Integrals Applications: A STEAM Activity to Teach/Learn Mathematics in Higher Education

STEAM education comprehends experimentation and the integration of cutting-edge technologies to foster students' inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking skills. This pedagogical approach addresses contemporary challenges by promoting transdisciplinary learning and problem-solving in real-world contexts. The integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) enriches active learning methodologies and enhances students' understanding of scientific concepts. This paper examines the implementation of an active STEAM methodology in a learning environment that may be set as a classroom or implemented as a game. In whatever environment chosen, students take centre stage in their learning journey. Through this approach, students not only gain confidence and self-esteem but also develop autonomy in their learning process. Students are invited to dimension and plan to rebuild a city that was destroyed by some catastrophe. The planning activity is part of a game where the main aim is to acquire knowledge about integrals and their usage. As a result, we may infer that learning mathematics, mediated by digital technologies, allows the development of content in an effective and agile way for students. The increase in problem-solving, communication between peers, and the use of technological tools are competencies that may be evaluated during the execution of this activity. The students' motivation, learning, and development of soft and hard skills allowed us to realize that an integrated or interdisciplinary curriculum, as a pedagogical strategy like this, improves teaching quality and the learning process.