EDSPX505.ECSTEM.2 - Early Childhood STEM - Part 2

Course Description

Number of Credits: 1

This course is the second in a two-part series each made up of 5 modules. Note that module numbering is continuous from ECSTEM-1, therefore Early Childhood STEM Part 2 (ECSTEM-2) begins with module 6. You may be joining this training opportunity with very little experience in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). You may have multiple years of experience supporting early STEM activities for young children. You might feel like skeptical that children are capable of developing the foundations for STEM learning right from infancy. You may feel anxious that you have not offered STEM soon enough in your program. You may be a teacher in a school district, an administrator of a nationally accredited child care center, an owner of a home-based care provider, a librarian, or a museum administrator or a parent. Whatever hats you may wear, you are EXACTLY the person for whom this course was developed. YOU are a significant person in children's learning and development, and the authors of this course desire to see you equipped and excited to wonder, discover, learn, and relish this "STEMsational" journey alongside them.

Instructor Information

Cari Murphy

Phone - (208)-885-6000
Email - carilee@uidaho.edu

Shannon Dunstan

Phone - (208)-332-6908
Email - sdunstan@sde.idaho.gov  

Course Objectives:

1. In module 6, participants will identify components of classrooms that support the environment being the third teacher, practice seeing children’s perspectives and capabilities, and assess how a classroom environment supports the values of a program.
2. In module 7, participants will describe the benefits of outdoor play and learning for all children, identify STEM in action in children's outdoor play, and use place-based design principles to design outdoor learning environments and learning opportunities for children
3. In module 8, participants will articulate the importance of process-based art and music experiences for young children's development and developmentally appropriate practice, identify procedures, processes, and environments that support process-based art experiences, assess art and music activities in your classroom for child-centered, process-based learning understand the role of the teacher during process-based art and music experiences in the early childhood classroom and learn how to create one shelf art and music studios in the classroom.
4. In module 9, participants will work to understand STEM as it relates to child development and learning, build an appreciation of the importance of integrating STEM for all children, but especially for children with disabilities, gain insight into how most, if not all, of a child's IEP goals can be addressed through participation and engagement in STEM investigations and identify practical strategies to implement STEM in the classroom that include planning, integrating, and partnering with families so that your student's goals are addressed across environments
5. In module 10, participants will work to understand the difference between a growth mindset and fixed mindset, understand the importance of neuroplasticity, analyze ways to promote their growth mindset in children, and reflect on their own growth mindset

Required Materials

There are no outside readings or materials required for this course. Handouts for each session are located within the learning modules. 

Course Requirements

1. Participation: Participants are required to log into the course and proceed stepwise through the material to complete all four modules.
2. Quizzes (20 points/quiz): Participants are required to successfully complete a quiz for each module.
3. Survey: Participants are required to complete a satisfaction survey at the end of the course.
4. Final assignment (100 points): At the beginning of module 6, participants will download a workbook which includes module activities for modules 6-10. Participants should familiarize themselves with the workbook prior to starting the modules and will then be prompted to complete activities in the workbook throughout each module. After the tenth and final module, participants will finalize and submit their workbook as their final assignment. 

Grading

This is a Pass/Fail course. Participants must earn an 80% score on all quizzes to pass the course. Quizzes can be retaken until passed.