Learn how to navigate the changing world of technology and how to assess the use of technology in your classroom and at home.
Provoking Curiosity: Student-Led STEAM Learning for Pre-K to Third Grade offers a variety of STEAM provocations that can be used during less-structured classroom time. In this book, author Angela Eckhoff, PhD offers some much needed insight into the world of childhood engineering. Through the use of every-day classroom materials such as paper and glue, you can learn how to engage your students with the creative engineering processes like never before!
Math Science TechnologyThis science activity from the book Simple STEAM allows children to explore a rain cloud by simulating the concept using shaving cream and food coloring. Science is the foundation of children’s learning about their world and is also a way of thinking. Encouraging children to ask questions and to observe, predict, and explain their ideas supports the development of scientific inquiry. The skills and processes of inquiry, observation, and exploration are foundation skills for all sciences and are not limited to “science” time. This activity will also show you ways to incorporate other disciplines like technology, engineering, art, and math in order to make this a well-rounded STEAM experience.
Math Science TechnologyWhen first learning measurement, students typically use nonstandard measures, such as yarn or paper clips. Loose parts are so perfect to use for learning measurement! Telling time is also one of the components of this standard. Students can use personal-sized clocks to manipulate and discover how the hands of the clock move to tell us the time. With this activity, children can build their own clock with loose parts, manipulate the hour and minute hands, and learn to tell time through the use of their own loose-parts clocks! Get the book—Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms—for more on implementing the loose-parts mindset as well as loose-parts activities in each of the STREAM disciplines.
Math Technology
The arts help develop a loose-parts mindset in many ways, such as developing imagination, creativity, and collaboration. Adding the arts helps develop more divergent thinking, with no one correct answer but many possibilities. Including the arts in STEM moves beyond decoration to embracing a wide variety of artistic applications in the learning process. The arts encourage cognitive growth, engage the brain, enhance long-term memory, advance creativity, and minimize stress. Young learners will be excited and fascinated by this light "painting" loose-parts activity that combines both art and technology. Get the book—Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms—for more on implementing the loose-parts mindset as well as loose-parts activities in each of the STREAM disciplines.
Art TechnologyResearch indicates that when we engage younger children in the STEAM fields, we are promoting inquiry-based thinking and a discovery mentality. Teaching young children STEAM play is a way of teaching them how to research, think, and create as open-ended play becomes part of their early experiences. In addition to these benefits, introducing STEAM concepts using a multisensory approach and in a playful way gives young children a competitive advantage and sets a strong foundation for future study habits.
The good news is that you don’t have to be an expert, a researcher, or a scientist to get your child excited about STEAM careers and STEAM thinking. Remember, most STEAM learning is about exploring and learning from your exploration—so why not explore together? Check out these two exciting STEAM activities below from Simple Steam: 50+ Science Technology Engineering Art Math Activities for ages 3 to 6, and get the book for many more explorations and activities that will inspire your child’s fundamental learning in each of the STEAM experiments.
Math Art Science TechnologyStop-motion animation is a technique that allows students to create a scene with small figures or items. Stop-motion is another option for self-expression while exposing children to a technology tool. Students position a figure in a scenario, take a photo, move the figure a little bit and take another photo, and then repeat and repeat. The end result of the stacked photos is the appearance that the figure is moving. The characters, backgrounds, settings, and objects in the scenario are all variables and can be composed of loose parts. Students can use this approach to tell their own stories or share content and knowledge in their own way. With stop-motion animation, students are engaged, motivated, and have choice and voice in the learning process! Get the book—Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms—for more on implementing the loose-parts mindset and loose-parts activities in each of the STREAM disciplines.
TechnologyThis STEM Activity from Angela Eckhoff's book, Creative Investigations in Early Engineering and Technology, uses light and familiar objects to young children understand the concepts of light and shadow. Some materials allow light to pass through them (transparent), and others act as filters and only allow certain colors of light through (translucent), while others block light completely (opaque). As children gain knowledge and develop an understanding of these concepts through naturalistic experiences and familiar materials, teachers are then able to gradually scaffold their experiences and use of science equipment.
Science TechnologyFeatured in The Possibilities of Play: Imaginative Learning Centers for Children Ages 3-6, by Dr. Jean Feldman and Carolyn Kisloski, this learning center activity is a perfect opportunity to develop technology skills like keyboarding and visual matching.
Program Administration Literacy Summer Learning Technology LanguageEngineering is a hot topic in education. The all-important E in STEM, engineering is a rapidly growing interest for young learners the umbrella term for many sought-after jobs in the sciences. With such a big reputation, the prospect of teaching engineering can be daunting to many early childhood educators, but when stripped down to its most basic elements, engineering is easy. Take, for example, one of the most important parts of it: motion.
Lesson Planning Science TechnologyFrom helpful applications and games that support lessons to discussions with parents about screen time, Gryphon House authors take on the complex discussion about technology in education.
Browse through lists, author interviews, excerpts, and articles that connect theory and best practice in early childhood education.
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