It was National STEAM Week last week, so we have been super busy in nursery, focussing on a different strand of STEAM each day.
Science.
We have been learning how to look after people using first aid. We used role play to be doctors, nurses and midwives and learned about the role of a dentist. We practiced brushing teeth whilst using a digital timer to count down two minutes. We also discovered what a “pea sized” amount size looked like. One of our children used her imagination to give birth to a child. She then used the blocks as a wheelchair because she was “tired”. Her friend, the midwife, helped her deliver her baby safely. Some of us worked together to build a hospital for our patients. We had a waiting area and an area for ambulances to come in and out. We also learned who we phone in an emergency. We have also been bathing babies and learning how to look after them. We discovered how to make our own perfumes by mixing ingredients. We created chemical reactions as we became chemists for the day. We discovered the role of a scientist and the relevance of them in our world today. We also explored some senses as we mixed materials together. We also took part in a tasting experience where we had to wear a blindfold and eat some food whilst guessing what it might be.
Technology.
We became photographers as we used cameras, capturing snaps of magic within the nursery. We took turns and shared as we became “photographers of the day”. We were graphic designers, discovering shape using the paint function of the laptop and we even discovered how to print our own designs. We learned about the BEEBOT, discovering positionality, shape and direction and we used the remote-control cars, discovering signals and how the controller directs our cars. We also learned about road signs and safety. We even attempted to make bread in our new bread maker. Unfortunately, the ladies didn’t read the instructions very well, but we enjoyed having a taste anyway.
Engineering.
We developed our fine motor skills as we discovered Jenga and the patience and determination it required. We discussed how we needed to have a steady hand just like an architect. We did some building with connectors, looking at structures whilst discovering 3D shapes. We worked together while discussing tall and wide structures and the complexities of these. There were opportunities to practice our balance as we stacked cups and paper, using problem solving in order to successfully stack the cups. We also built using the Duplo blocks. This encouraged building, sharing of ideas and thinking ahead. We also encouraged imagination as children came up with their structures.
Art.
We discovered some marble painting, using this as a method of mark making to develop our fine motor skills. We enjoyed taking turns as we made different creations. We discussed artists such as Jonathan Pollock and looked at his way of creating art. We created our own splatter painting opportunity where children developed gross motor skills as we flung sponges at the canvas.
Maths.
After our enjoyment using the BEEBOTS we decided to revisit this, discovering direction and positionality. We worked together and took turns as we used problem solving to get from one place to another. Some children were able to plan their journey by planning their destination points and how they intended to get there. We even learned about our left and right. We discovered patterns, creating our own 2 and 3 coloured patterns. We took turns to challenge each other’s thinking by adding more. We were able to help each other as well as work together to challenge Emma and Ann. We also played dominos where we explored dot patterns through play.
What a fantastic week of celebrating all things STEAM! We also hope you enjoyed your STEAM home links bags.
