Sure, you know that children learn best through hands-on explorations. How does that work in a real classroom? With jam-packed days and mounting expectations, you're pressed for time and pushed to follow standards-based curricula. It's no wonder you struggle to incorporate STEAM activities each day.Provoking Curiosity brings new and easy-to-execute STEAM learning experiences that encourage children to think, explore, and wonder. Each exploration builds on core ideas in the STEAM disciplines, develops higher-level thinking skills, and uses readily available materials in early childhood classrooms. Learn how to use STEAM provocations throughout your busy day: Jump-start the morningDecompress and reenergize middayOccupy children who complete assigned classroom work earlyIncentivize children to complete a goalTransition between the busier times of day and planning classroom work timesEnd the day building children's collaboration and communication skills
Angela Eckhoff, PhD, is an associate professor of teaching and learning in the Early Childhood Education program and the codirector of the Virginia Early Childhood Policy Center at Old Dominion University. She holds a dual PhD from the University of Colorado-Boulder in educational psychology and cognitive science. She is a coeditor of the Growing in STEM column for Young Children, published bu the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and is the author of the Creative Investigations STEAM series, published by Gryphon House.