Courtesy of the Kiddie Academy
Experts agree that science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills are required to excel in our increasingly automated and globally connected world. In addition, the early childhood years from birth to age 5 are the most critical point in neurological or brain development. That’s why Kiddie Academy makes STEM an essential part of its Life Essentials curriculum.
During the play-based lessons, students learn to explore and ask questions, work together, think creatively, solve problems, and find new ways of doing things. While that might sound similar to what kids do naturally every day, preschool is the perfect time to begin STEM-based learning.
Kiddie Academy's approach is to provide young learners with multiple ways to explore, using hands-on experiences that are age-appropriate and match their interests. Using games, stories, and a variety of simple research methods, children develop and test theories inside and outside the classroom. As an added benefit, the problem-solving, collaboration, and independent learning that’s built into STEM lessons build a strong foundation for language, literacy, social development, and many more key life skills.
Want to experience how much fun STEM can be? Here are three simple experiments that you can try with your child.
1. Charge it up. Your child can demonstrate how static electricity works by rubbing an inflated balloon over their hair. Then, hold the balloon over a few bits of torn-up tissue placed on a smooth table. With enough static charge, the tissue will jump off the surface and on to the balloon. Ask follow-up questions about your experiment. For example, what other things can be lifted with static electricity? Does the amount of time you rub the balloon impact how many pieces of tissue it can attract?
2. Secret message. Write a message using a cotton swab and lemon juice on plain paper. At first, it will seem to be invisible. Apply mild heat from a hair dryer to reveal the hidden note. Ask your child, "Why does this work? How could this type of coded message be helpful? Do other juices react the same way?" Do some investigating together with your child to find the answers.
3. Is it still frozen? Even ice cubes can provide opportunities for creative exploration. Place one ice cube in four separate shallow plastic containers. Position them in a variety of locations around the house, and check on them every 15 minutes. Make notes of what you observe at each check-in, and predict what might happen at the next. Summarize your results, and make a chart to show which melted fastest. Brainstorm together to create theories about your findings.
If you want to introduce your child to even more STEM education, attend free STEM Adventure events at Kiddie Academy. At these free open house events, you can see how Kiddie Academy teachers go beyond basic activities by questioning and encouraging children to independently explore, discover, manipulate, and experiment. Click here to register.
Kiddie Academy of O'Fallon
Saturday, January 25 | 10 a.m.—noon
4088 Winghaven, 636-265-3444
Kiddie Academy of Des Peres
Saturday, February 22 | 10 a.m.—noon
13133 Manchester, 314-394-2800
Kiddie Academy of Chesterfield
Saturday, February 22 | 10 a.m.—noon
196 Hilltown Village Center, 636-778-4888
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Kiddie Academy in Des Peres, Chesterfield, and O'Fallon. Learn more about Kiddie Academy’s STEM education by scheduling a tour.
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