20 fun step-by-step preschool projects about science, technology, engineering, art, and math!
* Complimentary Book Received for Review.
Preschoolers will love tackling these 20 fun, easy-to-follow step-by-step projects as they learn about STEAM topics (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). Topics include symmetry and how light bounces to create reflections with mirror mandalas, diffusion and capillary action with tie dye towels, structural framing and bracing with marshmallow structures, and electrical currents with salty circuits. This cross-subject approach to learning will prepare young children for the subjects they will soon learn in elementary school and beyond. Each project features simple instructions and large, full-color photos, to make each on enjoyable and fun for both kids and parents.
Importance of STEAM
STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process. These are the innovators, educators, leaders, and learners of the 21st century (see educationcloset.com for more information regarding STEAM)!
So why is STEAM so important in the education world? STEAM teaches children about connections between subjects, focuses on questions and children seeking their own answers, and celebrates experimentation. The best part is that STEAM projects are very interactive and hands-on. Children need to be engaged in learning, and learn in ways that can hold their attention, the way social media and internet sites like YouTube do. The easiest way to do this is to make it fun and interesting.
Sara’s Thoughts
As a fellow educator and librarian, I feel it’s very important to emphasize STEAM to ALL ages. If we can instill a love of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics into our children at an early age, we can show them that they have the tools and knowledge to succeed in their future endeavors. I absolutely love Ana Dziengel’s STEAM PLAY & LEARN. The projects are fun and easy to follow and it’s a great start to introducing STEAM into your child’s life. While most preschool children are not yet reading, this book is child driven. The images, illustrations, and projects are meant to appeal to kids of their age and abilities, so let them be the guide as you explore the projects in this book.
The book consists of three difficulty levels: easy, medium and difficult and most of the projects focus on multiple subjects. The first project available to you and your child is the Color Mixing Lab which focuses on Science and Art. Your child will learn about primary colors and discover what colors can be made when mixing Red Green and Blue…they will also learn about cone cells and rod cells. All projects are hands on for your child, however there are steps for parents…so it’s a book you should do WITH your child. Each experiment is super fun and allows you the opportunity to teach these subjects at home.
This is the perfect book for parents, teachers or librarians, and I feel that it is a must have title in your library. The book is available at your local bookstore or Amazon and is roughly priced at $14.95. It’s super affordable and will allow you endless opportunities to spend time with your child. It truly is a perfect book for any occasions…especially on rainy and cold days! I highly recommend this book for all. You won’t be disappointed. Happy Learning!
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Disclaimer: Sara K. has personally reviewed the product listed above. Sara has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Sara did receive complimentary product(s) to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ. Please read our Terms of Service & Disclaimer Policy before entering our giveaways.
I agree with you about the importance of emphasizing STEAM with children of all ages. This looks like a great book to help one help a child do that.
This looks like a great book. I love how colorful things are, that would hold a kids interest. It sounds like too that he activities are varied. It looks like fun.