Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Spec Education

Catalog description

In this clinical course, students focus on STEM content, effective practice, instructional strategies, materials and curriculum integration, based on standards, inquiry, and connections to the real world. STEM concepts of curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking are researched and explored. Students will learn about the Scientific Method, as well as the roles of observation, classification, description, experimentation, application, and imagination. Students will learn how to use technology and interactive media in the early childhood classroom to support learning. The role of engineering in the curriculum will be investigated, including design of methods and ideas for product development. Students will understand and apply math process standards of problem-solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connection, and representation. The course emphasizes application of principles in order to investigate and create experiences which employ STEM concepts and teaching strategies.