Hi all,
Thanks for sharing about your STEAM labs it's great to hear that kids are making regular use of them and loving their time there. And Michelle it's wonderful to hear that kids in your program/school get so much play time and exposure to science and especially that you have plans to make connections between the science they are exploring in the classroom and their STEAM lab activities.....research shows that making connections between experiences, like the project work you describe, really helps to "build kids' brains".
Time is always an issue isn't it? That is the biggest challenge teachers express to me, especially when it comes to science-- another reason for integrating kids' STEM and literacy experiences! The types of STEM experiences you are providing lay the foundation for later learning, skills, and attitudes-- not only in useful STEM-- but across subject matter areas.
I invite all of you to consider taking a look at the Early Science Interest Forum (ECSIF) resources posted on HELLO and join the forum if you are not already members.....We are a group of educators and researchers who work in a variety of EC settings across the STEM disciplines with some members who have expertise in integrating STEM, art, music, and language/literacy as well). We started this forum because we love to engage in discussions and share resources with other educators.... Thanks for posting on HELLO, look for our page, and keep your eye out for announcements for online meetings we will be starting up at the end of this month or early February! You can also look us up on facebook and twitter (NAEYC EC Science @ecsif)
Cheers!
Cindy Hoisington
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Cindy Hoisington
Education Development Center
Holbrook MA
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-09-2019 08:58 AM
From: Michele Ramsey
Subject: STEAM Lab
Our teachers design learning experiences (studies) that integrate content areas. So, students are exposed to science throughout their day. At this time we don't specifically connect the learning experiences and STEAM Lab happenings, that is for next year. =)
Currently our STEAM Team of volunteer teachers created stand alone activities that students rotate through once a month. Our plan is to connect learning experiences and STEAM Lab starting with next year. Also, we have a 2 1/2 hour a day AM & PM session.
Thanks!
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Michele Ramsey
Principal
CCSD 59 Early Learning Center
Mt Prospect ILPrincipal
Original Message:
Sent: 01-08-2019 08:04 PM
From: Cindy Hoisington
Subject: STEAM Lab
Hi Michele,
It would help to know what types of activities you are currently doing and how children are responding to them. Can I assume they also do science in their classroom in between visits to the lab? Making connections between their classroom and lab experiences is one idea-- for example doing explorations in the lab that build on what they do in classrooms but require more space/time etc.
Cindy
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Cindy Hoisington
Education Development Center
Holbrook MA
Original Message:
Sent: 01-08-2019 12:08 PM
From: Michele Ramsey
Subject: STEAM Lab
Hello,
We have established a space for a STEAM Lab in our Early Learning Center and this year are having students rotate through monthly to participate in pre-planned activities. We'd like to make this a more meaningful experience/space. Does anybody have a STEAM/STEM Lab for students, and if so, how is it being utilized? Who plans? Any and all ideas/suggestions are welcome. Thanks!
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Michele Ramsey, Principal
CCSD 59 Early Learning Center
Mt Prospect IL
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