Other Sciences

Beach Kindergarten helps kids understand early STEM concepts

Credit: Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s42322-024-00178-0

Deakin University research has for the first time observed the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning benefits of a ‘blue space’ educational environment for pre-school children.

The research results were published in the Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education.

Beach kindergartens are similar to bush education programs, but are held in a coastal environment.

Dr Chris Speldewind, from the Deakin Center for Educational Effectiveness Research, said the benefits of STEM teaching and learning at Bush Preschool were known.

His previous research found that Australian preschool children who participated in bushkinder programs may have better STEM learning outcomes than those who remained indoors.

However, the learning potential of coastal and beach environments is poorly understood, and given Australia’s temperate climate, Dr Speldewind said said.

“Swimming and going to the beach in the summer is firmly entrenched in Australian culture as a popular pastime. We are lucky to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world,” Dr Speldewinde said. .

“Bush pre-schools are growing in popularity in Australia and we are finding some educators are moving their programs to the beach. I wanted to find out what value playing on the beach and in the waves brings.”

The beach preschool sessions reviewed in the study included 4- to 5-year-old preschoolers allowed to explore and creatively play with unstructured, nature-based materials in a coastal environment.

Balls and buckets were left at home and children were instead encouraged to interact with seaweed, shells, sand, rocks, wildlife and water.

Dr Speldewinde said the young people experienced the changing seasons and learned about nature and the environment, food sourced from the sea and the impact of the tides on erosion.

We’ve found that exploring rock pools is a great way to start early conversations about physics and biology.

Educators also help children understand the basics of engineering by conducting experiments in building sandcastles and bridges using natural materials, and children learn about gravity, evaporation, and how to classify seashells. I also learned.

“Our research proves that coastal environments can be rich learning environments for young people. We encourage early childhood educators and parents to explore this summer by turning their next trip to the beach into a learning experience. , we recommend dipping your feet in the water,” Dr. Speldewinde said.

“Going to the beach is a great, low-cost way for families to spend quality time together. Blue spaces are also a great way for children with behavioral, mental, emotional and social issues to be at peace. I found that it functions as a place to calm down and learn in a rich environment.”

Despite the proven learning benefits of bush and beach pre-schools, Dr Speldewinde said that Australian states do not have an agreed-upon policy for early childhood educators implementing bush-and-beach programs. He said that there is still only a limited curriculum available.

He said more guidance is needed in this area to help educators roll out programs effectively.

Further information: Christopher Speldewinde, “Dipping your toe in the water: Early childhood science learning at the beach preschool,” Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s42322-024-00178-0

Provided by Deakin University

Citation: Beach Kindergarten helps kids understand early STEM concepts (November 11, 2024) https://phys.org/news/2024-11-beach-kindergarten-kids-grasp- Retrieved November 11, 2024 from early.html

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