Module Details

Module Code: SKLS
Module Title: STEM Curriculum for Early Childhood and Afterschool Education
Title: STEM Curriculum for Early Childhood and Afterschool Education
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Eileen Doyle
Module Author:: Dean McDonnell
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to explore the role and influences in engaging young children in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through this module, students will evaluate and plan activities for children to experiment, investigate, observe, and problem-solve their world. Focusing on pedagogy, students will integrate STEM into practice and use STEM based principles to support children in developing their understanding of a changing environment.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Highlight the role STEM has in child development and in early childhood education;
LO2 Plan and deliver a series of STEM activities for children that extends the current curriculum;
LO3 Compare and contrast the theory and practice of applying STEM into ECEC contexts;
LO4 Demonstrate creativity and flexibility in applying STEM activities into the ECEC curriculum;
LO5 Students will demonstrate the ability to navigate the scientific method by outlining to core procedures involved in STEM-based experiments.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Practical and Personal Approaches to STEM
Reflecting on our own experiences and interactions with STEM; Core debates and perspectives in STEM; Barriers and Challenges; Overcoming Diversity in STEM;
Pedagogical Application of STEM in ECEC
How to support children's scientific thinking and exploration; Encouraging STEM Literacy in the Early Years; Using the emergent curriculum to support STEM activity; Children as STEM’genieers; Designing STEM materials for ,indoors and outdoors
Arts and (Space) Crafts
Experiments in Ecology and Biology; Upcycling and Botany: the observable lifecycle of plants; Virtual reality and exploring new worlds; Human-Computer Interaction: Screens and Machines; Modelling Maths and Setting Trends;
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Project100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Learners will plan and pilot a STEM activity for an Early Childhood Setting
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 60
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will provide an overview of their journey through STEM and specifically outlining experiments conducted [Blog/Journal]
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Per Semester 2.00 50
Independent Learning Time Non Contact No Description Per Semester 3.00 75
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 1.50 1.5
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Allen, P.. (2012), Science and Technology for the Early Years: Purposeful Play Activities,, Brilliant Publications.
  • Brunton, P. & Thronton, L. (2009), Science in the Early Years: Building Firm Foundation from Birth to Five,, Sage Publications.
  • Cohen, L.E., & Waite-Stupiansky, S.. (2020), STEM in Early Childhood Education: How Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Strengthen Learning., Routledge.
  • Moomaw, S. (2013), Teaching STEM in the Early Years., Redleaf Press..
  • Sawah, R., & Clark, A.. (2015), The Everything STEM Handbook: Help Your Child Learn and Succeed in the Fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, Adams Media Corporation..
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: