9.1: Sequential Learning Experiences
Course Competency 9. Integrate STEM learning experiences into an interdisciplinary unit
CRITERIA: 9.1. unit plan includes multiple sequential learning experiences
It is common for many programs to integrate many aspects of learning with the use of “themes” as a way to weave learning together for children. For some learners, the connection of several learning experiences all related to a common concept can support deeper learning. The most successful themes are those that emerge out of the children’s interest (often called “ emergent curriculum ” ). Common themes include:
- My family
- Friendship and caring
- Community Helpers
- Animals
- Activities (camping, …)
- Transportation
- Locations (oceans, mountains, farms,…)
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Pause to Reflect What other themes can you think of? What themes can you themes of that will allow you to present science and math topics to the children? |
Often when planning a theme, teachers will use the concept of a curriculum “web” to begin to plan their ideas. Like a list, but in a different format, a web allows teachers to brainstorm related ideas and then to choose the ones that make the most sense to more thoroughly plan for. This process uses both a teacher’s divergent and convergent thinking skills.
A basic web diagram will look like this:
Figure 9.1: Basic web diagram
Here is a sample of a curriculum web using this format. Can you think of activities to add?
Figure 9.2: Sample curriculum web
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Pause to Reflect What advantages can you find in creating a planning web? How might you incorporate children into helping you web ideas? |
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Interdisciplinary STEM Units
In Chapter 8 you learned about writing individual learning experience plans for Science and Math. Previously, in chapter 9, Part 9.1 Interdisciplinary Units, you learned about creating a curriculum web to plan an interdisciplinary unit. When planning units we will want to be sure we include each of the criteria list above. The unit must include multiple sequential learning experiences, address all the developmental domains, include Science, Technology, Engineering and Math experiences, and meet all the requirements for learning experiences plans.
Curriculum Web for Science and Math
Below are webs outlining an interdisciplinary STEM unit that combines Science and Math activities, integrated with Technology and Engineering components.
When planning, teachers should always take into account the interests and developmental level of the children. For example, a teacher could plan a Flower theme if they observe the children taking great interest in the flowers and plants growing outside. Children learn best when the activities in the classroom are integrated, meaning all the activities the teacher plans are related to the same topic.
First, we will take a look at Science.
1. Start with a theme. In the example the theme is FLOWERS.
2. Determine the type of science topic the theme is (Life, Physical, Earth and Space). Flowers is a LIFE science topic.
3. Determine activities for the various areas or centers in your classroom that would help the children develop skills and understandings relating to flowers.
4. Determine ways Technology and Engineering can be integrated into the activities in the centers.
Now let's look at how you could plan math activities for a flower theme that will help children learn skills in each of the areas of mathematical education addressed in the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards.
1. Start with a theme. In the example the theme is FLOWERS.
2. Determine activities that will help the children learn skills and understandings in each of the mathematical areas:
- Number Sense
- Number and Operations
- Shapes and Spatial Relations
- Algebraic Thinking: Sorting, Patterning, and Reasoning
- Measurement
- Data Analysis: Graphing
3. Determine ways engineering and technology can be integrated into the math experiences.
As you can see all of the activities shown in the science and math web are examples of multiple sequential learning experiences.