The practice of questioning and trying new experiences lays the foundation for learning in early childhood and continues throughout children’s lives.
“Young children are naturally curious to explore the world around them,” St Catherine’s School head of early learning Sarah Bethune said.
“When our young learners explore their surroundings in a hands-on manner it ignites questions and a desire to investigate.
“STEM is the exploration of the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“These areas of learning are incorporated into our early learning program and provide opportunities for our young learners to satisfy their natural curiosities.”
Ms Bethune explained that opportunities for children to engage in STEM learning occured in both planned and naturally-occurring ways, including:
The discovery of a butterfly can lead to a conversation and investigation into life cycles;
A collaborative block building session becomes an engineering exercise as the children problem-solve the height, weight, angles, and balance of their building;
An interest in the prehistoric world can be explored through research on the iPad; and
Play with natural materials and loose parts leads to a mathematical experience in counting, sorting, and classification.
Intentional STEM experiences planned by the school’s expert early learning educators include:
Connection to the junior School STEM Lab and resources including coding Bee-bots,
electrical circuits, virtual reality, construction, engineering, and sustainability;
When undertaking an inquiry into volcanoes, educators might plan a science experiment for the children to learn and experience how a volcano erupts; and
An investigation into the elements of winter might involve the children experimenting with melting ice and learning about liquids and solids.
Opportunities for digital research are facilitated by educators and linked directly to the children’s current investigations.
“Through STEM, the children’s observations, explorations, investigations, experimentations, and play are enhanced,” Ms Bethune said.
“The children are naturally curious and amazed by the discoveries they make.
“This sparks a genuine love for learning that continues with them as they progress through their school life.”
To discover more about the St Catherine’s early learning centre, visit www.stcatherines.net.au.
