Winter is in full effect and that means it is time for a hibernation lesson! While there are several ways to help preschoolers learn about this winter topic, one of our favorites is through STEM.
Yes, preschoolers can do STEM! Moreover, the more popular STEM has become in schools the more it has become an essential part of the curriculum in preschool.
STEM Projects PreK
STEM projects have become a regular part of secondary education and also in elementary schools. Therefore, it makes sense that the STEM Projects have made their way into PreK.
At the PreK level, STEM projects center around guiding students through an exploratory learning process. Students are presented with real world problems and then supported in finding ways to solve them.
This exploratory process helps preschoolers learn important skills like brainstorming, planning, creating, assessing, and reflecting. All skills that will support them in becoming critical thinkers. IN addition, STEM is a way for students to explore learning in a creative and hands-on way!
STEM Process for PreK
To help teachers and students get comfortable with STEM in preschool we have created a learning format that is used for all of our STEM projects. This helps guide students by providing them with a similar learning experience each time. Therefore, helping them become more comfortable and confident as exploratory learners.
In addition, this structure allows teachers to become more comfortable with teaching STEM to young kids. MOreover, it assists in creating effective learning routines and procedures.
Ready to see this STEM process in action? Keep reading to see an example of the STEM process using our Hibernation STEM activity for preschoolers.
Begin STEM by Presenting a Problem
Every STEM activity begins with a problem that needs to be solved. Check out the problem students need to solve related to hibernation.
Brrr! It is getting cold outside! That means it is time for bear to get ready to hibernate. Unfortunately, he does not have a cozy den to keep him warm. Therefore, students need to make a den that will last all winter long (and through any winter storm).
Check out our other winter stem projects for prek here.
STEM Exploration Process
Once students know the problem they can work to solve it. This begins by giving students time to explore the problem and possible solutions.
To assist preschoolers with this, teachers present clear specifications of what to include when solving the problem. In the Hibernation STEM project, this includes telling students that the den will need an opening big enough for bear to get in and out of. It also includes telling them the den needs to be strong enough to withstand a windy winter storm.
Explore
A key part of the exploration process is to set students up to be successful. Therefore, they need to build background knowledge. In all of our STEM activities we provide teachers with informational activities to help build this knowledge.
When it comes to learning about hibernation, students need to know some key vocabulary words. Such as “den” and “hibernate.” In addition, students need to know what makes a good den.
Our hibernation packet includes all of the information for these background building activities, including QR codes to quickly take you to helpful resource pages. Therefore, you can focus on guiding your preschoolers through this lesson and supporting them in their learning.
STEM Engineering Process
Prepared with their new knowledge of bears, dens, and hibernation, students are now ready to plan their dens! Planning is the first step in what we call The Engineering Process. This process includes three key steps: Plan, Create, and Test.
Step 1: Plan
To begin, students use a planning sheet to brainstorm ideas on how to build a den for bear. With preschoolers, the most effective way to complete this step is as a whole class.
Therefore, we have provided a planning poster that you can print off. In addition, you can simply write the plan question “How can you build a den for bear?” on a whiteboard. Then, ask you students to share their ideas while you write them down.
As part of the planning process, it is also helpful to show students the materials they can use to build their dens. We have provided you with a list of materials that are common in most preschool classrooms.
While you should not need to buy anything extra, you are always welcome to add in additional materials you think would be fun and helpful.
Step 2: Create
Once your students have an idea of what to build, and the materials they will need, let them get creative! The building process is great for students to engage in a creative activity that is also challenging.
To further support preschoolers in this process we encourage you to have the students vote on one den to build. Then, the whole group can use all of the same materials. This way students have some independence in making their own den while you can also support them by providing directions as needed.
Step 3: Test
Testing is the final phase of the engineering process. This step is important because it teaches kids the importance of checking their work, which is a great lesson to teach them at a young age.
This important step is also a fun step! Kids get to continue being creative by cutting out their bear and coloring it. Then, they will test whether the bear fits in the den they created.
If the bear does not fit you will guide the students in problem-solving to make adjustments.
STEM Reflection Activity for Preschoolers
The final part of an effective STEM activity is reflection. This goes along with the test step that helps students assess their work. In addition, it teaches students how to pause and think about their own learning process.
Just like with all steps in the STEM process, this step looks a little different with preschoolers than with older groups. Specifically, it is done as a whole group rather than independently. We encourage a similar process for the reflection that is used for the planning phase (use a poster or whiteboard).
In addition, this part of the learning process is also a great time for you as the teacher to work one-on-one with students to have conversations about their learning. It can also be a good small group activity.
Exploring STEM with Preschoolers
Whether you are just beginning to use STEM in your classroom or you have done several activities, this Hibernation STEM project is a great addition to your curriculum. It comes with everything you need to learn about the STEM process for PreK, but can also be used by teachers who are experts in STEM.
If you enjoy this STEM for PreK activity and want to continue exploring STEM in your classroom, check out some of our other favorite PreK STEM resources.
