New Video Series on STEM Experiences for Young Children

Fairfax Futures is pleased to share four short videos highlighting developmentally appropriate ways to introduce STEM experiences in early childhood settings. STEM refers to education in science, technology, engineering and math. The videos were made possible by a grant from The Boeing Company and with support from Dominion Energy.

Each of the videos incorporates children’s literature and related hands-on activities to allow children to develop their language, fine and gross motor skills, as well as critical thinking, prediction and problem solving skills. All three were filmed in Fairfax County at local child development centers with educators who had completed an 18-hour certificate course designed to strengthen their STEM teaching skills.

The four videos, which are available on Fairfax Futures’ YouTube channel, are:

• STEM in Early Learning: Engineering with the Three Little Pigs: https://youtu.be/XVjaBB0ux5g
   
• Supporting STEM Learning: Using Open-Ended Questions to Encourage Critical Thinking: https://youtu.be/CeV0tMJMP2s
   
• Math in Early Learning: Exploring Balance with The Cat in the Hat: https://youtu.be/Bc3NimJWUww
   
• Exploring the Natural Environment with Young Children: https://youtu.be/BUo7kh-0nvA

Produced by the Teaching Channel, the videos were created in collaboration with Fairfax County Office for Children. The Fairfax County Park Authority partnered on the nature video.

The four videos are also available on the Teaching Channel website: https://www.teachingchannel.org/blog/2017/10/27/stem-in-early-learning/