Designing classroom learning environments that support STEM inquiry requires intentional planning. Teachers can provision classroom environments with interesting and creative materials for young learners to pique their curiosities, explore their interests, and deepen what they know. A topic study can connect a wide variety of subject areas together in the various classroom spaces and activity centers. In this discussion, you will plan an indoor environment for STEM explorations about your topic. Imagine your classroom has indoor learning centers for: 1) sand and water, 2) dramatic play, 3) science and math, 4) block building, 5) art, and 6) library. Each learning center has standard materials available. Select one of the six learning centers to use for your planning. Think about how you could utilize your selected learning center to engage children in learning about a concept or fact related to your topic. Plan topic-related materials you will repurpose or obtain to promote children’s interest and learning. In your initial post:
List your topic.
Explain the concept or learning fact about your topic you want children to wonder and learn about.
List the indoor classroom learning center that you selected to provision.
Describe three (3) different materials (repurposed or obtained) for the learning center. Use examples to explain how each material will support children’s curiosity, inquiry, and problem-solving about your topic concept or learning fact.
Identify Tier 1, 2, and 3 words for your topic concept or learning fact that will expand children’s vocabulary and deepen conceptual knowledge. Your list should include two (2) words in each tier for a total of six (6) words.
Sample Solution
