Why Science in Preschool?

     Young children are natural Scientists!  Science in early childhood is so unique in that it provides a rich context for development in all other main areas which young children need to learn and grow:

 

• Math – counting, measuring, patterns, graphs, comparing/contrasting

• Language and Literacy – letter recognition and practice, following multi-step directions, building vocabulary, singing songs, importance of books, writing

• Communication skills – communicating ideas, experiences, feelings, questions, recording observations and explanations

• Social skills – science is a social activity – interaction and cooperation with friends, exchanging ideas, collaboration on projects

• Art - art is integral to all these subject areas, and an absolutely essential tool for early childhood development

• Creativity

• Large and small muscle control – art materials (pens/markers/art media), manipulatives, using the varieties of tools we use to do science

 

 

                                                                                                   

                                                                                            

 

 

     Preschool is the perfect time to develop Science skills!

 

     In today’s world, children’s opportunity to do science is often limited – too often it might be passive or secondhand with screens or games; or modern technology has hidden where things (ie. food) actually comes from or how or, how something might work inside when all they need to do is push a button.  Some tools of science may be available to them, but the opportunity for rich concept building may be lost in the shuffle as their interest moves from item to item. 

 

     At S.T.E.M. Sprouts, we go through the stages needed to have the concepts internalized.  We will always debrief together on what we’re doing and experiencing because that brings the science concepts into a memorable experience and reality. 

 

S.T.E.M. explorations through Science fosters:

 

• Critical thinking

• Problem solving

• Creativity

• Collaboration

• Communication