Hello John in NJ!
you ask a really good question, isn't STEAM for older kids. If you are talking about preschool and kindergarten, STEAM ( science, technology, engineering, art & math), are definitely for older grades. I would never "teach" these subjects in preschool- however, the foundations of these subjects are perfect for preschool in so many ways! Of course, preschool is always about foundations- in a preschool "art class," you would not "teach" how to create perspective, or lecture on the difference between rococo and baroque, instead, you would present interesting, accessible materials and allow for guided exploration ( like crayons & paper, or better yet, finger paint and different "tools" like tooth brushes, sponges, and toy cars!). It is the same for STEM; don't "teach" about sound waves, instead allow children to "experiment" with banging and clanging through guided exploration with different materials like plastic bowls, wooden bowls, and metal bowls, help them compare & contrast the sounds, or actually let them yell a little in the stairway so they can enjoy the echos, and "bouncing" sounds, (Bonus, the echos work best if you do them taking turns, or all together with breaks of silence, so you also get to "exercise" the children's self regulation skills, but be prepared for a little chaos at first, maybe practice in small groups of 3 before bringing the whole class in together). Follow up by reading a book about sounds together, like The Ear Book by Al Perkins, maybe let the children try and draw loud and quiet sounds. Introduce an complex concept like gravity, by watching things fall, but don't expect young children to understand that mass does not effect the speed of an objects fall even if you demonstrate it- it is just too contradictory to their way of understanding. Instead, allow them to experiment with how shape effects the fall, does it "float" or "fall"? With feathers small blocks, bits of paper, etc. Building with blocks can be a foundation of engineering if you draw the attention to solving a problem,"how can we make it tall without it tipping over?" Or "can we build it as tall as that one, but use less blocks?" Math- just counting together, or thinking about more or less, recording votes, just keep it simple and fun! Also, don't be afraid of using "tech" with your class. I just participated in a great STEAM for preschoolers workshop run by the Smithsonian's Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) where we created a group" soundscape" using iMovie! There are great programs for very young children that are truly educational, introducing these programs in the classroom can help parents learn about great resources on for phones and tablets that can turn screen time into interaction, learning and fun, instead of mindless product-placement videos. So STEAM in preschool is a great fit, as long as you make it fun, interactive, hands on, accessible, and best yet, integrated with other disciplines like reading and dramatic play. Hope this is helpful, and here's a link to SEEC, they have great stuff on so many topics!
https://www.si.edu/seec/educatorshttps://www.si.edu/seec------------------------------
Margro Purple
Rockville MD
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-23-2019 10:02 AM
From: John David DeOliveira
Subject: STEAM new-bie
Hi everybody,
I have to ask, isn't a program like STEAM better suited for older kids from 6th to 12th grade rather then Pre-K to 3rd grade? I can't understand why it would be for little kids as they probably don't understand or remember what they learned as well as older ones do. The example that Peggy provided about observing caterpillars is a good one, however do you think that would be suitable for kids?
Also, on a separate note, what is the difference between STEAM and STEM? I am currently in 12th grade so I just wanted to discuss this with all of you, and gather opinions.
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John David DeOliveira
Randolph NJ
Original Message:
Sent: 04-21-2019 09:14 AM
From: Jessica Pablo
Subject: STEAM new-bie
Hello everyone,
I attended the CAAEYC conference and attended a STEAM workshop in which I left so inspired! I graduated in 2010 and felt as though the movement really picked up after that. I felt intimidated by something new but now am convinced that I would love to bring STEAM into my classroom... if not the school. My questions are:
- How to introduce it?
- How to integrate it into our day?
- What does a STEAM center look like?
- Does the math curriculum change to reflect STEAM? Currently we use Building Blocks and Bridges.
Sorry for the questions. I am looking for trainings online and in my area, but there are few. I would rather introduce STEAM the right way than know I am going about it all wrong - especially for the children. My hope is to inspire them and enhance their love of learning.
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Jessica Pablo
Lead Teacher/Grade Level Chair
The Primary School
Hayward CA
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