Agrilife Extension Resources

Children use their senses to explore the world. More than just seeing or noticing, through science, children can determine how important or unimportant an observation is. Enrich the sensory table, beyond digging and pouring. Build an “Observation Station” with simple, sensory-rich explorations preschoolers will love.

Explore math in an early childhood setting and see how mathematical concepts develop from simple to complex. Identify five math content areas and gain strategies for integrating concepts in a way that will engage preschool children all day. Connect math concepts to literacy in a math-rich environment in the classroom.

Preschool children are capable of understanding concepts of living and non-living things. Explore ways to support children’s observation skills related to the life sciences. Delve into inquiry-based learning activities to encourage critical thinking. Use STEM concepts to test theories on living things and non-living things.

Develop a pathway to enhance classroom science centers by means of interactive science experiences for preschool children. Explore the scientific process and making discoveries within four different areas of science: Life Science, Health Science, Physical Science, Earth and Space, and Environmental Science.

Children identify a problem, use stuff to make stuff that does stuff to solve the problem. Learn about research related to engineering design with preschoolers and ideas/activities to encourage and support children in becoming junior engineers. Planning, building, and testing out are the engineering skills of the future.

Technology is everywhere! How can we prepare preschool-age children for a future that hasn’t been invented yet? Explore research and trends in technology to make the teaching and learning process more engaging. Discover strategies to help children learn science, engineering, and mathematics using more than just computers.

Developmentally appropriate preschool STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) experiences give young children opportunities to develop divergent thinking, problem solving, and cause and effect. Experiences have great potential to affect brain development during the crucial early childhood window of opportunity.

Using inquiry-based learning, engage preschoolers in developmentally appropriate critical thinking about earth and objects in the sky, what happens during changes in the earth and sky and how children demonstrate care for the environment. Learn to guide children’s scientific thinking about light, shadows, sun and rainbows.

Developing a strong foundation in mathematics during the preschool years with high expectations regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic or language background is critical for all preschool children. Specific math materials which allow children to explore mathematical ideas throughout the classroom are provided.