Pre-K S.T.E.M. in Action

What is S.T.E.M.? It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. In pre-k we like to add an A (S.T.E.A.M.) to include art.

S.T.E.M. helps children to explore, observe, ask questions, predict, and integrate their learning... it's what early childhood education is all about! There truly are no greater natural scientists and engineers than young children. Inquisitive learners learn STEM concepts through play. High-quality learning environments provide children with the structure in which to build upon their natural inclination to explore, build, and question. In early childhood it always brings us back to the importance of play! Children engage in a natural process of trial and error through play and this supports children's overall academic growth, develops early critical thinking and reasoning skills, and enhances later interest in STEM study and careers.

This week our inquiry project led us deeply into an exploration of OWLS. Where do they live? What do they eat? Where do they sleep? Do they hatch from eggs? How do they stay warm?

We set out by learning where we can go for answers to our wonder questions:

We began by reading many nonfiction books on OWLS, as well as asked Google our questions which led us to some informational videos. Once our enthusiasm and curiosity were peeked, the rest of our week fell into place.

A box, just the right shape, and size for an owl tree appeared in our room. So we added a bit of paint...

 and a few branches to the top. Then cut out a nice hole and voila'... a perfect habitat for an owl!

 Whoo! Whoo!

STEM discovery is all about approaching challenges and attempting to figure them out. Our mid-week challenge:

The children could choose from anything in our discovery lab... natural materials,

 blocks,

 or even Legos.
 Along the way, the children used test owls to check whether or not they were headed in the right direction and made necessary adjustments.

 Each of the owl dwellings turned out great!!

Whoo! Whoo!!

This year it is my hope to teach the children to:

• question like a scientist,
• design like a technologist,
• build like an engineer,
• create like an artist 
• deduce like a mathematician, AND

PLAY like a kid:)