STE(a)M Classes

STE(A)M Classes: Tinkerers (Ages 3–6) and Engineers (Ages 5–8)

Our STE(A)M classes offer children a rich, playful introduction to science, engineering, and creative problem-solving. Each class follows a consistent routine that supports hands-on learning and confidence-building.

We begin with free choice time, giving children about 30 minutes to explore ten or more different activities. These may include science experiments, art projects, building and engineering challenges, observation stations, large-motor activities, fine-motor materials, books, and imaginative play. Children choose where to work and move at their own pace as they follow their curiosity.

After free choice, we gather for group time to introduce the key concepts for the day. Teachers use nonfiction books, science demonstrations, and songs to teach and reinforce the concepts we will explore.

Children then return to the classroom for about 40 minutes to apply what they have learned. They revisit the free choice activities with new understanding, build on their previous ideas, and experiment with fresh approaches.

Outdoor time follows, giving children space to move, explore nature, and continue learning through play.

We end each class with a final group time. Tinkerers enjoy a playful group activity, Engineers start with journaling, where they write about what they discovered during class. In both classes, we share a fun, engaging story that sparks imagination and encourages a lifelong love of learning.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is arranged into three seasonal units that help children explore science, engineering, and the natural world in developmentally appropriate ways.

Fall: What’s an Engineer?

Children learn about engineering by working with simple machines and building towers, bridges, houses, and model cars. They design and create, test out their ideas, knock things down, and build again as they learn how structures work.

Winter: What’s a Scientist?

Children explore geology, paleontology, astronomy, physics, and chemistry. Activities may include simulating earthquakes, digging for dinosaur fossils, looking at stars, testing gravity, and trying exciting chemistry experiments.

Spring: What’s an Inventor?

Our spring unit highlights invention and the life sciences. Children study the human body, animal adaptations, sea life, insects, and more. They also learn how inventors observe nature to develop new ideas for what to create.

Family Involvement

Our Saturday STE(A)M classes are parent-child cooperative programs, where families learn, play, and grow together. Adult participation is an important part of what makes these classes successful and helps build the strong sense of community that Eastgate Cooperative Preschool is known for.

Parent Education Sessions

Families take part in required monthly Parent Education sessions. These are one hour long and are held during class time. These sessions focus on topics such as brain development, supporting learning at home and school, building emotional intelligence and social skills, positive discipline, and navigating common parenting challenges. Adults have the opportunity to share experiences, receive support, form friendships, and get guidance from the parent educator on current questions and concerns. 

Working in the Classroom

Parent(s) or Guardian(s) also work in the classroom approximately twice per quarter. Classroom responsibilities may include supervising children for safety, helping with specific activities, assisting with clean-up, and joining in play with the children. 

Stay and Play

On days when you are not scheduled for classroom work or Parent Education, families can drop off their child, though parents and caregivers are always welcome to stay and play along. For Tinkerers, most families choose to stay and participate together, viewing class as part of their Saturday family time. For Engineers, some parents drop off, some stay most weeks and join in all the fun.

Our Activities

All our activities have been extensively play-tested by over 300 children, ranging in age from 2 to 10 and are guaranteed fun and learning for all. Here's a preview:

Schedule

Our morning class, Tinkerers, is for children who are at least 3 on September 1. It meets from 10 - 12. (If you're curious what a tinkerer is, read about the Tinkering mindset.) Most of the children are 3 - 6, but we welcome siblings who are older than that as well, so that a whole family can participate.

Our afternoon class, Engineers is for children who are at least 5 on September 1. It meets from 1:00 - 3:00. 

Learn about why we love teaching multi-age classes.