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MTA shares a collection of STEM resources sure to delight, inspire and engage
Freya Lucas
Jun 22, 2021
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The focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in early childhood has grown dramatically over the years with the rise of technology and an increased understanding of the importance of these areas for life and careers of the future.
STEM supports children to become problem solvers, explorers, and creative thinkers. Children who engage in STEM activities become resilient and creative thinkers, capable of finding divergent solutions.To support early childhood education and care (ECEC) services to create optimal learning environments to support children to grow and develop as STEM based learners, MTA has prepared a collection of books, construction, storage, bricks and blocks and geometric construction tailored to the unique needs of the sector.
Firstly, this set of My First Polydron Gears, suitable for use by children aged two years and up, has been designed to help children explore the functionality and design of gears.
Children can create and build their own gear systems, turning the handles and watching as the gear wheels spin. Suitable for use on a flat surface in 2D, or able to be built and played on a 90 degree angle to engage children in 3D, the set contains 35 pieces including 18 gears in 2 different colours.
Continuing the construction theme is the BRIO STEM builder construction set, which allows children to design and build their own unique constructions. With the components and tools children can build almost anything their minds can design.
As well as building STEM skills, when children engage with the 136 piece BRIO STEM builder kit they are building hand/eye coordination and creative idea construction. The kit includes several building pieces including nuts, bolts, a hammer and a screwdriver. Rounding out the construction theme, the 295 piece STEAM Park Building Set from the team at LEGO® Education.
STEAM Park encourages children to create and investigate the world around them using creative play to explore topics of early science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM) and is suitable for children aged three years and up.
Products from DUPLO and LEGO bricks are interchangeable, so the STEAM Park Building set can be used with other STEM sets such as Tech Machines or open-ended block sets.
Children can build dynamic moving rides, explore gears, balance and movement, and a number of building cards are included in the set to support both children and educators to make the most of the opportunities available through the park building set.
For services that value opportunities for creative exploration and open-ended play, the Natural Spaces – STEAM & MakerSpace Trolley & Trays are flexible and functional options which are perfect for early learning classrooms.
Featuring a fun header with a blackboard on the front and the back the trolley also features metal hooks under the blackboard for hanging different tools and resources. The side panels feature hand-like hooks which can hold an array of different tools and two removable side boards which are whiteboards on one side and blackboards on the other. The storage trolley is excellent for STEM and STEAM activities, art and craft storage as well as for use in MakerSpaces. The free-rolling castors also make this storage stand easy to move and they also can be locked in place. This STEAM trolley also includes 4 x Shallow Trays and 1 x Deep Tray.
For children aged three and up the Free Standing STEM Wall is described as “the ultimate STEM teaching tool” which has been made from durable UV and water resistant materials, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor use.
The wall can be used outside for water play, and used indoors with just its accessories. The stand has been built on castors to make maneuvering it between spaces easy, and is double sided to maximise the use of space. Finally, the Early STEM Board Books collection allows children to begin learning the basics of STEM in a fun and engaging way, using clever and colourful illustrations to discuss topics such as snow, sleep, the moon, toilet training and brushing teeth in a respectful and informative way.
Many of the books in the collection feature engaging “lift the flap” features to encourage children to participate in the reading experience, while learning more about the world around them. To learn more about any of these resources, or others in the extensive collection of STEM resources prepared by MTA, please contact your local consultant, reach out to MTA by phone on 1800 251 497 or email sales@teaching.com.au .
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