Stem Play: Integrating Inquiry Into Learning Centers

Most early childhood teachers are using learning centres in the classroom, but do not approach them in ways that fully support a variety of learning opportunities.

This book approaches learning centres through the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) lens, and shares how themes can be integrated into centres to promote creativity and higher-level thinking.

STEM Play provides varied activities for the most common centres: Art, blocks, dramatic play, literacy, math, science, music and movement. Full of beautiful, full-colour photos that show the activities in real early childhood classrooms, teachers can easily use the book's ideas immediately in their curriculum.

STEM Play also includes a How To section for teachers who wish to expand on the STEM focus and use themed activities in their learning centres.

Deirdre Sheridan Englehart, Ed.D, RYT, was an Associate Lecturer in the University of Central Florida's Early Childhood Development and Education program. In 2008, she earned her doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction and early childhood education and previously earned her master's degree in mathematics and science education at the University of Central Florida. She was a previous primary grade teacher in Orange County Public Schools and taught two years as a Teacher-in-Residence at the Orlando Science Center. She taught undergraduate courses in science and technology, creativity, integrated arts and children's literature. She wrote several books for teachers and developed curriculum related to science and integrated arts. She was a part of the team that wrote the Voluntary Pre-K Standards in Florida. Her research interests included children's nonfiction literature, science education and the integration of yoga and movement with young children.

Dr. Englehart lived in Deltona, FL. She passed away in 2016.

Dr. Debby Mitchell recently retired from teaching in the College of Education at University of Central Florida where she was an Associate Professor and Coordinator of Sports and Fitness. She has over 35 years' experience in physical education, coaching, fitness and health with research interests including brain research, developmentally appropriate movement activities and music, dance and rhythms, children's wellness, obesity and integrating technology into the curriculum.

She continues to dedicate her time and energy in making a difference and founded a company called GeoMotion Group due to her passion to encourage people from all walks of life to be excited about physical activities and fitness. She promotes a love for movement by keeping activities simple, safe and fun. Dr. Mitchell and her staff work with schools that want to improve learning and increase physical activity. Her programs are in over 25,000 schools and she has trained over 1000 pre-service teachers, over 5,000 educators at conferences, in addition to publishing and delivering keynotes.

Junie Albers-Biddle, Ed.D. is an Associate Lecturer of Early Childhood Development and Education in the College of Education and Human Performance at the University of Central Florida. She has over 27 years of experience in the field of early childhood education. She has dedicated her career to working with young children, teachers of young children, and pre-service teachers in early childhood education. Albers-Biddle has presented at several national and assisted in the develop of the current Florida Teacher Certification Examination prekindergarten to grade three. She earned her doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction with a research focus in early childhood teacher preparation and implications for the PreK-3rd Continuum.

Dr. Kelly Jennings-Towle is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Central Florida. Kelly has been in the field of early childhood for over 20 years. She has taught Kindergarten through Second grade in both Illinois and Florida. Courses taught at the collegiate level center on child development, children's literature, practicum, internship, and diversity for educators. She has presented at several National conferences, as well as trained teachers at local workshops. Kelly assisted in developing the current Florida Teacher Certification Examination PK-3. Her research is in the area of teacher preparation for high-need urban settings.

Marnie Forestieri is the Chief Learning Officer at The STEM SQUAD LLC and Little Explorers Academy, a group of multidisciplinary experts from academia and business that understands the importance of introducing STEM principles in early childhood. Marnie is a successful operator of large childcare centers in Orlando, Florida. She appears regularly on CNN Spanish and elsewhere discussing topics related to education.

Marnie holds a BS in Business Administration, a CDA, and Director's credential. Marnie is also a certified Dale Carnegie trainer. Marnie Started her career as a CNN reporter and later became the Vice President of marketing in a telecommunications company.