Technology, blessing or curse?
Technology makes our lives easier but the convenience can come at a cost. How can you encourage the children to ask critical questions about using technologies in daily routines?
Reflect
Below we share our thoughts on pedagogy and inquiry-based STEM learning. Join us in investigating questions like: How can I provide good mathematical learning when my own experience of the subject in school was so negative? Or how does STEM help to grow children’s self-confidence?
If you are interested in more in-depth discussions of a variety of topics relating to early childhood education, have a look at our upcoming STEM Hour webinars.
Egg challenge
Training Manager Heike tells us why the egg challenge is one of her favourite engineering experiences. She loves observing children the moment the egg hits the ground. Did it survive?
You and I
Children can learn about self-awareness and awareness of others in a STEM context. We can use STEM is a tool to explore every aspect of life and make sense of the world.
Water bottle wind spirals
Making wind spirals could lead to STEM inquiry: What could children be pondering when watching the spirals spin in the wind? What questions could spark children’s interest in air?
Describing observations
Describing is a good way to increase vocabulary and improve observational skills. How do you get started? If you ask a child to describe what she sees, she may think it’s obvious.
Hedgehogs and autumn leaves
Collecting autumn leaves to create a hedgehog picture? Creating snowman craft around Christmas time? Some activities may not be suited to Australian seasons and environment.
Science: Stating the obvious
Discussion of the why is often the step that people skip, rushing on to the next experiment, looking for the next big explosion, what happens when, … but not getting to or staying with the ‘why does it happen?’ That’s the crucial bit.