Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
STEM is all about the four key learning areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It is about equipping children with the skills needed to thrive in these areas, which are more important in today's world than ever before. STEM applications impact on almost every industry you can think of; most jobs in the world require some sort of STEM skillset, which is why it is critical we provide our children with the knowledge, understanding and ways-of-thinking required to ensure they become innovative, capable STEM thinkers.
Dr Pauline Roberts, of the Centre for Research in Early Childhood (Edith Cowan University), in a presentation for Early Childhood Australia, reminds us why STEM is so relevant to the early learning years:
- Because in the early years education, the focus is on the whole child.
- Because hands-on learning is the focus at this age.
- Because positive dispositions are what we develop at this age; children in the early years develop long-term habits of learning.
Check out her full presentation here: http://www.ecaconference.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Roberts_P_STEM.pdf
The Australian Government's Department of Education and Training is doing lots in the STEM space. Visit here for more information: https://www.education.gov.au/nisa-early-learning-initiatives