1st Edition

STEM in Early Childhood Education How Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Strengthen Learning

Edited By Lynn E. Cohen, Sandra Waite-Stupiansky Copyright 2020
    244 Pages 35 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    244 Pages 35 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Bringing together a diverse cohort of experts, STEM in Early Childhood Education explores the ways STEM can be integrated into early childhood curricula, highlighting recent research and innovations in the field, and implications for both practice and policy.

    Based on the argument that high-quality STEM education needs to start early, this book emphasizes that early childhood education must include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in developmentally appropriate ways based on the latest research and theories. Experienced chapter authors address the theoretical underpinnings of teaching STEM in the early years, while contextualizing these ideas for the real world using illustrative examples from the classroom. This cutting-edge collection also looks beyond the classroom to how STEM learning can be facilitated in museums, nature-based learning outdoors, and after-school programs.

    STEM in Early Childhood Education is an excellent resource for aspiring and veteran educators alike, exploring the latest research, providing inspiration, and advancing best practices for teaching STEM in the early years.

    Section I: STEM in Early Childhood Environments

    1. Science in Early Learning Environments

    Karen Worth

    2. Technology and Young Children: Processes, Context, Research, and Practice

    Lynn C. Hartle

    3. Engineering in Early Learning Environments

    Demetra Evangelou & Aikaterini Bagiati

    4. Mathematics in Early Learning Environments

    Douglas H. Clements and Julie Sarama

    Section II: STEM and Higher Order Thinking Skills

    5. Designing an Assessment of Computational Thinking Abilities for Young Children

    Emily Relkin & Marina Umaschi Bers

    6. Engaging Young Children in Engineering Design: Encouraging them to Think, Create, Try and Try Again

    Pamela S. Lottero-Perdue

    7. Tinkering/Making: Playful Roots of Interest in STEM

    Olga S. Jarrett & Aliya Jafre

    Section III: STEM Beyond the Classroom

    8. Early STEM Experiences in Museums

    Gina Navoa Svarovsky

    9. BlockspotĀ®: A Supportive STEM Learning Community

    Janet Emmons & Lynn E. Cohen

    10. STEM in Outdoor Learning: Rooted in Nature

    Monica Wiedel-Lubinski

    Biography

    Lynn E. Cohen is Professor at Long Island University, USA.

    Sandra Waite-Stupiansky is Professor Emerita at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, USA.