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 STR²EAM Blog 4




Critique and Analyzing Educational Materials

1. The Toy Association STEM/STEAM Strategic Leadership Report. I rate this article 3 out of 5. First, the article clearly explains how STEM/STEAM concepts are related to toys and play. In the article, I learned that play is not defined in regards to single identifying characteristics but concerning the confluence of factors related to attitude and motivation. Second, the article helped to understand the common misconceptions and myths about STEM/STEAM. Some of these misconceptions include life being math less, Math can be compared to Brussels sprouts, memorization is needed when studying science subjects like chemistry and biology, STEM needs to be taught on tracks, and lastly, play is only necessary for kids ( The Toys Association,2018). Third, in the article, I learned several things recommended by the committee on STEM /STEAM.

For example, the committee recommends kids have role models to help them imagine themselves as mathematicians, technological experts, engineers, and scientists. I also learned that children require more exposure to professionals within the STEM community. The report also helps me understand why mathematics anxiety affects almost 50 % of the population and is the main barrier preventing kids from pursuing STEM careers. Lastly, the report helped to understand how toys develop intrinsic motivation making kids get involved in STEM subjects.





2. Unboxed! | STEM Jr. by Little Tikes | Episode 1 I rate this Video 4 out of 5. First, the Video shows how smart educational toys can be used by kids to learn some STEM/ STREAM concepts. I like watching Mykal Michelle as she demonstrates STEM projects and experiments, including using scientific methods to develop Wizard Brew. In this case, I can use this Video to teach kids how to apply science to instill creativity skills. After watching this video, I learned that one could understand technological concepts using Circuit Center and engineering with Ball Drop Maze (Little Tikes 3:57).

Additionally, I learned that some experiments perform better with a bit of help, which is why Mykal Michelle introduces his sister Tahani in 20 hands-on experiments through STEM concepts. The Video helped me to understand how to nurture kids' desires to play and imagine socially using Little Tikes preschool toys. Moreover, I learned that children's furniture is challenging to handle kids as they play and is also made of strict safety standards. All these experiments help kids to grow their minds and improve their creativity.




3. 11 Experiments that Failed I rate this Video 4 out of 5. The presenter helps the audience understand why all eleven experiments failed. I loved listening to this Video since understanding all the step-by-step instructions can help kids discover how to answer the questions. The most exciting experiment I found in this Video is how a washing machine can be used to wash dishes( Bulldog Biz 2:39). I also learned that all the experiments were great. As a preschool teacher, I kept laughing as I watched this Video. I also liked how the experiments introduced kids to the scientific method by thinking about scientific concepts. In this case, I learned the scientific method humorously as the presenter introduced the significant idea of failure as part of the exploration. Specifically, using this Video, I can help kids interested in learning scientific methods and the importance of developing solid hypotheses. I also learned that the failed 11 experiments teach kids to be curious in daily interactions. The Video also encouraged kids to build their designs and execute experiments using the scientific method. Finally, I also learned that educators could use the concepts introduced in this Video to teach kids about ethics in the scientific method.

 





STR2EAM Extension Activities


S-Build a balance scale

T-Coding a LEGO Maze

R- Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty

R- Cain built a city Genesis 4:17

E-Jelly Bean Building

A-Magnet Painting

M- Number Tower






Books








References


Bulldog Biz. (2013, March 6). 11 Experiments That Failed [Video].

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOigboWnInU


Decoding STEM/STEAM. The Toy Association STEM/STEAM Strategic Leadership

Committee Report. (Put in Italics) Starting with the year, this part does not need to be italicized

(2018). The Toy Association. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from https://toyassociation.org


Fairfax Futures. (2017, October 18). STEM in Early Learning: Engineering with the

Three Little Pigs [Video].

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVjaBB0ux5g


Genesis 4:17 Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a

city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. | English

Standard Version 2016 (ESV) | Download The Bible App Now. (n.d.). YouVersion | the

Bible App | Bible.com. https://www.bible.com/bible/59/gen.4.17


Little Tikes. (2018, August 15). Unboxed! | STEM Jr. by Little Tikes | Episode 1: Wonder Lab | Ultimate STEM Lab for Kids [Video].

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5OGKOi77lk



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