International research suggests that children who are exposed to science, technology, engineering and mathematics from very early in their education are more likely to study STEM in senior school and choose STEM based careers.
RDA Hunter’s ME Program has been highly successful in improving the uptake of STEM subjects in high schools by implementing problem-based learning activities and contextualising curriculum. The Mini ME Program, an adaptation of the ME Program, has been recently rolled out in Hunter primary schools. It provides an opportunity for kindergarten to Year Six students to participate in fun activities that teach STEM principles. This work helps prepare a skilled workforce for the future and promotes the Hunter as a smart region.
RDA Hunter is now encouraging early childhood centres in the Hunter to adopt STEM and is offering scholarships for two centres (one educator per centre) to attend Little Scientists workshops to lean how.
The ‘Little Scientists’ program focuses on children – by addressing teachers and educators. Visit www.littlescientists.org.au
It has been designed to facilitate children’s curiosity for science, technology, engineering and mathematics through age-appropriate, fun and playful experiments already in their early years. Every education and care service in Australia that works with children from 3 to 6 years of age can join the program and can become an accredited “Little Scientists’ House”.
The program sparks teachers’ and educators’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and encourages them to implement the ideas and concepts from the workshops while exploring together with the children in their care.
The two full-day “WATER” workshops will take place in the Hunter on the 21st and 29th February 2016.
Centres simply need to email their details to scott.sleap@rdahunter.org.au to register their interest.