Taking STEM to STEAM in the Pre-K ClassroomMegan OteriIndependent Educational Consultant

Agenda

Introductory

STEAM Activities

What is STEM/ST

EAM?

Sprout Curriculu

m Hands-on Activities

Introductory ActivitiesLEGO StoryStarter Builds

Create a LEGO build about you.Create a LEGO build of your ideal pre-K classroom.

Write down what you think STEM and STEAM is.

STEM vs STEAMSTEM STEAM

Science Science

Technology Technology

Engineering Engineering

Math Arts

Math

STEMSTEM is an acronym.It was used originally by the US government to describe fields of study that helped immigrants get work visas.When we break down the acronym, we realize early childhood programs practice STEM activities every day.Think of what you did this week in your classroom? Was it STEM/STEAM?

Science and TechnologyScience is a way of thinking. Science is observing and experimenting, making predictions, sharing discoveries, asking questions, and wondering how things work.

Technology is a way of doing. Technology is using tools, being inventive, identifying problems, and making things work.

Engineering and MathEngineering is a way of doing. Engineering is solving problems, using a variety of materials, designing and creating, and building things that work.Math is a way of measuring. Math is sequencing (1, 2, 3, 4…), patterning (1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2…), and exploring shapes (triangle, square, circle), volume (holds more or less), and size (bigger, less than).

Bringing the Arts into STEM

ArtsSTEAM Video

As Preschool Educators…

You can (and do) expand kids’ science learning and lead them toward discovery by encouraging their natural curiosity.This happens when they play with water, shadows, or sand. Many of you have gardens at your site, these are STEM activities.Asking the right questions – asking open-ended questions is another way. These are all STEM activities. Ask what questions as opposed to why.

ActivityWater Cycle in a BagGreat video on Water Cycle in a Bag (this link is on the hand-out in your folder)https://youtu.be/4WQBtAJxMbYLet’s observe our experiments at the end of the workshop.

Water Cycle in a BagDraw a sun, waves, and clouds on a ziploc bag with a black SharpiePour ¼ cup of water in the measuring cupPut 3 – 4 drops of blue food coloring into the measuring cupPour the blue water into the ziploc bagSealTape to windowObserve over the week in your classroom

STEM ActivityFireworks in a Jar

Fireworks in a Jar Directions

Lesson plan in folder

STEM to STEAMDo a dance interpretation of your observations of how the colors moved (“danced”) in the waterCreate a water color painting interpretationOther ideas – share with group

STEM Sprouts Curriculum

Great resourceLessons already thereMany ideas to expand on

ScienceActivity 1 – Float or Sink

Activity 2 – Floating and Boating

Water Cycle in a BagInsert YouTube video of Water Cycle in a Bag

STEM ActivityFloat or Sink ActivitySuggestions: Pair a story with it – have students narrate the story of the object

TechnologyIn preK, technology is tools like scissors and glue sticksActivity

EngineeringActivity – Marshmallow tower