Blog | Global Indian International School

Early Start to STEM-Based Education

Written by Rekha Varghese, Vice-Principal, SMART Campus | March 28, 2021

You may have heard of STEM in education, but how does it help your child? STEM is an educational curriculum that includes science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects and relies heavily on experiential learning. It is often mistaken that STEM is only important for those who have inclination towards science and related fields. That might be true but only when the child moves to higher grades but at the primary levels, STEM activities are highly instrumental in enhancing creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.

Why start STEM Education early?

We believe strongly in the value of STEM for all GIIS students. Why? Because STEM-related education benefits children in multiple ways.

Introduces inquiry — Children learn to ask questions as they solve problems, imagine solutions and observe outcomes.

Builds curiosity — Children develop a sense of wonder and develop their imagination and creativity as they suggest hypotheses, solve problems and engage in trial and error.

Boosts problem-solving skills — Children hone their ability to find solutions and persevere until they get the right results.

Develops critical and logical thinking — Children learn how to follow specific steps as they think through problems and find solutions.

Instils a love for learning — Children engage in interesting and fun STEM activities that make them excited to learn.

Teaches proper experimentation — Children gain a scientific mindset and a solid foundation in proper experiment methods as they document data and analyse results.

Prepares students for the 21st Century — Children develop relevant skills and gain knowledge that prepares them to pursue STEM-related careers and function successfully in today’s society.

STEM Education in Early Years

Children thrive in a school with a STEM curriculum, and we incorporate STEM in preschool, primary school and advanced levels. On our technologically advanced campus, we offer hi-tech features that spark curiosity. Students learn how things work and appreciate the role of science in making life better. Here’s how we offer STEM to your child in preschool and primary school.

STEM Education in Preschool

In the earliest years, we expose children to educational, fun and engaging STEM activities.

Simple scientific experiments — Teachers plan and conduct age-appropriate experiments with the help of educational manipulative. For example, students mix colours in water to create a rainbow effect. This simple experiment builds your child’s curiosity and teaches the basic scientific fact that every action has a reaction.

Child-centred free playtime — We provide building blocks, jigsaw puzzles and role-play toys for toddlers to use during their free playtime. However, teachers will also give your child plenty of space to choose activities and exercise logical thinking as they create and innovate.

Age-appropriate exposure to gadgets — Students use iPads to play Drag and Drop games, complete puzzles and navigate mazes. We also teach children to scan QR codes to reach educational websites like Happy Clicks. As your child masters using the device, they also sharpen logical thinking skills.

STEM in Primary School

We invite children in grades 1 to 5 to discover more in-depth STEM concepts as they learn, grow and develop.

STEM Kits — Students receive free STEM kits with up to eight activities. The STEM activities align with the concepts and topics taught in the academic syllabus. While playing, your child reinforces activities across subjects and dives deeper into learning.

STEM-based ECAs and CCAs — We allow children to choose from extracurricular and co-curricular activities such as Robotics, Einstein in Me, and Design and Thinking that reinforce STEM. Coding is also part of the ICT training every student receives. Your child spends time engaging in fun STEM activities that also strengthen their knowledge and skills.

STEM-based contests — With encouragement and guidance from teachers, students may participate in competitions like the Sony Toy Making contest and the Olympiad for Maths and Science. Through competition, your child hones their curiosity, knowledge, skill and engagement.

Interest-based clubs — Students interested in STEM subjects may join the Environment, Aryabhata, Science, or Artificial Intelligence clubs. While delving into their area of interest, your child also connects with like-minded peers and learns new concepts, facts and skills.

GIIS Incorporates STEM Education from Early Years

Children thrive in a school with a STEM curriculum, and we incorporate STEM in preschool, primary school and advanced levels. On our technologically advanced campus, we offer hi-tech features that spark curiosity. Students learn how things work and appreciate the role of science in making life better. Here’s how we offer STEM to your child in preschool and primary school.

Every child receives a STEM-rich education at GIIS. To support and encourage STEM-based education, we offer the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Global Skills Scholarship to students from Grade 1 to 12.

The merit-based scholarship provides a tuition discount for students who exhibit exceptional scientific temperament and have achieved top ranks in competitions like the Olympiad or similar STEM-based talent platforms. Consider GIIS as you give your child a strong foundation that enriches their academic experience and preparation for the future.

To know more about Global Indian International School, its curricula and NextGen learning environment, click here.