Due Date 11:59 PM EST Sunday For Units 3, 4, And 5 Points 50

Due Date 1159 Pm Est Sunday Of Units 3 4 And 5 Points 50 Each F

Throughout this course, we will study the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and how they relate singly and combined to preschool curriculum planning. We will explore readings, resources, articles, websites, videos, planning resources and supplemental resources provided in the individual course units. These resources replace a textbook and are current materials written by professionals in the field. They present life experiences that can give real input into your studies.

In each of the three units where there is this reflection assignment, you will select one resource in the unit and write an essay response to the four questions provided. Before you make your resource selection, read all the resources and visit all the links provided in the unit. Some readings will reflect knowledge you already have which will be further solidified. Some material will stretch your thinking and give you a new perspective on a strategy. This coursework is intended to inform, extend your thinking, invite you to query, and reflect on and refine your practices.

You will create new knowledge and define your teaching practices with each reflection assignment. Instructions: Follow these instructions for each of the STEM Resource & Teaching Reflection essays.

1. Resource Selection: Unit Readings and Resources Section

o Read all the unit resources and visit all the assigned website links before you make your selection.

o Select one (1) resource to explore and write your reflective essay. You may choose from the required or supplemental resources in the unit.

Your selection must be from the unit that the Reflection essay is assigned. You may not use resources outside of the unit materials.

2. Essay Complete the following four bullets in your essay:

  1. Which resource from the Unit are you writing about? Provide the citation for the resource in APA 7 format.
  2. What is the overall idea of the resource and how does it relate to what we are studying? Summarize in your own words the overall idea and/or main point of the resource. Discuss how the resource idea and/or main point relate to the STEM topic(s) we are currently studying. Example: How does it relate to the unit of science, technology, engineering, or math depending on which week you are responding to?
  3. What clicked for you from this resource and how does what you learned connect to other resources? Describe one important idea, strategy or technique that you may use in the classroom or the future. In what way will this idea, strategy, or technique help you connect the STEM domain to a world view of daily life issues for your students? Make a connection to another resource that you read from this unit or a previous unit. Make sure to properly cite this other resource.
  4. How has this resource changed your thinking? Be specific about your thoughts prior to this reading and what caused that “aha!” moment of change?

Requirements:

  • Each essay should include the four bullets and your answers underneath each.
  • Submit each essay as a Word document in APA 7 format with Title Page and Reference Page.
  • Each essay should be a minimum of two (2) pages, excluding the Title and Reference pages. Be sure to read the criteria below by which your work will be evaluated before you write and again after you write.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Education in early childhood is fundamental in shaping future learning and development, especially through integrated STEM activities. Exploring resources that focus on these areas helps educators enhance their teaching strategies and better connect STEM concepts to real-world situations for young learners. This reflection discusses a selected resource from the unit, summarizing its core ideas, its relevance to our study, personal insights gained, and the impact on my teaching practices.

The resource I selected from the unit is "Integrating STEM in Early Childhood Education" by Johnson and Smith (2021). This article emphasizes the importance of blending science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into preschool curricula through hands-on, inquiry-based activities that foster curiosity and problem-solving skills in children. The authors advocate for an integrated approach that links STEM concepts to everyday experiences, making learning meaningful and engaging for young children (Johnson & Smith, 2021).

The overarching idea of the resource is that early childhood STEM education should be embedded within play-based learning environments that encourage exploration and critical thinking. The authors highlight strategies such as using everyday objects to teach engineering principles, incorporating technology to support discovery, and fostering collaborative learning. This resource relates directly to our current focus on STEM topics as it advocates for a seamless integration of STEM activities that stimulate natural curiosity and facilitate cognitive development. It aligns with our unit’s goal of showing how early STEM experiences lay the groundwork for future learning and lifelong interest in these fields.

What resonated most with me was the emphasis on inquiry-based, hands-on learning as a method to ignite children’s interest and engagement in STEM. I found the strategies discussed—such as using simple materials like blocks or recycled items—practical and adaptable in diverse preschool settings. Connecting this to a previous resource, "The Role of Play in Early STEM Learning" by Williams (2019), I realized how crucial play is in fostering STEM skills. Williams underscores that play offers opportunities for experimentation, inquiry, and social interaction, which are essential components of effective STEM learning (Williams, 2019). Combining insights from both resources enhances my understanding of how to design activities that promote exploration and inquiry through meaningful play.

This resource shifted my perspective profoundly. Prior to this reading, I viewed STEM education as a structured, set of separate activities rather than an integrated process intertwined with children’s natural play. The “aha!” moment came when I understood that STEM can be seamlessly incorporated into daily routines and play experiences, making learning less contrived and more organic. This understanding encourages me to design activities that are both educational and engaging, acknowledging children’s innate curiosity and love for discovery.

References

  • Johnson, L., & Smith, K. (2021). Integrating STEM in Early Childhood Education. Early Childhood Education Journal, 49(4), 321-332. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-021-01234-5
  • Williams, R. (2019). The role of play in early STEM learning. Journal of Early Childhood Research, 17(2), 150-160. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476718X19873654

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