Junior Years
STEM Learning in our Early Learning Centre
Children are naturally curious and ask lots of questions. The integration of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) engages young children to explore and investigate in a hands-on way. At our Early Learning Centre (ELC) we have budding Scientists and Engineers asking questions, imagining solutions, problem solving and planning, creating and improving.
Children explore and develop naturally through their play. STEM uses this play-based learning to promote open-communication, co-operation, teamwork and creative problem solving. Children pose their ‘I wonder ..’ questions and are supported to develop new ideas and thinking about the world they live in. Their hypothesising, investigating and experimenting reinforces their real-world experiences and knowledge.
Some key STEM skills that children learn are:
- Posing questions of interest that can be researched, investigated and tested
- Working collaboratively with their peers and educators to think creatively about finding solutions to a problem or question
- Gaining confidence to explore something new, test their theory and take calculated risks
- Discovering new ways of doing things
So far this year our ELC children have investigated the properties of light, colour and shape, colour mixing and the properties of different solutions; they have drawn plans and then created structures according to their plans; designed and made their own 3D shapes using straws and play dough; and, investigated the properties of water, hypothesising on which items will float or sink and then tested their theories. Children have been constructing their own knowledge which will foster deeper learning and encourage further investigations and wonderings.
At home, you can try some of these ideas to promote your child’s STEM thinking and learning:
- Cook with children, talk about quantities (maths) and the changes that occur when items are cooked (Science)
- Talk about the weather and what is happening; what you see and what you hear
- Spend time outdoors exploring the natural world, both plant and animal
- Go to the beach, talk about waves and tides, look at wet and dry sand, create sand sculptures
- Let children help to problem solve/fix things (as long as this is safe for them to do)
- Let children help you with gardening, watering and measuring growth
- Blow bubbles and watch them float and pop; why does this happen?
- Use bath time to talk about floating and sinking and to fill and empty containers
- Ask your children lots of questions:
- What does it feel like / look like / taste like / sound like?
- What do you think will happen if ..?
- Why do you think ..?
- How does this work?
Enjoy the STEM learning journey with your child – the world is a fascinating place!
