STEM education–that’s science, technology, engineering, and math–has gotten an increasing amount of buzz over the past few years. And now, there’s a twist on STEM: the addition of the arts, making it STEAM.

Supporters (including Elmo) say a more focused inclusion of the arts helps kids become creative, hands-on learners by sparking innovation. A recent Michigan State study supports that notion, pointing to a higher number of patents created and businesses launched by adults who participated in arts and crafts in their younger years.

But the STEAM model’s still relatively new – and unproven.