Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Education in the Early Years

Andreas Schleicher – Director for the Directorate of Education and Skills, OECD

Children are born as STEM experts, they love understanding nature, to try things out and test ideas, and to figure out cause and effect. But as they grow older, many turn away from this early love, experiencing the STEM subjects in school as an abstract world of formulas and equations that is unrelated to their lives and dreams, quickly memorised and then forgotten. Yang, Kewalramani and Senthil show how we can turn this around, teaching STEM in the early years in ways that build curiosity, agency and a science-based world view. This is not just about the next generation of engineers, it is about citizens who share an evidence-based reality and who take responsible decisions for themselves, for others and for the planet.

Philip Hui Li – Chair Professor and Dean of Shanghai Institute of Early Childhood Education, Shanghai Normal University, China

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the cutting-edge state of STEAM education in early childhood settings with practical examples and effective strategies. It covers a wide range of topics, including teacher perceptions and practices, the role of new pedagogies and technologies, equity and inclusion, teacher education and policy, and achieving sustainable development goals. The diverse global perspectives and enriched international experiences make this book an essential read for anyone interested in promoting STEAM education for young children. The editors, Weipeng Yang, Sarika Kewalramani, and Jyoti Senthil, have brought together an incredible group of contributors to create a timely and valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and researchers alike.

Coral Campbell – Professor of Science Education, Deakin University, Australia

In recent years, two very strong focuses have emerged that impact the world – the need for STEM capabilities and the development of sustainable futures. If we are to have a prosperous, equitable future, we need to cultivate a futures-oriented approach to learning that involves young children. In the area of early childhood education, STEAM education has been expanding to provide young children with a means to contribute as active participants in their learning. Children also have a role in sustaining a viable environmental future. Young children will need to manage the sustainability issues of the future, with STEAM skills and knowledge. This book is a valuable contribution to the field as it successfully brings together recent relevant research from across the globe. Using a structured approach to identify the issues and successes in STEAM education for sustainability, this book is a ‘must read’ for any early childhood professional educator and researcher who seeks to understand the complexities underpinning a sustainability approach to STEAM teaching and learning. It is a significant contribution to the field.

Professor Susanne Garvis, Griffith University

This book draws together 16 chapters from around the world to explore different perspectives, theories and practices useful for early childhood education practitioners and researchers. The alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals shows the importance of creating high quality learning experiences with young children to support successful equitable and sustainable futures for all. A focus on future orientation provides opportunities for teachers and policy makers to rethink what is possible and allow strong connections between theory and pedagogical practices.