Preschool STEM and the Engineering Process

S.T.E.M. stands for science, technology, engineering and math. There is an increase need for these skills in today's and future job markets, which is one of the reasons why preschool STEM is important. It helps kids develop critical thinking skills, problem solving, while teaching them the foundations of math and science. In a classroom setting, STEM learning is in the form of science experiments, utilizing tools and or engineering with blocks or other constructive items. So, what does the engineering process look like? Today, I am going to share the process of engineering that we teach our students. These steps can be easily turned into a fun engineering project at home that will allow your child to explore their natural curiosity and innovative imagination.

Ask a question: This first step is about identifying a problem. For an example, our students read the nursery rhyme Little Bo Peep. The question we asked of them was "What can we build Little Bo Peep to help her find her sheep?"

Imagine: Once the question is asked, students imagine what the solution will be. We talked about the limited view one has while standing on the ground. However, if a person is in a higher place, such as a tower or an airplane, they can see more and observe areas that are further away. Perhaps Little Bo Peep will benefit from being in a higher place.

Plan: Students planned to build a tower for Little Po Beep to stand on. They planned their design by determining what it would look like, how it would work and what materials were needed to build it. They drew a picture of what their tower would look like and were able to utilize Items such as blocks, nature items or recyclables. It's all about innovation and allowing the child to utilize what is available to them.

Create/Test: The children put their engineering skills to work and began putting together their creative idea. Upon completion, it is important that the child test their product to see if it works.

Improve: Children learn the value of going over their creation and making improvements on it. Even if what they have constructed works just fine, there is always a way to enhance, or make it even better.

Bonus: Tinker Box - Create a tinker box for your child to tinker with. It can be as simple as a cardboard box filled with recyclables, blocks and other age appropriate items. Tinkering is foundational for more complex engineering, and technology. Your child will develop fine motor skills, while building confidence and exploring the physical properties of things.