ABSTRACT

This book provides a fresh perspective on recent debates around integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education in early childhood.

The book offers inspiration and practical advice for educators and researchers. It suggests concrete ways to engage young children in STEAM learning activities and promote their development. With contributions from international experts, the book discusses how to develop age-appropriate STEAM learning activities for young children. Divided into four parts, the book covers a wide range of topics, including the perceptions and practices of STEAM education among early childhood teachers in different countries, the use of new pedagogies and technologies to promote equitable and accessible STEAM education, the role of teacher education and policy in reducing inequality in STEAM education, and how early STEAM education can promote social change and achieve sustainable development goals. The book highlights the importance of STEAM education in providing young children with the necessary skills to create a more sustainable and equitable world. Overall, this book provides an important contribution to help critique and improve how early childhood educators view and practice STEAM education across cultures. It proposes ideas for achieving sustainable development goals through high-quality early STEAM education.

The book appeals to early childhood educators and researchers, as it draws on cross-cultural viewpoints to critically examine how teachers understand and implement STEAM education across different cultures along with exploring how cultural values and goals shape early STEAM education.

chapter 1|8 pages

From STEM to STEAM

Creating a More Sustainable and Equitable World for Young Children

part I|80 pages

The Microsystem

chapter 3|16 pages

A Chinese Style of STEM Inquiry?

The Discourse of Inquiry-Based STEM Education Among Chinese Early Childhood Practitioners

chapter 4|16 pages

Steam and Sustainable Development Challenges in Early Childhood Education

Estonian Preschool Teachers' Views and Practices

chapter 5|15 pages

Toward the Sustainable Development Goals

STEAM Education Beliefs and Practices in Turkish Preschools

chapter 6|16 pages

Steam Education in Preschools in Hanoi, Vietnam

Teachers' Beliefs About the Learning Environment and Challenges in Teaching

part II|62 pages

The Mesosystem

chapter 8|12 pages

“But Then I am the Robot's Brain!”

Children's and Preschool Teachers' Communication During STEM Teaching Scaffolded by Digital Tools

chapter 10|17 pages

“Because Every Kid can Think Like a Scientist”

Reflecting South-African Children's Voices on Being Scientists and Engineers Based on Their STEAM Experience

part IV|68 pages

The Macrosystem

chapter 15|14 pages

Children as Inventors of Sustainable Future

Imagination-Driven Approach to Early STEAM Education

chapter 17|15 pages

“It's Not a Challenge, It's an Opportunity”

Empowering Children to Create a Sustainable Future