S.T.E.M. Program

S.T.E.M. Education

S.T.E.M. education as a whole is an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to learning that provides hands-on and relevant learning experiences for preschool students. S.T.E.M. teaching and learning goes beyond the mere transfer of knowledge. It teaches our students about the world around us using their 5 senses, learning about real world problems and how to solve these challenges.Our S.T.E.M. programs incorporate small group exercises with hands-on lesson plans with individualized instruction to introduce, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics into our children’s daily lives.

S.T.E.M. Goals

The main goal of the S.T.E.M. curriculum is to help close the gap between what students are learning in schools across the country and the real world knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in this ever changing world. Study after study has shown that children who experience S.T.E.M. education early on will be best equipped in understanding S.T.E.M. concepts later in their academic career. With changes in learning standards, an influx of non-fiction texts and higher skill levels required even before children enter kindergarten, make early childhood education even more important. By introducing key skills through S.T.E.M. based learning will only help children achieve more now and in the future.

Defining S.T.E.M.

Science is the knowledge about or the study of the natural world based on facts learned through experiments and observation.

Technology is the use of science in industry, engineering, etc. to invent useful things or to solve problems

Engineering is the work of designing and creating large structures, such as roads and bridges, or new products or systems by using scientific methods.

Mathematics is the science of numbers, quantities and shapes and the relations between them.

On My Way Early Learning and Childcare’s S.T.E.M. Programs

Our S.T.E.M. programs are designed where an individual Head S.T.E.M. Teacher works closely with each student and their learning goals. We work to create confident learners, students that like to face challenges and use real-world problem solving skills to achieve their goals. We also ensure that no child falls through the cracks. The classroom Head Teachers and S.T.E.M. Head Teachers work together to assess each student and communicate freely with parents if there is a question or concern.

There are four key elements of the On My Way S.T.E.M. programs:

• Small interactive group lessons that introduce new themes
• Asking engaging and imaginative questions to explore a real world problem
• Discovering original and diverse solutions that open a new door of problem solving
• Exploring with a hands-on activities to enhance the 5 senses

LIVE S.T.E.M.

On My Way Early Learning & Childcare Center has partnered with Crystal Run Healthcare to expand its S.T.E.M. program (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with monthly visits from Crystal Run Healthcare Physicians.  The yearlong program focuses on providing students with knowledge beyond the classroom curriculum in order for them to explore, discover, and learn.  Each month, a Crystal Run Healthcare physician volunteers their time to present to four groups of Pre K3 and Pre K4/5 students with hands-on lessons ranging from Cardiology and Endocrinology to Gastroenterology and Pulmonology, part of the childcare center’s Science initiative. Thus far this year, Crystal Run Healthcare Cardiologist, Dr. Sandeep Singh, and Crystal Run Healthcare Gastroenterologist, Dr. Cecilia Minano have given presentations on Cardiology and Gastroenterology, respectively, with short educational videos, activities, and anatomy models to generate student’s participation and allow them the opportunity to explore questions related to the specific topic.  Upcoming LIVE S.T.E.M. assemblies include Dr. Peggy Nelson endocrinologist and Dr.Geoff Hulse pulmonologist.