Description
Book SynopsisDrawing from a professional development model that was developed with funding from the National Science Foundation, this book is an essential resource for anyone who wants to support preschool children to be STEM thinkers and doers. The text features research-based resources, examples of field-tested activities, and highlights from the classroom.
Table of Contents
- Contents
- ForewordBetty Zan ix
- Acknowledgments xiii
- Part I: Introduction and Background
- 1. What Is STEM and Why Teach It in Preschool? 1
- Why This Book? 1
- What Is STEM? 3
- What Are the Standards for STEM? 5
- Why Teach STEM in Preschool? 6
- Why Include Specific Supports for Differentiation? 7
- How Will This Book Help Improve Our Teaching? 8
- Conclusion 9
- 2. Teaching Strategies 1
- Overview 11
- Reflecting on Our Own Experiences with STEM Teaching 12
- Strategies for Teaching Preschool STEM 14
- What Happens—Reports from the Classroom 28
- Conclusion 29
- Part II: Teaching STEM
- 3. Science 33
- What Is Science in Preschool? 33
- What Is the Content of Science? 34
- What Are Scientific Inquiry and Science Practices? 36
- Big Ideas for Supporting Science Learners 37
- Try It Out! 42
- Spotlight on Practice 47
- Explore More 48
- Bringing It Home . . . and Back 50
- More Great STEM Stuff 50
- 4. Technology 53
- So How Do We Define Technology? 54
- Technology As a Progression 55
- Big Ideas for Supporting Technology Learners 55
- Try It Out! 58
- Spotlight on Practice 64
- Explore More 68
- Bringing it Home . . . and Back 69
- More Great STEM Stuff 69
- 5. Engineering 71
- What Is Engineering in Preschool? 71
- What Is the Content of Engineering? 71
- What Is the Engineering Design Process? 74
- Big Ideas for Supporting Engineering Learners 76
- Try It Out! 78
- Spotlight on Practice 84
- Explore More 86
- Bringing it Home . . . and Back 86
- More Great STEM Stuff 87
- 6. Math 89
- What Is Math in Preschool? 89
- What Is the Content of Math? 91
- What Are Math Processes? 94
- How Does Math Develop in Young Children? 94
- Big Ideas for Supporting Math Learners 95
- Try It Out! 103
- Spotlight on Practice 108
- Explore More 110
- Bringing it Home . . . and Back 110
- More Great STEM Stuff 111
- Appendix: Example Materials That Promote STEM Learning Across Preschool Classroom Areas 113
- References 117
- Index 121
- About the Authors 127
