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STEM PRESENTATION

Photo by Aswin

Photo by Aswin

Name of the stem presentation: Magnetic world

Science: Children can study the science of magnetism and how magnets function. By using different magnets of various strengths and sizes, they can examine the idea of attraction and repulsion. Children can learn about the physical characteristics of materials by observing how magnets can be used to move or lift specific things.

Technology: Children can learn about simple machines like pulleys and levers by utilizing magnets. Students can play with lifting and moving various things using magnets to better understand how machines operate.

Engineering: Children may create simple buildings and shapes, such as bridges or houses, with magnets. As they figure out how to use the magnets to form a stable structure, this can aid in the development of their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.

Math: By engaging with magnets, children may learn fundamental math skills like counting and sorting. Magnets can be used to practice counting and grouping as well as sorting by colour, size, and form.

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One of my favourite activity was 'squishy circuits'. I found it pretty much interesting because it deals with the concept of electricity which I am interested. It provides an engaging way for students to explore concepts in electricity and conductivity. By experimenting with different materials, such as playdough and conductive dough, students can learn about how electricity flows and how circuits work. Squishy circuits provides an opportunity for to explore simple electronics and circuitry. By building circuits with LEDs, buzzers, and other components, we can learn about how different parts work together to create a functioning circuit.

My second favourite activity was 'gravity'. It helps us learn about the basic concept of gravity, which is the force that pulls objects towards each other. We can also learn about how gravity affects the movement of objects and how it keeps us grounded on the earth. We can experiment with building different structures and testing them to see how gravity affects them. They can use building blocks to create towers and bridges and see how different shapes and sizes affect their stability.

Photo by Attunenia

Photo by Aswin

STEM activities often involve hands-on problem-solving, which can help children develop critical thinking skills and learn how to approach challenges in a systematic and logical way. It can also encourage creativity, as children are often asked to come up with innovative solutions to problems or create new designs. STEM activities often require persistence and perseverance, as children may need to try multiple solutions before finding one that works. This can help children develop resilience and a growth mindset. These activities can also encourage collaboration and teamwork, as children may need to work together to solve problems or complete projects. It can help cultivate a love of science and a natural curiosity about the world. This can lead to a lifelong interest in learning and exploration.

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Photo by Aswin

Photo by Attunenia

Photo by Reshma

Photo by Reshma

Photo by Attunenia

Photo by Aswin

Photo by Reshma

Photo by Aswin

Activity for infants

Geoboards:

Fine Motor Skills: Geoboards require infants to manipulate small objects and stretch rubber bands, which can help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and finger dexterity.

Spatial Reasoning: Geoboards provide infants with a physical representation of shapes and space, helping them to develop their spatial reasoning skills. They can explore and compare different shapes and patterns, understand the relationship between objects, and develop their sense of direction and orientation.

Cognitive Development: Geoboards can also aid in cognitive development. Infants can learn to recognize and identify different shapes, colors, and sizes, and use critical thinking skills to solve problems and create their own designs.

Creativity and Imagination: Geoboards can encourage infants to use their imagination and creativity by allowing them to create their own designs and patterns.

Activity for preschoolers

Floor puzzles:

Cognitive Development: Floor puzzles can help preschoolers develop cognitive skills such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, and logical thinking. As preschoolers work on fitting the puzzle pieces together, they must use their problem-solving skills to find the correct location for each piece.

Hand-Eye Coordination and Fine Motor Skills: Working on floor puzzles requires preschoolers to manipulate and fit small pieces together, which can help develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Language and Vocabulary Development: While working on floor puzzles, preschoolers can develop their language skills by discussing the puzzle pieces with their peers or caregivers. They can learn new vocabulary words related to the puzzle, such as the names of animals or objects depicted in the image.

Patience and Persistence: Floor puzzles require patience and persistence to complete, which can help preschoolers develop these important social and emotional skills.

Social Skills: Floor puzzles can also encourage social interaction and teamwork among preschoolers as they work together to complete the puzzle. They can learn how to take turns, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others.

[aswinanish]

Photo by Aswin

Photo by Attunenia

Photo by Aswin

Photo by Reshma

Photo by Aswin

Photo by Aswin

Children's math knowledge and skills can be evaluated using data visualizations. Data displays can be used by educators to pinpoint areas where children need extra help and to monitor their development over time. By encouraging children to evaluate and interpret information, data displays can aid in the development of their problem-solving abilities. Children may utilize data displays to discover patterns, forecast outcomes, and draw conclusions—all of which are crucial problem-solving abilities. Data displays give mathematical relationships and concepts visual representations, making them simpler to comprehend and retain. Children can make sense of complex mathematical concepts by seeing patterns and trends in the data. For example, making tables on the number and varieties of mushrooms help them organize their findings during scavenger hunts. Making glyphs by connecting with our real life helps the children relate the classroom activities with themselves. They can also develop their counting skills when they participate in various workshops. Children identify different colors and sort them during the activities which develops their cognitive abilities.

