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Episode 6: Suds, Science, and Material Properties

Posted on December 5, 2025 in Podcasts

Turn errands into quality time with your child! Follow along as the STEMIE Family Hotline helps Nicole transform her early Saturday morning laundromat trip into engaging material science exploration with baby Leila. Learn how learning opportunities are hidden within everyday tasks. Dr. Hsiu-Wen Yang, a pediatric occupational therapist and parent of a child with developmental delays, joins the conversation to share practical adaptations for children with sensory sensitivities and realistic strategies for overwhelmed working parents.

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About the Guest

Dr. Hsiu-Wen Yang serves as a research investigator and technical assistance specialist at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. She has devoted her career to supporting families and practitioners in developing effective learning experiences for young children with disabilities. Drawing on her expertise as an occupational therapist and her personal experience as a parent navigating the Early Intervention system, Dr. Yang demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing best practices in the field.

Key Takeaways

  • Laundry time is full of STEM moments. Babies and toddlers can explore how things feel: soft vs. rough, flexible vs. stiff, or wet vs. dry.
  • Describing textures using phrases such as “This is soft” or “This feels hard” helps children notice the characteristics of each material.
  • Letting children touch and explore a variety of materials helps them make sense of the world.
  • Simple adaptations, such as offering familiar textures first, using signs or pictures, and slowing down, make material exploration fun and accessible for all children.
Hsiu-Wen Yang Ph.D.

Technical Assistance Specialist at UNC’s FPG Child Development Institute

Related Resources

Try out strategies at the playground by checking out our early intervention cards:

For adaptation tips and ideas, visit our Guide to Adaptations

STEMIE