New Pioneers was thrilled to join the St. Joseph Montessori Children's Center during their "STEM Week" this July to lead a morning of outdoor learning! During this delightful visit, students participated in a variety of games, challenges, crafts, and chants - all focused on our theme: STEM in nature.

In case you're not familiar with STEM, it is an educational approach that integrates the four disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on learning. STEM has many connections to environmental education, including understanding nature and natural phenomena, tackling environmental issues, and much, much more!

Students started the morning by building ryegrass terrariums out of repurposed containers, applying science, engineering, and math skills to the process! Next, students participated in three "STEM Stations," exploring the behavior of water with our H2O Olympics, the effects of UV radiation through sun prints, and architectural design by building mini habitats out of natural materials. We wrapped up the morning with a fun chant about our theme, acting out movements for each discipline of STEM!

New Pioneers greatly appreciates this collaboration and opportunity to lead our local youth to a deeper understanding of and relationship with nature. We look forward to many more environmental education programs in the future, fostering a generation of eco-explorers and lovers!

To view more photos from this program, click here or on the collage above.