STEM/STEAM Learning

STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics

STEAM learning preps for school readiness, but it also prevents obstacles like behavioral issues, teacher burnout, curriculum overload, and achievement gaps. ECS Head Start uses a hands-on STEAM curriculum to build critical thinking, engage multiple facets of the mind, engage in bi-lingual learning, and, overall, prepare children for success.

ECS Head Start and Early Head Start use the Frog Street curriculum, bringing STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics — into ECS classrooms.

STEAM learning happens as children explore, play, and try new things. Investigating the world around them, they experiment with new skills and theories, learning to recognize problems and solve them creatively.

Benefits of SteAM LEARNING

According to DaycareIn Resource Library, early exposure to STEAM learning supports development in science and math and also enhances language and literacy skills. However, less than 5% of time in early childhood classrooms is spent on STEM learning activities. In Head Start, many children depend on the program to get ahead in their education and close achievement gaps, making the presence of STEAM learning even more crucial.

According to the Head Start Performance Standards, integrating STEM/STEAM into preschool curricula helps children develop foundational skills that support cognitive growth, enhance problem-solving abilities, and ultimately contribute to closing achievement gaps and improving academic performance.

The Frog Street curriculum helps children develop key skills such as Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Collaboration, and Resilience. Skills like these set a strong foundation for academic achievement, as well as navigating everyday challenges.

Engineering Design Process

STEAM uses the “engineering design process”; each week students are presented with a problem to solve using five steps:

  1. Think through a problem

  2. Plan possible solutions

  3. Design and create the best solution

  4. Test the design

  5. Share the results

As the week goes on, children rotate through the STEAM center to work independently or in a small group to solve the problem using the engineering design process. On the final day of the week, the class comes together to share their discoveries.

Head Start/STEAM

(Ages 3-5)

Example Activities:

  • Coding Toys - learning about computer coding

  • Shape of Our HeARTs - creating 3D artwork with various materials

  • LEGO Volcano - learning about chemistry and the scientific process

Early Head Start/STEM

(Ages Birth to 3)

Example Activities:

  • Flashlights & Foil - learning about light

  • Favorite Foods - learning about observing and shopping

  • Messy Play - learning about materials and their properties