Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are our STEM concepts that children develop through their learning journeys at every stage of life.
In order to foster these skills, educators provide materials that will strengthen the children’s understanding, and enrich their knowledge in these areas. Our Afterschool 1 group at RisingOaks I St Nicholas, are continuing to explore these concepts. Educator Janeth set out a provocation of red solo cups, wooden sticks of different sorts to see what the children would create with them.
“What are we going to do with these?” Praise asked, showing curiosity. James came over as well and began inspecting the materials. “We want to see what you will all create,” educator Janeth answered.
James said, “I think I can use these sticks,” and Praise began building while saying, “Ooh, what if we make a tall tower?” “Praise I can help you, “Dylan chimed in. Together they began putting the cups in a row. “I can pass you the cups,” Dylan then changed his participation in the tower, which Praise kindly accepted. Olivia came over, showing curiosity. “How are you making it so high?” she wondered as she observed the tower from a different angle by leaning on the table. The tower suddenly fell, loosing a few cups. Braya came over and suggested, “What if we build it on the carpet so it doesn’t fall too much?” The group agreed that it might work. “Let’s try it,” Praise answered. They worked together to collect all the cups and take them to the carpet. They counted as they created different towers with many levels, and cooperated to take turns and share ideas. Eshaani wondered how the structure would hold if we change the direction of how the cups are stacked. She tested out her wonder and realized it was a task that required concentration and precision, in order to not have them fall. This exploration led them to creating an oval structure with two layers, to test: Will Braya fit in this without knocking cups over? There was cooperation involved in this trial, and some adjustments needed for them to accomplish the goal. “I can for sure fit in there,” Noel said. His hypothesis was correct, he was able to fit, and after some trial and error, so was Braya.
The following day, we continued to explore with the Solo cups. Miracle said, “I want to try to make a tower.” Kiian and Luca then joined in, adding to the creation by bringing toy car along with them. “Let’s see if the cars can stay up,” Luca said. “Without falling?” Kiian replied. “Just wait a minute, I’m not finished, “Miracle stated. “Okay, I’m ready now,” she said. Kiian and Luca tested several cars on the top of the structure. They all giggled when they observed the larger cars would knock over some of the cups.
Dylan also decided he wanted to try to create a tower, much like Praise had done the previous day. “Look, I’m making a big tower!” he cheerfully shared, and his peers cheered him on.
As the children explore this STEM activity, they are practicing their analytical skills, their ability to use innovation to create, coordination and precision. They are making educated guesses as to what might happen if the towers are too big, enriching their Scientific abilities. Creating structures, such as towers and testing their stability, enhances the concept of Engineering and supports testing out theories, practicing trial and error, much like you would with Technology. Math concepts are strengthened, as they count, measure, observe quantities. Who knew, that a bunch of solo cups and sticks, would support the array of learning through STEM?
Stay tuned, as we provide other activates to continue supporting this interest and learning.
