Developing Understanding of Patterns and Relationships: STEM Practices and Digital Play in the Early Years

• In Event: Crown Plaza Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Early Childhood Math Learning

Abstract

This paper documents the conceptual framework underpinning the Early Years STEM Australia (ELSA) program. The conceptual framework highlights the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) practices (Ideas, Methods and Values) rather than STEM content and is thus a departure from the more widespread understanding of STEM as the interrelationship among content derived from the four STEM disciplines. This paper explores the notion of STEM practices in outlining the development of digital and non-digital, play-based experiences for young children in patterns and relationships. Conceptual understanding of patterning - a core STEM practice - underpins a range of important concepts in the STEM disciplines and beyond.

Authors

• Kevin Larkin, Griffith University

• Tom Lowrie, University of Canberra

• Tracy Logan, University of Canberra