Designed around selections from PBS LearningMedia, these interactive activities teach foundational STEM skills known to be important for 3- to 6-year-olds.
As a leader in early childhood education, the Children’s Learning Institute (CLI) set a goal to significantly increase the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) materials available to educators throughout the state. Over the past year, faculty and content developers worked diligently to increase the quantity and scope of STEM activities included in the Circle Activity Collection. The collection is an extensive library of classroom lessons freely available for use by Texas prekindergarten to grade 2 teachers and administrators.
Believing that quality instruction in early childhood focuses on play-based learning combining teacher-directed and child-directed activities, CLI set out to develop the first child-facing STEM activities. A partnership was formed with PBS allowing CLI to select and use video from their extensive library that includes STEM content presented in a child-friendly and entertaining manner.
The result of this collaboration is the development of 20 child-directed, interactive lessons by CLI. Designed around selections from PBS LearningMedia, the activities teach foundational STEM skills known to be important for 3- to 6-year-olds. Set in a virtual laboratory setting, the Circle STEM Lab integrates the video segments with hands-on activities to be completed by the child. Each activity is designed to facilitate independent learning by individual students.
Combining multiple learning principles in a single activity could yield exciting results. Used in conjunction with independent learning by students, teachers could maximize limited instructional time. With positive outcomes and additional funding, CLI hopes to continue the collaboration with PBS.
Each activity includes
- a short introduction to the topic,
- a video from PBS LearningMedia,
- a demonstration of the task,
- guided practice with feedback,
- practice opportunities without feedback,
- a recap of the images from the activity as the items are scored,
- a brief summary and explanation of the independent practice
Teachers, share the Circle STEM Lab Family Guide with families when you send these activities home!
TO ACCESS THIS RESOURCE:
Circle STEM lab is available for all users! All you need to do is create a free account, then login to CLI Engage.
If you aren’t already logged in, this link will take you to the CLI Engage login screen then direct you straight to the Circle STEM lab.
Science
Animal Sort
The child will sort pictures of animals based on their body coverings.
At the Recycling Center
The child will sort recyclable items by material.
Body Part Puzzles
The child will identify body parts as they fill in body outlines.
Exploring Habitats
The child will learn about the features of different habitats.
Exploring Ramps
The child will investigate the relationship between a ramp’s height and the distance an object travels.
Identifying Reptiles
The child will identify reptiles based on their body coverings.
Matching Animals to Habitats
The child will match animals to their habitats.
Seeds’ Needs
The child will learn what a seed needs to grow into a plant.
Teach the Five Senses
The child will identify which body part to use to experience each of the five senses.
Math
Feed Me More!
The child will feed a monster by choosing the plate that has more food.
Going on a Shape Hunt
The child will identify shapes in the environment.
Make Them Equal
The child will make equal sets by taking items away from one group.
Making Graphs
The child will make graphs and analyze the data to see which group has more, less, or equal.
Making Pizzas
The child will practice one-to-one correspondence by making sets of six.