2. We should study and understand data to generate a glyph in order to create a visual representation. We must choose what data to provide and how to do so in a way that is meaningful, which encourages critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Children have a special chance to enhance their visual literacy skills because of glyphs. The participants also have to convey meaning using symbols, colours, and other visual components, which might aid in their grasp of how visual information is used to transmit ideas.

The educator can expose the children to a variety of data displays, including tables, graphs, charts, and maps. They can also describe each form of display's use and function, as well as how it might be utilized to represent data. Provide practical examples to show how to use data displays. Use demographic figures, sports statistics, or weather reports as examples to illustrate how data displays are used in daily life. By having children examine data and make displays in pairs or small groups, you may promote collaborative learning. Through this, they can improve their communication and teamwork abilities while learning math.

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MATH AS A FOCUS

Hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences are frequently used in the workshops to engage children and make arithmetic more interesting. Children who may struggle with typical classroom instruction may benefit most from this method. Several math-related workshops concentrate on using arithmetic practically, such as building mini-constructions or solving riddles. Children may be more motivated to learn math if they can better understand how it relates to their daily life. Math-related workshops frequently involve group work and teamwork, which can aid kids in learning math while also helping them develop critical social and communication skills. These workshops also provide individualized instruction and feedback, which can assist children in addressing their own learning requirements and advancing at their own rate.

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Photo by Reshma

2. My favourite station among all the workshops was the "Play dominoes". It is so exciting and attention seeking. For both individuals and groups, playing dominoes is a fascinating and engrossing hobby that combines brain stimulation, social connection, and amusement. Children can learn addition and subtraction by adding up the total dots on a set of tiles or subtracting the dots on one tile from the dots on another to find the difference by using dominoes. Each tile of a pattern of dominoes contains a different arrangement of dots. With the help of the dominoes, kids can discover patterns and draw connections, which will help them improve their spatial reasoning. Making tactical choices and finding solutions to issues like matching tiles and preventing opponents from scoring points are necessary when playing dominoes. Children get critical thinking abilities and problem-solving techniques as a result of this.

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3. Teachers should foster a welcoming and encouraging learning environment where kids are motivated to engage in arithmetic and feel competent. Several daily tasks, including counting things, measuring things, and looking for patterns, can incorporate math. Math should be incorporated into these activities by educators so that it becomes a natural and pleasurable component of the children's everyday routines. Teachers should employ a range of teaching strategies, including practical activities, visual aids, and games, to make arithmetic accessible and interesting for all pupils because different children have varied learning preferences. For example, creating our own game promotes creativity and engegement

Photo by Aswin

[aswinanish]

Photo by Aswin

Photo by Attunenia

Photo by Reshma

Photo by Reshma

As we are naturally curious about nature and the surroundings, the forest walk gave a rich sensory experience that caught everyone's attention. We noticed a wide variety of trees, insects, animals, leaves and so much more as we moved on. We also noticed the adaptations that different animals go through during the wintertime. We noticed how children can learn about the ecosystem, the life cycle of plants and animals, and the importance of biodiversity. Children get the chance to exercise and take on physical obstacles during forest treks, such as climbing over fallen logs, negotiating uneven terrain, and ascending a hill. Both toddlers and adults can feel calmer after taking a walk in the forest. As kids spend more time in the outdoors, you may have seen how they become more at ease and content. Spending time in nature has been shown to have positive effects on mood, stress levels, and general well-being.

I wondered how animals survive during harsh and extreme situations during the wintertime and also about the migration of the birds during this time. I also wondered how trees and plants survive without even having a single leaf. The vast variety of living creatures in our surroundings really amazed me. I will look into the measure that we can take as a team to protect nature and its inhabitants to create healthy surroundings around us.

The forest walk reminded me of a lot of things such as the extraordinary variety of plant and animal life, as well as the complex interactions and systems seen in nature. The sights, sounds, and fragrances of the forest can encourage us to slow down and pay closer attention to our environment. The childhood memories which I used to spend with my family also went through my mind. Walking through a forest with kids can serve as a reminder of the wonder and excitement that comes from discovering the natural world, as well as how crucial it is to foster and support kids' innate curiosity and sense of exploration. The fragility and beauty of nature can serve as a reminder of the need to safeguard and preserve the environment for future generations.

How forest Wednesday support children's learning/connection to nature?

Children have the chance to explore and learn about their surroundings during forest hikes. They can pick up rocks, sticks, and other natural things, as well as touch and feel various kinds of leaves and study animal habits. Children benefit from this kind of exploration by learning about the natural world and fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity. The rich sensory experience provided by taking a walk in the forest can help children learn and feel better. Children are able to smell the aromas of flowers and other natural components, hear the noises of animals, and feel the texture of various types of leaves. Children's sensory processing abilities, which are crucial for cognitive development, can be improved through this sensory experience. Forest walks offer a beautiful location for exercise and physical activity. Children are able to climb over downed trees, ascend hills, and move across challenging terrain. Children's physical health depends on this kind of exercise, which can also aid in their development of balance, coordination, and gross motor skills. Forest walks can foster in kids a love of the outdoors and an awareness of their responsibility to preserve it. Children can learn the value of safeguarding endangered species, the effects of human activity on the environment, and the value of conservation. Children also get to know the different characteristics of the land as well.

