Center for Early Learning’s STEAM Parent Night
By Kat Lai
Parents and children alike had a fabulous time investigating, exploring, discovering, learning, and laughing at the Center for Early Learning’s STEAM Parent Night.
The event encouraged parents to learn about the wonderful world of early childhood science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) activities.
After participating in a 3 year-long STEAM program, funded by PNC Grow Up Great, the teachers at the Center for Early Learning bring a dedication to helping young children develop excitement about and interest in STEAM.
The event gave teachers an opportunity to show parents first-hand how powerful it is to stimulate children’s excitement, enhance their curiosity and wonder, and inspire them to become the inventors and innovators of tomorrow.
During the event, children explored chemistry by investigating the effects of AlkaSeltzer on water and food coloring. They invented a machine using a variety of common objects like light switches. Parents and children were delighted to investigate different wavelengths of light, and explore light and shadow at a glow party.
Children built with blocks and experimented with the effects of force and motion with a pendulum. They also engineered a musical instrument with PVC pipes.
These experiences are fun and exciting, engaging and intriguing to young minds. When children are interested and engaged, investigating and exploring, they are thinking and learning.
Encouraging that excitement is a powerful way for young children to begin to develop the thinking skills necessary to excel in the STEAM fields. Experiences like this build a solid foundation of understanding that will help children understand the world around them. Also, fun is a wonderful thing…at any age!
