Children are developing skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) thanks to a new initiative in Catholic preschools and early years services.
The Little Scientists program is designed to build children’s curiosity through age-appropriate, fun and playful experiments. The program also supports and encourages teachers and educators to implement STEM ideas and concepts while exploring together with their children.
Ignatius Early Years and St Joseph’s Memorial Preschool are the first two sites in South Australia to be certified through the program.
“We are committed to STEM education in the early years. All of our pre-schools having a strong focus in this area,” says Tina Adamo, Early Childhood Advisor for Catholic Education South Australia.
“It was exciting to see two of our schools acknowledged for excellence in STEM education.”
The Hon Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and Training, and the Hon Christopher Pyne, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, joined representatives from Little Scientists Australia, Catholic Education South Australia and members of the local school communities at an award ceremony on February 5.
“When we were given the opportunity to participate in the Little Scientists initiative a new door opened and the children rushed through,” explains Gail Mantel - Director, St Joseph’s Memorial Preschool.
“Their immersion in science was obvious to us all. The depth of theories and the engagement in tasks is incredible.”
“The Little Scientist program is not about pushing a school curriculum down into the early years and preschool years,” adds Rosemary Allen, Director, Ignatius Early Years. “It recognises the significant competence and interests of young children.”
“Our intention is not for children to repeat back to us loads of scientific knowledge but to find the science investigations a positive joyful experience.
“Children are very curious about natural phenomena. They love animals and insects, the garden and mud, the sandpit, the water and the direction in moves in the creek and down plugholes and drainpipes. Children love bubbles and puddles, the weather and movement – swinging, pushing and rolling and making things go fast.
They will ask questions, they will ‘play’ with ideas and concepts; they will share their theories with us and with their classmates. They will test and retest their theories.”
Leaders hope the program will not only spark ongoing interest in science, technology, engineering and maths as children progress through their schooling but that it will also help children to build positive attitudes towards life-long learning.
Twenty students from Catholic schools in South Australia have been named among the winners in two major state-wide Humanities competitions.
Earlier this year, senior school students from across South Australia were invited to enter the 2024 Premier’s Anzac Spirit School Prize and the Muriel Matters Awards.
