There have been problems occurred in application of STEAM in Korean schools. First, existing STEAM programs were developed on the basis of ‘blanket application’ of STEAM elements(‘emotional touch’, ‘creative design’ and ‘context’) regardless of subjects or grades, although STEAM elements should be individualized depending on the object. Second, it was not easy to apply STEAM to current school curriculums because it should be accompanied with class reschedule for curriculum integration and reorganization. Thus, subject-based STEAM was suggested as an alternative. Several studies showed that subject-centered STEAM approaches could nurture students in STEAM literacy, artistic sensitivity and creativity. The purpose of this study was to propose art-centered STEAM models and to present example programs of subject-based STEAM. The 2 programs were as follows: (1) ‘Making the earth for all living things’ for grade 3 and 4 was a mural painting project with the theme of earth’s environment and peaceful co-existence focused on ecosystem conservation efforts. (2) ‘Cutting-edge design derived from nature’ for grade 5 and 6 was making high-tech invention through observation of nature, ideas generated and the actual production process. In order for active application of STEAM in elementary education, subject-based or subject-centered STEAM strategies might be considered as the next best thing without the complexity of a class organization. More researches on appropriate content selection and organization for the object should be followed.