Stem Lab for Preschool - 2nd Grade
​Engaging with Wonder

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The STEM lab at St. Francis is a space that interacts with wonder. Each Learning Station is designed to allow students to practice building connections between what they know, their interest, and how the world works. Students notice the shift in thematic content in the STEM lab from what they are “learning about” to what they are “learning with” as broad topics like the rainforest are vehicles for Cross-Cutting Concepts and Practices that remain fixed.

​In the St. Francis STEM lab students practice thinking and engaging like scientists. We use wonder as a guide, and what students are “learning about” has become a fluid, student-driven, series of teachable moments. We created a space where students use scientific practices to engage natural wonder. We let wonder remain in control. We allow natural interest to help us build foundations for learning what we hope will last a lifetime.