Think Like A Scientist

Young children are naturally curious about the world around them, so it makes perfect sense to introduce them to science, technology,  engineering, and math (STEM) concepts and investigations at an early age. Whether it’s in a classroom setting or in informal  learning environments. The link between early childhood and exposure to STEM concepts and investigations is indisputable. Children are naturally developing and strengthening their critical thinking and problem-solving skills when they build with blocks and other materials in their efforts to build simple to more complex structures. But block play is just one example of how teachers and parents can introduce young children to STEM concepts. Many school districts and organizations are adding STEM activities to the early childhood curriculum due to the long-term positive benefits of the early introduction of STEM explorations in the young child’s life such as the Mattapan Family Service Center Head Start program in Massachusetts. For more information on incorporating STEM in the early childhood curriculum check out my STEM teacher training workshop for early childhood teachers here.

Science education in the U.S. is transforming with the development of the new K-12 science standards which emphasize critical, analytical thinking, and time management. The new science standards integrate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) content and thinking practices. Learning is in the students’ hands versus the traditional teacher led instruction seen in many science classrooms. For more details about the new K-12 Science Standards see the following articleby Kelly April Tyrrell in Delaware Online.