Brain Building with STEAM Education

Research in neuroscience and other developmental sciences shows us that the basic architecture of a child’s brain is constructed through an ongoing process that begins before birth and continues through adulthood. Like the construction of a home, the building process begins with laying the foundation, framing the rooms, and wiring the electrical system in a predictable sequence. Early experiences literally shape how the brain gets built. A strong foundation in the early childhood increases the probability of positive outcomes.

In an environment intentionally designed to provide brain-building experiences for children, the educator is available to children when they need guidance and assistance with new ideas. The teacher’s role is to help create the learning environment and offer support when needed to help children develop new skills and facilitating interplay between children and the environment. The adult is not the only source of input and exploration for children. A well-planned environment will provide children with an array of learning experiences. When such an environment is combined with intentional, brain-building learning activities, children have the best of all possible worlds.

To learn more about how experiences build brain architecture see this video from Harvard University.

​STEAM is an acronym used by educators for learning experiences that link together: science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
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Brain Building for STEAM includes the following:

Science is a way of thinking. Science is observing and experimenting, making predictions, sharing discoveries, asking questions, and wondering how things work.

Technology is a way of doing. Technology is using tools, being inventive, identifying problems, and making things work.

Engineering is a way of doing. Engineering is solving problems, using a variety of materials, designing and creating, and building things that work.

Art is a way of creating. When it comes to art, it goes beyond aesthetics. The ‘A’ includes the liberal arts as well, meaning language arts, social studies, physical arts, fine arts, and music.

Math is a way of measuring. Math is sequencing (1, 2, 3, 4…), patterning (1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2…), and exploring shapes (triangle, square, circle), volume (holds more or less), and size (bigger, less than). 

At the Children's Garden we are always looking at how to create our environment and the experiences we offer to help build a healthy foundation for young children's development. Check out our STEAM inspired projects this month as we explored color and light!

The Language of Color

These color cards introduce new shades of old favorites and really expanded our color vocabulary.

Color Hunt

Matching card colors with found items in the schoolhouse!

Emotions of Color

We we took turns picking cards and described how the different colors made us feel.

"Azure makes me feel like flying!"
"This one makes me feel like a fire truck!"
​"Emerald is happy!"

We loved these books to explore more colors, colors in Spanish, and the feelings of colors.

Color Sorting

Sorting is a simple math activity that kids love!

Colorful Sculptures

"I made a dog!"

Letters in Colors

Colors in Clay

Mixing Primary Colors with Non-Newtonian Fluid

"It's a liquid and a solid!!"

Mixing Primary Colors with Centrifugal Force

"It's turning purple!"

Mixing Colors with Oil and Water

Color and Geometry Collage

Snowflakes with Geometry, Color, and Light

Suncatchers with Geometry, Color, and Light

Kaleidoscopes

This project is a fun way to explore light, reflection, and symmetry!

Exploring the Light Cube

The cube changes color too...

... which changes the colors of the blocks!

Translucent or Opaque?

"X-rays are translucent!"

Colors in Geology

Which rocks are translucent?  Which ones are opaque?

We took the light cube outside and looked for translucent and opaque objects from nature.

Translucent Watercolors and Opaque Tempera Paints

Opaque Snowflakes

The kids were thrilled to get out the hand drills they learned to use in our unit on woodworking!

Rainbow ABC Yoga

"M"

"I"

"L"

"Y"

Easy Cheesy Kale Chips

These were a hit at our Winter Potluck!
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1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Take out the stems of the kale and tear into smaller pieces then wash and dry in salad spinner. Add kale to a large mixing bowl and drizzle with oil. Use hands to massage the kale to soften its texture and disperse the oil. Set aside.
3. Add 4 Tbsp nutritional yeast and 1/2 tsp salt to the kale and toss to distribute, working it into the grooves so it's thoroughly coated.
4. Divide kale between 2 large baking sheets (or more if increasing batch size) and spread into an even layer, making sure the pieces aren't overlapping to ensure crispiness. You may need to bake them in two batches depending on size of baking sheets.
5. Sprinkle the kale with 1-2 Tbsp nutritional yeast for extra flavor and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove from oven and toss/flip kale to ensure even baking.
6. Bake for 5-10 minutes more, or until chips are crispy and golden brown. Watch carefully to ensure they don't burn. Let cool slightly before enjoying.

The kids are fascinated with the experience of centripetal force when using the greens spinner!

Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

We enjoyed these at the Winter Potluck too!  So delicious made with fresh lemons from our lemon tree!

Mix together:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 6 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 3/4 cup coconut flour

Spoon into muffin pan and bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.  Let cool and top with fresh grated lemon zest.

See you next time!