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STEAM Based Learning in Preschool

It’s always so much fun to get a new Mother Goose Time curriculum kit box but this month is extra exciting. The theme is Science Lab and after so many years of using these great materials, this is my first experience with the Science Lab theme.

science lab

Here is some of what we’re going to do:

  • Take a wild ride down the road of science as children discover the sound, light, electricity, magnets, resistance and more.
  • Children discover what happens when you mix substances, explore the mysteries of sound, light, forces, electricity, magnets, and resistance.
  • Children learn that science is everywhere as they do hands-on experiments and activities every day in their very own science labs.

STEAM Based Learning in Preschool

August2016_ThemeWebs

Weekly Investigations:

Week 1: Chemistry Lab
Week 2: Physic’s Lab
Week 3: Engineering Lab
Week 4: Biology Lab

STEAM Based Learning in Preschool

So what is STEAM-based learning?

STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.

water

Using the plastic beakers, we measured out how many small beakers it would take to fill the largest one. It took 19 cups!

Why STEAM?

ECE experts agree that it is never too early to start a STEAM education. STEAM is much more than introducing concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. It is a proven philosophy of advanced learning which helps young children integrate knowledge across disciplines, encouraging them to think in a more connected and holistic way.

Ingenuity

In the Science Lab kit, the book Ingenuity is included to go along with many of the lessons. It’s a great book to introduce famous scientists to young children. You will soon be able to find it on the Mother Goose Time site with all their other great books.

ingenuity bookbook back

Real Science Materials

A set of plastic beakers were also included in the Science Lab kit. What a great addition to our science center and water play!

plastic beakers

Science Journals

We use journals every month. The science journals are very open-ended, as they are blank pages. I love the ideas suggested for science journaling.

Day one: Invite the child to write his name on the cover of his journal. Draw a self-portrait as a scientist on the cover. I suggested drawing “science related things”. Since it was Day 1 and had just introduced the plastic beakers, this 4-year-old drew a measuring cup.

science journals

Manipulatives

Simple materials like beads used to represent molecules, allow for hands-on learning.

beads

We used them to learn about the States of Matter with the Molecule Discovery game. states of matter activity

We also made our own molecules with pipe cleaners and beads representing atoms.Molecules

Simple Tools

The Science Lab kit includes pipettes. The large pipettes are age appropriate tools for little hands. They are perfect for the early childhood classroom to work on developing hand strength and small muscles. We’ve already used them for three or four activities in the first week!

pipettes

STEAM-based learning is perfect for preschool. We already use the science, arts, and math in our learning.

How can we add in technology in our learning?

  • By exploring tools like the pipettes and beakers.
  • Using small machines – like a flashlight when we learn about light. Or a camera to create a project.
  • Using the computer or tablet to look up information.
  • Utilizing online books or game apps for expanding the lesson.

What about Engineering?

  • Creating open-ended projects with building materials
  • Discovering how things work
  • Fixing or repurposing toys
  • Talk about problem-solving
  • Create games from materials we have
  • Using found materials to recreate a story
  • Offering building toys like Gears, Legos, wood blocks, Magnatiles

Watch for posts this month on STEAM Based Learning in Preschool!

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