Last modified: 05 Aug 2025 15:46
This course provides practitioners with an overview of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in early childhood education. The importance of STEM in global 21st-century education is explored as is its role in supporting young learners' development. The course emphasizes hands-on experiences, skill application, and fostering STEM-positive attitudes, while addressing diversity, equity and sustainability. Students will learn to integrate STEM principles in their own settings to create inclusive environments that promote creativity and critical thinking.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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This course provides practitioners with a comprehensive overview of the teaching and learning of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in early childhood education. Practitioners will explore the concept of STEM, its importance in the context of global 21st-century education, and how it serves as a critical foundation for young learners' development. The course emphasises the role of educators in fostering hands-on experiences, skill application, and STEM-positive attitudes, while also addressing broader societal issues such as diversity, equity, and sustainability.
Through this course, students will gain a deep understanding of how STEM can be used as a tool to create inclusive learning environments that promote equal opportunities for all children. Students will examine how STEM principles can be integrated into early childhood settings to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity while ensuring that all learners, regardless of their background, have the chance to engage with and benefit from these fields. The course highlights the importance of empowering children to explore the natural and physical worlds, promoting their autonomy and curiosity.
Key course themes will include:
By the end of the course, students will have developed a robust understanding of how STEM education can play a transformative role in early childhood learning. They will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to integrate STEM into their classrooms in a way that supports every child’s right to learn and grow in an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable environment.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 12 | Feedback Weeks | 17 | |
| Feedback |
Written tutor feedback |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Identify and demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of STEM education by drawing on relevant literature and theory. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Demonstrate understanding of ways in which STEM can be implemented into practice and to what extent this approach meets the needs of young learners. |
| Reflection | Create | Present a clearly structured and reasoned submission that shows evidence of reading around STEM education. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Critically reflect on your application of the principles of STEM into your own practice. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 30 | Feedback Weeks | 33 | |
| Feedback |
Written tutor feedback |
|||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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|
||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Identify and demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of STEM education by drawing on relevant literature and theory. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Demonstrate understanding of ways in which STEM can be implemented into practice and to what extent this approach meets the needs of young learners. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Critically reflect on your application of the principles of STEM into your own practice. |
| Reflection | Create | Present a clearly structured and reasoned submission that shows evidence of reading around STEM education. |
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