[EarlyChildhoodEducation] What are the special STEM courses for kindergartens?
To understand what a kindergarten specialty STEM curriculum is, you must first know what STEM is. STEM is a discipline that includes Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It should be understood as a comprehensive application ability. In the past decade or so, STEM has become a hot topic in the education sector. In recent years, it has been added to Art A (ART) and Reading R (READING), turning STEM into STEAM and STREAM, and its development seems to be more comprehensive.
Can kindergartens implement STEM courses?
Sure! The Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Inclusive Education) offered by HKCT adds the content of kindergarten-specific STEM courses to the curriculum, allowing students to understand that the purpose of kindergarten STEM courses is to experience the relationship between science, technology, and people through daily life, and to cultivate children scientific literacy. Although young children aged 3-6 years old have limited knowledge, they can cultivate the concepts and spirit of STEM by participating in various activities. For example, through project study activities, children can solve problems according to scientific research steps. They can choose topics of interest to explore and research, from proposing hypotheses and collecting information to summarizing results, and finally building an understanding of the knowledge they have learned. This kind of activity not only cultivates children's scientific literacy but also demonstrates their comprehensive application abilities.
Promote specialty STEM courses in kindergartens
The priority of implementing STEM courses in kindergartens is "age-appropriate, appropriate amount, and appropriateness." The so-called "age-appropriate, appropriate amount and moderate" STEM curriculum concept with kindergarten characteristics is to focus on children aged 3-6 years old and design courses according to their age development needs and interests. Not only does this not conflict with the "nature and life" in Hong Kong's kindergarten curriculum guidelines, it complements each other and can even produce a synergistic effect. A STEM curriculum with kindergarten characteristics should include the following three elements: "Exploratory Learning Activities", "Free Construction and Free Play" and "Scientific Cognitive Experiments". (Ng Po Chu, 2021)
Exploratory Learning Activities
From kindergarten to senior classes, children can best apply and apply the spirit of STEM when conducting "exploration-based learning activities". Because young children usually need to use scientific research procedures to solve problems. Children can choose topics they are interested in to explore and research. From jointly determining research topics, to proposing hypotheses, collecting data, verifying hypotheses, drawing conclusions, and then applying the knowledge they have learned to practice and sharing it with others, children need to Use scientific procedures. Collecting information, testing hypotheses, and drawing conclusions also require a high degree of reading and analysis skills. In the process of knowledge construction, the ability to innovate also plays an important role. These are all manifestations of comprehensive application capabilities.
Free Construction and Free Play
"Free Construction and Free Play " means giving children enough time and space to play and explore independently in daily activities in kindergarten. This environment of free play and independent exploration can cultivate young children's creativity, problem-solving and cooperation skills, while also stimulating their interest and curiosity in STEM. In this process, the teacher's role is to provide appropriate materials and resources and to give appropriate guidance and support to young children, rather than excessive intervention and guidance. These activities can start and end anytime, without time and space restrictions.
Scientific Cognitive Experiments
"Scientific Cognition Experiments" refer to some simple and interesting scientific experiments conducted in kindergartens to help children understand simple scientific phenomena and understand the basic concepts and principles of science. These experiments can involve the floating and sinking of objects, changes in water, the role of force, etc. By personally participating in experiments, children can experience the fun and wonder of science, and at the same time develop their observation, reasoning and explanation abilities.
In summary, when implementing STEM in kindergartens, it is necessary to consider the age characteristics and development needs of children and design courses and activities suitable for them. Kindergarten specialty STEM courses should be an environment full of exploration and games. In the process of children's independent play and independent exploration, they can cultivate their comprehensive application ability and scientific cognitive ability. At the same time, the role of teachers is to provide appropriate guidance and support, create a rich learning environment, and stimulate children's interest and curiosity in STEM.
HKCT Early Childhood Education related programmes:
Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Inclusive Education) (Full-time)
Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Inclusive Education) (Part-time)
Diploma of Applied Education (Early Childhood Education)
