STEMIE

Introducing STEM concepts early helps children succeed in these areas later and even boosts their language skills. STEMIE provides evidence-based STEM resources for all children, including those with disabilities. STEMIE developed learning trajectories (LTs) to guide children through STEM learning step by step, helping parents and teachers create hands-on, meaningful experiences. STEMIE ensures these experiences are inclusive, adaptable, and culturally relevant. STEMIE collaborates with families, educators, and experts to build a supportive community that fosters ongoing STEM learning as children grow.

Below are STEMIE’s top 5 most accessed resources:

Learning trajectories help us understand how children learn and think about STEM topics and how to support children as they learn more. Research-based learning trajectories have 3 parts: a goal, a developmental progression, and instruction.

Why Inclusion Video Series:
” “The videos share Dr. Phil Strain’s findings from 40 years of research on inclusive education, presented at the 2019 OSEP Leadership Conference. They focus on three main topics: how to change attitudes about inclusion, the key features of good inclusive education, and the social benefits of inclusive education. The videos are designed to help people understand why inclusion is important, with captions available in several languages.

A Guide to Adaptations:
” “The inclusion framework is designed to help adults support STEM learning for children with disabilities using proven strategies. It focuses on three main areas: changing the environment (like how a room is set up or how long an activity lasts), adapting materials (like toys and technology), and adjusting instruction (by adding information or making tasks simpler). These approaches align with recommendations from the Division for Early Childhood (DEC).

A Guide to Teaching Practices:
” “Teaching strategies are ways that adults or other kids can help children participate in daily routines and activities. These strategies keep children interested and help them learn important skills for STEM. They are especially useful when adaptations aren’t enough to provide the support a child needs.

My STEM Adventure App:
Leila Diaz holding a mobile phone with My STEM Adventure app: Leila Diaz helps young children and their families explore STEM topics through 10 different adventures, both indoors and outdoors. They create a storybook about their discoveries along the way. Each adventure explains why the STEM concepts are important, what the kids are learning, and offers tips for parents and caregivers. The program includes features like text highlighting, navigation aids, captions, and Spanish translations. Families can also make their own storybook with pictures and audio, and record their own story. The adventures cover topics like patterns, cause and effect, and comparing things.

STEMIE