S.T.R.E.A.M Planning
S.T.R.E.A.M PLANNING
ACTIVITY PROGRAMING WITH STREAM!
STREAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science,
Technology, Reading & wRiting, Engineering, the Arts and
Mathematics as access points for guiding children’s inquiry, dialogue,
and critical thinking. The end results are children who take thoughtful
risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving,
embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process. These
are the innovators, educators, leaders, and learners of the 21st century!
Using the STREAM approach to activity planning at TOPP KIDS is
CORE and a promise to our families, the educators help guide children
in creating projects that make them problem solve and innovate. Every
activity is recorded by the educator on the planning sheet with 5 steps-
Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create & Improve.
THE STREAM PROCESS
The infographic highlights the 10 steps of STREAM implementation at TOPP KIDS. A STREAM project provides an in-depth experience for children that allows them to engage in higher order thinking skills.
STREAM activities engage children by promoting inquiry and questioning, then letting that form the framework for their learning. From structured, to controlled, to guided, to free-inquiry, children that
are educated through the various levels of inquiry-based learning develop strong skills and self-motivation. Many STREAM projects often begin with a science concept or problem (real world), and the other four aspects of STREAM are then incorporated into the research, design, development, and testing components of the project. Here are some examples of instructional strategies you can have children perform to integrate each component into a STREAM project you are developing:
SCIENCE: Problem selection, experimentation (using the Scientific Method).
TECHNOLOGY: Researching (using online libraries, web searches), communication (blogging, videoconferencing, emailing).
READING & WRITING: Documenting findings and using literacy for research.
ENGINEERING: Building or improving a design/model
ART: Writing, communications, poetry, video presentations, creating models.
MATHEMATICS: Collecting data, analyzing data outcomes, performing geometry problems.
The main thing to remember when designing your STREAM project is to include one activity from each discipline (Science, Technology, Reading & wRiting, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) and leave room to IMPROVE.
Integrating literacy into our STREAM activities is easy, provide the children with their own record sheet (see new Kids STEAM Plan & Record Sheet), why not encourage them to create their own STREAM Journal (scrapbook style by adding for example a cover page Cody’s STREAM Journal to the front of all their Kids STREAM Plan & Record Sheets over the year) that they can take home at the end of the school year. Encourage the children to go through the process, using their record sheet to brainstorm and record their ideas and observations and next steps. Adding photos along the way.
