EDUCATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL RESOURCE CENTER

Nature and S.T.E.M. 

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"The way a child discovers the world

constantly replicates the way Science began.

It's as simple as seeing a bug that intrigues you.

You want to know where it goes at night; 

who its friends are; what it eats."

David Cronenberg

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S.T.E.M. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.A.M. if you add the Arts.) I think every school should have a S.T.E.A.M. Room - or be one. You may think that Nature education revolves around simple, unguided play, and that should always be PART of the curriculum, but Nature Education involves all of the S.T.E.A.M. categories and as Maria Montessori discovered, a prepared environment can lead to even very young children becoming engaged in and fascinated by these subjects, leading to life-long love of learning and rewarding careers.  

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Children who play outside everyday for at least 30 minutes are generally healthier, happier and stronger and reap many benefits.  They

• become fitter and leaner

• develop stronger immune systems

• have more active imaginations, including in their dreams

• have lower stress levels and greater resiliency to change

• play more creatively

• have greater respect for themselves and others

• sleep more soundly

The Schuylkill Center Nature Preschool's website states that "There is a growing body of research in early childhood development revealing the critical connection between exposure to nature and the developing brain. Children who spend significant time immersed in nature tend to be less anxious and more focused, with fewer health issues and more emotionally resilient, than children who don’t."

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Technology can be a great thing for children as young as pre-school age, but the American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to avoid TV and other electronic media as much as possible for children under 3.  A good way to minimize screen time is to play outside!

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