SAINT PAUL EARLY EDUCATION
Curriculum
STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics)
STEM is acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These disciplines have become very important aspects of our everyday lives – expanding the frontiers of our knowledge and helping humanity tackle its deepest challenges. A United States Department of Commerce report stated that while all non-STEM occupations are growing at less than 10%, STEM jobs are growing at about a rate of 18% (1). We have based our preschool on STEM curriculum to foster passion for these fields in our students at a very early age, so they are better prepared for the future. Our program is designed to induce critical thinking, create fascination of scientific concepts, and channelize their innovative instincts. Our students will be provided opportunities to get hands-on experience of scientific concepts, observe how technology works, think about societal challenges, and how they can use their STEM skills to solve real life situations.
National Science Board best captures the importance of STEM in its National Action Plan document from 2007 (2):
“American ingenuity, built on a foundation of science and engineering, has led our country to the forefront of innovation and discovery in the 19th and 20th centuries and has changed the basis of our economy. In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, all students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past. A particular need exists for an increased emphasis on technology and engineering at all levels in our Nation’s education system.”
Each of our classrooms possesses a theme such as the Science and Technology Classroom, Engineering and Mathematics Classroom, Play and Fun Classroom (also known as our Indoor play area), and Nature Area.
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