Happy STEM/STEAM Day!
November 8 is National STEM/STEAM Day, but at Apple, STEM/STEAM is on our minds all year long!
Originally STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) and now STEAM (Science, Technology, Art, Engineering, & Math), this nationwide movement took off in the early 2000s with the goal of boosting student interest and outcomes in these key areas and to better prepare them for later schooling and eventual place in the workforce.
From science experiments and lessons on art and artists to Cubetto, a computerized robot that teaches the principles of coding, STEAM is thoughtfully embedded into the Apple curriculum and taught in a practical, hands-on way that makes learning fun. We believe exposure to STEAM subjects should begin before elementary school. Our teachers ensure students of all ages are given opportunities to explore each STEAM area in a Montessori manner, beginning as early as our infant program!
Here is a glimpse into each area:
Science
Learning to love science begins with exploring the natural world, and this kind of curiosity is something children are already good at! By guiding their curiosity, we help them learn about the way the world around them works. Two examples are Physical Science, exploring the properties of objects and materials (such as the difference between warm and cold water, a soft and rough surface, spheres and squares, and various colors) and Natural Science, discovering the outdoor world and the living things that are part of it through nature walks and collecting items to observe in the classroom.
Technology
When we hear "technology," we may think of smartphones, computers, and complex machines. But technology really encompasses all the tools we create to make our lives easier. For children, that includes scissors, paper, crayons, play-dough, and blocks. We show them how they can achieve various small tasks by making use of these and other tools.
Engineering
Engineering is all about overcoming challenges by identifying problems, designing solutions, and testing them out. At its core, engineering is all about cause and effect, and we teach children about this concept through games and activities in the classroom.
Art
Art education is a great way to promote the creative and expansive thinking needed to come up with imaginative tasks and solutions. We provide our students with ample opportunities to practice their artistic skills and express themselves. Our classrooms, for example, all have an art easel available for any child who wants to get colorful and channel their inner Van Gogh.
Mathematics
So many adults have less than fond memories of learning math. Often, that's because they were introduced to complex and abstract concepts without first exploring them in a more intuitive way. Instead of jumping off the deep end, our students learn about mathematical concepts through simple, concrete, hands-on activities that involve sorting, matching, recognizing and creating patterns, and differentiating by properties such as size. Classic Montessori materials like the brown stair and pink tower as well as spindle boxes and golden beads teach children basic math principles while also emphasizing decision-making and confidence.
STEAM is the cornerstone of a quality education, and it is the best preparation to face a rapidly changing and increasingly technological world. So, why put it off? Giving young children a foundation in these important subjects is the best way to prepare them for the education they’ll be getting in the coming years.
Are you looking for ways to continue this work at home? Here’s how you can do it!
- Most of our monthly science experiments can be done at home and are easily accessible online. Reach out if you need inspiration!
- Websites like Pinterest have thousands of examples of at-home projects to nurture curiosity in your child.
- Activities many children already love, like LEGO building, are great for practicing engineering principles while encouraging following directions and creativity simultaneously.
Read more about STEAM at Apple here. Happy STEAM Day!
