Curiosity fuels children between the ages of 3 and 5. They are just becoming independent enough to explore their surroundings, and they have the most inquisitive minds during this pivotal stage of development. For many, their favourite question is, “Why?”
As a result, this is the perfect time to introduce preschoolers to STEM learning. Not only will STEM activities satisfy their curiosity, but these experiences will also help them start developing the critical 21st-century skills they will need to rely on throughout their lives.
What Is STEM?
STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and it has become increasingly important at every stage of education. The goal of STEM education is to provide young learners with the skills they need to prepare for a modern economy, which is heavily dependent on innovation and technological advancements. By participating in STEM learning activities, young children can begin to develop the foundational skills needed to think creatively and solve complex problems.
The Importance of a STEM Education in Early Childhood
At its core, science is all about curiosity — and children are born with an unrivalled sense of curiosity that should be nourished rather than stunted. Including STEM learning activities is vitally important in early childhood classrooms because:
- These activities allow kids to see the scientific process in action. They observe, hypothesise and see immediate results that help them make vital and lasting connections.
- They allow children to explore topics that interest them, giving them an opportunity to personalise their learning experiences and discover their passions.
- They help young learners become confident in the classroom.
- These activities promote the development of critical 21st-century skills, such as creative thinking, critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving and reasoning.
- STEM activities often involve hands-on learning, which can promote the development of both fine and gross motor skills.
Ultimately, STEM activities for kids support academic growth, development and success over time.
Perfect STEM Activities for Preschoolers
For preschoolers at home, these are a few STEM learning activities that are not only fun but also promote critical skill development:
Make Marshmallows and Toothpick Buildings
With this fun, hands-on STEM activity for kids, your little engineer will explore structural design and stability principles while having a blast. They will create a marshmallow and toothpick building, encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills.
Materials Needed
- A bag of mini marshmallows
- A box of toothpicks
Steps
- Encourage your child to brainstorm different building designs.
- Let them experiment with connecting marshmallows using toothpicks.
- Guide them in creating a stable base for their building.
- Encourage them to add height and complexity to their structure.
- Discuss challenges and successes they encounter during the building process.
Educational Outcomes
This STEM project for kids enhances:
- Fine motor skills
- Structural engineering concepts
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Creativity and imagination
- Spatial reasoning
Plant Seeds Together
This simple yet impactful STEM activity lets preschoolers witness the magic of life as they nurture seeds into plants. They will learn about plant growth, the importance of sunlight and water, and develop a sense of responsibility for their little green friend.
Materials Needed
- Clear plastic cups
- Potting soil
- Grass seeds (or any fast-growing seeds)
- Watering can
Steps
- Help your child fill the cups with potting soil.
- Let them sprinkle the seeds evenly over the soil.
- Place the cups in a sunny spot.
- Encourage your child to water the seeds daily and observe the changes.
- Discuss the different stages of plant growth as the seeds sprout and develop.
Educational Outcomes
This STEM learning activity enhances:
- Fine motor skills
- Structural engineering concepts
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Creativity and imagination
- Spatial reasoning
Take a Hike Along a Nature Trail
This outdoor STEM activity for kids is a wonderful way to connect with nature and spark curiosity. While exploring a nature trail, your child will encounter various plants and animals, fostering a love for the natural world and igniting a passion for STEM learning.
Materials Needed
- Comfortable shoes
- Water bottle
- Magnifying glass (optional)
Steps
- Choose a child-friendly nature trail.
- Let your child lead the way and explore at their own pace.
- Point out interesting plants, insects, and animals.
- Encourage them to touch, smell, and observe the natural surroundings.
- Answer their questions and share interesting facts about nature.
Educational Outcomes
This STEM project for kids encourages:
- Observation and exploration skills
- Environmental awareness
- Appreciation for biodiversity
- Physical activity and healthy habits
- Curiosity and a love for nature
Create a Pom-Pom Chute
This exciting STEM activity lets your kid design and build a pom-pom chute, introducing them to basic engineering concepts. They will explore gravity, momentum, and incline while having fun watching pom-poms roll down their creation.
Materials Needed
- Empty toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls
- Cardboard or construction paper
- Tape
- Colourful pom-poms
Steps
- Help your child connect the toilet paper rolls to create a chute.
- Secure the chute to a cardboard or construction paper base using tape.
- Let them experiment with different angles and heights for the chute.
- Encourage them to decorate the chute with markers or stickers.
- Have fun rolling pom-poms down the chute and observing how they move.
Educational Outcomes
This STEM-for-kids project promotes:
- Fine motor skills
- Engineering design principles
- Understanding of gravity and momentum
- Creativity and problem-solving
- Trial-and-error learning
Play the Float or Sink Guessing Game
Transform bath time or playtime into a science experiment with this fun and educational STEM learning activity. Your child will make predictions, test their hypotheses, and learn about buoyancy and density in a playful way.
Materials Needed
- Empty toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls
- Cardboard or construction paper
- Tape
- Colourful pom-poms
Steps
- Help your child connect the toilet paper rolls to create a chute.
- Secure the chute to a cardboard or construction paper base using tape.
- Let them experiment with different angles and heights for the chute.
- Encourage them to decorate the chute with markers or stickers.
- Have fun rolling pom-poms down the chute and observing how they move.
Educational Outcomes
This STEM activity for preschoolers promotes:
- Fine motor skills
- Engineering design principles
- Understanding of gravity and momentum
- Creativity and problem-solving
- Trial-and-error learning
Benefits of Hands-On STEM Activities at Home or in School
Introducing preschoolers to STEM activities offers numerous benefits, many of which extend beyond the academic realm. Some of the top benefits of STEM learning in early childhood education include:
- It introduces young learners to science and math concepts at an early age, allowing them to become comfortable and familiar with these concepts before moving on to more advanced topics in primary and secondary school.
- It sparks curiosity and creativity in young children and helps them learn to love learning.
- It gets students thinking about the world that they live in and helps them make powerful connections.
- It supports the development of analytical and critical thinking skills, which can promote academic growth and professional success.
While you will see the endless benefits of STEM learning in preschool, your child will simply see these activities as fun and enjoyable experiences. Whether they are playing at the water table in the classroom or enjoying an at-home experiment with you, they will be making memories and developing bonds that will last a lifetime.
At One World International School in Singapore, we are proud to offer an Early Years programme that is anchored by the IB curriculum, which emphasises hands-on learning. Our teachers effortlessly weave STEM activities into the curriculum, allowing students to explore science and math concepts in a fun, engaging and age-appropriate way.
Schedule your campus tour to learn more about STEM learning at OWIS Singapore.
