At the University of California at Irvine, there have been recent developments in creating STEM learning activities in family community spaces. These are spaces where kids and families play and interact, such as local parks, stores, and playgrounds. The STEM learning activities reflect science and mathematics practices, while also incorporating community culture and history. Integrating STEM focused activities in places such as parks, gives children the chance to have hands-on experiences in daily life events

In one of UC Irvine’s projects, they have developed an outline for a STEM activity at a bus stop that involves the well-known cultural game “Loteria” in the area. UC Irvine has also created an “I-Spy” mural at the bus stop where parents and children can talk about the different pictures and objects they observe. In addition, the program has created a new game called “Fraction Ball” at a local Santa Ana basketball court. The game gives kids the ability to learn about fractions through playing and shooting at the basketball court.  

UC Irvine’s STEM learning projects are part of a bigger national movement called Playful Learning Landscapes (PLL). Playful Learning Landscapes creates these community STEM learning activities based on child development research about learning, school achievement, and the parent-child relationship. 

These-up and-coming STEM learning activities in daily life are a great initiative to get kids outside and playing, while also learning about mathematics, science, and more! It will be exciting to see if more pop up around cities and towns in the near future. 

 

Laura Hinsch

Research Assistant, UConn KIDS

 

Article Link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/playful-stem-learning/202111/playing-the-way-high-quality-stem-learning

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