Identify two key learnings for you based on your experiences at Forest Wednesday and why

Science: We can see and learn about all kinds of plants, animals, and other natural elements during a forest walk, providing an opportunity to learn about science. Additionally, we can learn about the interrelationships between ecological systems, weather patterns, and environmental changes.

Creativity: As we participate in art, music, and theatre activities that are connected to nature, forest walks can encourage creativity and imagination. We are able to play imaginatively, sing songs about the forest, and create art using natural materials.

[aswinanish]

Photo by Aswin

Photo by Attunenia

Photo by Aswin

Photo by Aswin

Photo by Aswin

Name of the station: Station 1: The lego challenge

Playing with lego blocks supports child development in various aspects. It play a major role in getting the child to understand the concept of engineering. Lego blocks are a traditional toy that has been used for decades to aid in children's development. They offer a variety of advantages that support kids' growth and education in many ways. Children's spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills all improve when they play with blocks. They develop their understanding of balance, symmetry, and proportion as they construct constructions and try out various configurations. Children's fine motor skills and dexterity are developed when they hold, stack, and handle blocks with their hands. Children must coordinate their hands and eyes while building with blocks, which helps to develop their general hand-eye coordination. With blocks, kids can let their imaginations soar on a blank canvas. They are capable of creating whatever they can think of, from straightforward towers to intricate animals. Block play can also be shared with others. To accomplish a common objective, kids can cooperate to build structures, take turns, and interact with one another.

In general, blocks are a fun and adaptable toy that can help kids' growth in a variety of ways. When playing alone or with others, blocks offer countless chances for discovery and learning.

[aswinanish]

My favourite activity was the water/tin foil/pennies activity. This activity is appropriate for kindergarten age they will be learning the basic concepts of numbers and adding them. As the activity demands adding the number of coins, it is appropriate for this age group. The activity also helps the children to understand the basic concepts of science.

When the foil sinks because of the weight of the coins on top, children will realize to what level an object will float on top of the water for a certain period of time. They will also learn how to count because the activity requires them to count the number of coins on top of the foil.

[aswinanish]

StoryWalk combines the benefits and joys of outdoor walking with the pleasures of reading wonderful children's books aloud. A pathway is lined with pages from a children's book as part of the entertaining and instructive activity known as StoryWalk. As a child participates in a storywalk, the child is becoming a part of the story. This promotes engagement to a certain extent and it also paves the way for the development of communication and literacy skills as they are doing the activity as a group. As the storywalk goes on, the children act themselves as the characters of the story and go on according to the pace of the story and enjoys it much more than reading it aloud and just watching the pictures in the books. For example, in the storywalk we had to act ourselves as the character in the story which gave us an idea of the nature of the character and how the story keeps up with the pace. Another example is that when we conducted it in groups, we were able to share what we understood and were able to carry out in a much interesting and fun way.

While we were setting up the storywalk, we found it pretty difficult to to find a good spot as we had to set up the storywalk within the college premises. Another difficulty that faced was not to make a disturbance to classes that were going on in the other classrooms. It was also difficult to give a guidance to our classmates through the storywalk as all of them were in separate groups.

While participating in the storywalks of the other groups, I was able to understand the difference between reading the story and experiencing it through a storywalk. I wonder how interesting it would be if it was organized outside the college. I had also wondered about dressing up as the characters in the story so that it will be much interesting and engaging.

References

Ontario's Pedagogy for Early Years. How does Learning Happen? (2014).

[aswinanish]

Name: Aswin Anish

FAM1249 Math and Science

I noticed that a lot of changes take place in nature during winter. Most of the trees shed their leaves but still looks pretty beautiful. I have also seen how living things change their adaptation to survive with respect to the weather. Only a small number of birds can be seen during this time of the year. Animal footprints which is evidence of life is clearly visible in the snow. I have also noticed blocks of water in the form of ice and nature's ability to change the form of things around us.

I wonder how the adaptations of living things change in the summer.. I also wonder how these birds change their survival mode in this weather. The mechanism of coping up with the surroundings is really mind-blowing. When I saw the footprints of an animal in the snow, it reminded me of an old dog whose footprints were almost similar to these and also the same size. I wonder why trees have different leaves in various sizes and shapes. The bird feeder also reminded me of the feeder which we had back home. A lot of birds come every morning to fetch water and food from the feeder.

Scavenger hunt makes children get familiar with nature and involves using all their senses to observe what's around them. For example, a forest walk or nature camp develops children's ability to think and understand the world around them.