STEAM Education: YUPIK Archaeology Cases in China

Abstract This study constructs an integrated STEAM education model and STEAM classroom evaluation scale. Based on Yupik archaeology digital museum resource, the study applies a mixed-method featuring a parallel-wave research design in varied Chinese classrooms (n 1 = 10). Through statistical examination in students (n 2 =315; Grades 4–9), the study demonstrates the process of calculating STEAM classroom effectiveness index, where exponential weighting ensures data validation and contextual consistency. Besides that, classroom recordings (n 3 = 9) and teacher reflections (n 4 = 21) are included in thematic analysis. After the mixed-method interpretation of both quantitative results and qualitative findings, the work pinpoints four essential, interconnected elements that define successful STEAM learning environments: Student Subjectivity, Themed Teaching Implementation, Teaching Support, and Class Foundation Building. Representatively, a STEAM education assessment scale with 4 principal elements and 14 detailed rules, provides the quantitative guidance for integrated STEAM classrooms. The theoretical framework and its accompanying scale are adaptable to cross-cultural education context, giving teachers and scholars a systematic basis for improving digitalized STEAM teaching and lesson planning.