STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Young children are curious by nature and exploring these lofty concepts during play in preschool builds a strong foundation for future learning.
~Science includes investigation, observations, answering questions and experimentation.
~Technology includes tools as simple as rulers and magnifying glasses as well as complex ones like microscopes and balance scales.
~Engineering includes problem solving, inventing and testing solutions.
~Arts encourage children to create, craft, design and express.
~Mathematics include patterns, shapes, spatial organization, numerals, counting and volume.
It may be hard to believe, but simply engaging in STEAM activities as a young child paves the way for transferring such skills to future learning and can even open career doors down the road. Asking questions such as “Why do you think…?” or “What do you notice?” in daily life, sparks the critical thinking necessary for STEAM methodology.