Science
Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science.
- Edwin P. Hubble, Astronomer (1889-1953)
Hubble reminds us that structured experiment is just one mode of scientific discovery. Careful observation and joyous exploration is just as important for discovery and comprehension.
Good tools can encourage a variety of modes of observation:
- Magnifying glasses
- Telescopes,
- Microscopes
- Window boxes or cases.
And to measure and record:
- Measuring tape
- Timers
- Rulers
Technology
Something does not have to have a screen, lights or even be powered by electricity to be technology. It doesn’t even have to be new.
Technology encompasses tools and how to use them well to accomplish a purpose or to make something. By the time the time our children are in the work world powered technology, computer systems, operating systems will probably be completely different from what we use today.
Levers, incline planes, wings, projectiles, structures etc. etc. powered by water, air… a child’s energy and boundless imagination – these are the technologies that are always in every aspect of human life.
Engineering
Plan, build or make, try, fix, try again.
That’s the essence of engineering. Lots of opportunities to try build and shape but plenty of ways to try again too when things don’t work out the way we’d hoped.
Art
"I am enough of the artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
Albert Einstein
Adding an element of artistic expression and interaction can make science, technology, engineering or math learning sticky.
- A story can be a great prompt or encourage children to create their own stories or dramatic play in their STEM learning
- Adding paint, or other decorative elements to a structure, machine or tool to connect it to a narrative
- Use arts and crafts elements or engaging loose parts to explore numeracy
- Mixing colours to make your own unique hues
The possibilities are endless. And often if you just create the circumstances, in a practicable environment with a variety of the right materials, your children will discover infinite connections.
Math
The early years are a wonderful time to be leading children in math discovery.
- Using shapes to build other shapes
- Estimating distances before making things fly, roll, slide or drop
- Counting, grouping combining and repeating numbers and series
- Creating patterns with pictures or objects
- Measuring distance, time, power and mass
- Representing and abstracting numbers and operations with a variety of objects
