Sensory Stem: Hands-On Learning for Little Scientists
Help me give my students the experience of tactile and sensory learning through the use of a sensory table.
$512 goal
This project expired on July 5, 2024.
This project expired on July 5, 2024.
My Project
In the realm of early childhood education, there has been a growing emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. This approach seeks to instill curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a strong foundation in scientific thinking from an early age. One particularly effective tool for this purpose is the sensory table.
A sensory table is a versatile and engaging learning tool that fosters hands-on exploration and discovery.
Filled with materials like water, sand, rice, or beans, it provides children with a rich sensory experience that engages multiple senses simultaneously. Sensory tables also encourage open-ended play, allowing children to manipulate the materials in various ways, fostering creativity and imagination. A sensory table can be a catalyst for scientific inquiry. By providing children with the opportunity to observe and interact with different materials, they are encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, and test their hypotheses. Children can experiment with sinking and floating objects in water, or they can investigate how different textures affect the flow of sand or rice. The open-ended nature of sensory play encourages children to think critically and problem-solve. They must use their observation skills to explore cause-and-effect relationships and develop solutions to challenges they encounter.
Sensory tables can also promote collaboration and communication among children. As they explore and play together, they learn to share materials, negotiate roles, and express their ideas and observations to others. This social interaction is essential for developing interpersonal skills and understanding different perspectives. Sensory tables are a valuable tool for promoting STEM learning in early childhood education. They provide children with a rich sensory experience that stimulates scientific inquiry, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. By incorporating sensory tables into STEM classrooms, educators can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
150 students impacted
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Sensory Match Seashells
• Lakeshore Learning Materials
$36.99
1
$36.99
Lakeshore Touch & Match Guessing Game
• Lakeshore Learning Materials
$32.99
1
$32.99
Educational Insights Playfoam Pluffle for Sensory Bins 4-Pack Green, Pink, Yellow & Purple, Ages 3+
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$31.99
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Lakeshore Find the Letter Activity Center
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$27.99
1
$27.99
Crayola Silly Scents Play Sand | 60x1oz Tubs | 6 Bright Colors and Scents | Party Favors for Kids Goodie Bags, Classroom Prizes, Sensory Bin Toys, Holiday Gift Bags, and Kids Christmas Gifts
• Amazon Business
$25.00
1
$25.00
JOYIN 69Pcs Small Animal Figures, Assorted Mini Plastic Animal Toy (Ocean, Zoo, Farm, Dinosaur, Insect), Realistic Tiny Little Animals for Sensory Bin, Christmas Birthday Gifts, Toddler 1-3, Kid 3-5
• Amazon Business
$23.79
1
$23.79
MONT PLEASANT Sensory Bin Toys for Toddlers Montessori Toys, Waldorf Toys, Pretend Play Dish and Tongs- Fine Motor Learning Toys for Sensory Table Activities
• Amazon Business
$19.99
1
$19.99
76 Pack Mini Plastic Bug Set, Realistic Insects Toy for Child, Fake Bugs Figure for Kid, Toddler, Insect Themed Party Favors Gift, Cupcake Topper, Education School Classroom reward, Sensory Bin Filler
• Amazon Business
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