Early Learning Project
April 2010 Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in the Early Childhood Classroom Sallee Beneke
Online Resources
- Preschool STEM
This blog entry on the National Science Teachers Association Web site discusses science, technology, engineering, and math--STEM. Science can be rolling objects down a ramp while recording and thinking about what happened. Technology includes computers, but it can also include using other tools such as flashlights and digital cameras. Engineering can be children planning and designing structures with blocks. Math can be counting and matching shapes and making patterns.
http://nstacommunities.org/blog/2010/03/01/preschool-stem - Science in the Air
This publication from the National Association for the Education of Young Children notes that adults can nurture children’s curiosity and help them develop science inquiry skills and higher-order thinking by planning engaging activities in environments that invite exploration, documentation, discussion, and the development of new ideas.
http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200911/BosseWeb1109.pdf - Mother Goose Programs: Math and Science
This site includes math and science resources and activity suggestions, including several building lessons, for teachers of preschool children.
http://www.mothergooseprograms.org/math_science.php - Preschool Science: Learning at the Playground!
This article discusses how adults can turn playground play into adventures in science. Children can learn about momentum, friction, and balance on the playground.
http://www.education.com/magazine/article/preschool-science-playground/ - Blocks: How Block Play Promotes Development
This excerpt from the Creative Curriculum for Preschool points out that when children construct, create, and represent their experiences with blocks they grow in each area of development: social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and language.
http://www.teachingstrategies.com/content/pageDocs/CC4_Ch6_exrpt.pdf - Discover the World of Machines
This PreK curriculum unit integrates multiple discipline areas, including science and technology. Children are given opportunities to explore various machines that they encounter in their everyday lives.
http://teachersnetwork.org/IMSL/machines/machines.htm - Mickey's Magnets
In this lesson, students study magnetism and its properties.
http://www.wbrschools.net/techint/webpage%20science%2012/files/Mickey's%20Magnets%20G1%20GLE%2023.pdf - The Pendulum
During this activity, children interact with pendulums and have the opportunity to develop their reasoning about movement and trajectory.
http://www.uni.edu/coe/regentsctr/Activity_Sheets/Pendulum%20Activity%20Sheet.pdf - Pendulum Challenge
This activity from the PBS Kids Web site encourages children to experiment to change a pendulum’s trajectory.
http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/pendulumchallenge.html - Ramps and Pathways: Developmentally Appropriate, Intellectually Rigorous, and Fun Physical Science
This Young Children article describes activities that engage children in investigations involving force and motion. The activities foster the development of important science inquiry skills and provide opportunities for integration across curricular domains.
http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/201001/ZanWeb0110.pdf - Roll with It
Sliding common objects, such as blocks, boxes, balls, empty containers, and even play foods, down a ramp is a fun way for kids to start exploring some physical science concepts related to the position and motion of objects.
http://learningcenter.nsta.org/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/4/sc06_043_08_16 - Another Way to Slide
This lesson uses a slide to introduce the concept of an inclined plane.
http://www.pbs.org/parents/sid/activities.html?anotherwaytoslide - Water Play: Make a Homemade Washing Machine
In this activity, adults can help children make their own homemade "washing machine" by putting water, soap, and doll clothes in a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/connect/resources/4733/preview/
Illinois Early Learning Tip Sheets
- Playground Physics: Hang In There!
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/physics-hang.htm - Playground Physics: Watch for Falling Objects!
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/physics-gravity.htm - Things to Do while You're Waiting: Science
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/science.htm - Out and About with Preschoolers: Science in the "Built Environment"
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/built.htm - Cooperation across the Preschool Curriculum: Science
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/coop-science.htm - CSI: Child Scientist Investigates!
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/csi.htm
Illinois Early Learning Videos
- Air and Tires
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/videos/air-tires.htm - An Engineer Changes His Mind
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/videos/engineer.htm - Bethany Draws a Wheel
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/videos/bethany-draws.htm - Exploring Windshield Wipers
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/videos/windshield-wipers.htm - Ideas about a Marble Run
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/videos/marble-run.htm - Talking about Waterslide Models
http://illinoisearlylearning.org/videos/waterslide.htm
Organizations
- National Science Teachers Association
1840 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington VA 22201
Telephone: 703-243-7100
http://www.nsta.org/about/overview.aspx?lid=tnavhp
Additional Resources
- National Science Education Standards
Author: National Research Council
Publication Date: 1996
Availability: Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
Abstract: This volume describes what all students should understand and be able to do in science as a result of their learning experience. The standards reflect the principles that learning science is an inquiry-based process and that science in schools should reflect the intellectual traditions of contemporary science. - Math and Science for Young Children (3rd ed.)
Authors: Rosalind Charlesworth & Karen K. Lind
Publication Date: 1999
Availability: New York: Delmar.
Abstract: This book includes an organized, sequential approach to creating a developmentally appropriate math and science curriculum for preschool and primary school children.
NOTE: There may be publications on this page that are available as PDF (portable document format) files. To be able to read these files, download the free Adobe Reader.
Illinois State Board of Education
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