New STEAM Initiative Welcomes Two Early Childhood Education Centers

By Dan Shinneman

Congratulations to Kingswood Academy in Palm Springs and Treehouse Learning Center in Belle Glade on their participation in the IEECE’s new STEAM initiative!

The three-year commitment includes enrollment in two STEAM courses, being coached and mentored by the IEECE’s STEAM team, and experiencing STEAM Fairs that are held at each childcare center.

The first course taken is HEO0235 Integrating Investigation: STEAM and the Scientific Method in the Preschool Curriculum. This course builds a foundation for understanding STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) as a framework for teaching, and integrating STEAM content with everyday experiences in the classroom. The course encourages "teachable moments" using the Scientific Method, while incorporating CLASS Instructional Support Strategies. The learning focuses on questioning strategies, vocabulary enrichment, stimulating curiosity and supporting critical thinking.

The second course, HEO0239 Science by Design, focuses on color, light and physics. Teachers build their knowledge and vocabulary around these topics through activities, lesson examples, videos and discussions.

The IEECE STEAM team in collaboration with staff from the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium engage students in exciting STEAM learning.   
For more information about our STEAM initiative, call (561) 868-3608
or send an email to shinnemd@palmbeachstate.edu.

 

Early childhood educators engaged in the Science by Design
course held this past August.