My students need hands-on STEM materials to provide them opportunities to build on mathematical and science concepts while learning through play and exploration!
I teach preschool in a rural, northeast Iowa school. My students are 4 and 5 and have a wide range of abilities and needs. They are very active as young children should be and enjoy hands on learning especially science activities. Many of my students learn best from manipulating or playing with an object allowing them to explore and become engaged with trial and error.
My students are energetic and eager to learn new topics especially in ways that allow exploration!
My students come from a variety of background and our needs continue to grow. Preschool is the first opportunity for my students to gain background knowledge on many concepts including math and science and hands on activities are by far the best way for them to learn!
My Project
Everywhere we go we continue to hear about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)! STEM allows students the opportunity to explore cause and effect within building as well as creativity in play! I have been researching STEM and STEAM in my personal professional development and love incorporating new ideas and activities into my center times and small groups.
Hands on learning is best for Early Childhood Education and these activities will provide that opportunity while having fun!
I am requesting a Design and Build Engineering Centers kit that will allow kids to build a bridge, vehicle or house and practice their engineering skills. A create a path magnetic center with stand up board is also included which provides students the challenges to create pathways, work on problem solving skills and experiment with magnets . The final materials is a STEM built waterway which will help bring STEM outdoors. Students can experiment with the flow of water, buoyancy and again problem solving skills. All of these materials promote STEM while giving my students the chance to explore and work cooperatively together!
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