programs
giving STEAM to learning through play
in partnership and with funding support from The Source for Learning
overview
Over the course of three years, the initiative will develop and scale a model for integrating playful STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) learning into early childhood classrooms, homes, and informal learning spaces through museum-school partnerships. During the first year, National Children’s Museum will develop resources and a schedule of events to pilot with local early learning centers and their families. Years two and three will see national expansion, culminating in a case study examining the program’s impact and documenting best practices for replication. Throughout the project, the developed STEAM learning activities will also be available on The Source for Learning ECE portal, a free online resource hub accessible to all early childhood educators.
about the source for learning
The Source for Learning is a Reston, Virginia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that advances excellence in teaching, learning, and professional growth through high-quality resources and professional development for early childhood and K–12 educators. Through its free online platforms and broadband support program, the organization expands access to classroom-ready tools and helps close the homework gap in communities across the United States. Established in 1979, The Source for Learning has supported educators and their students for more than four decades. To learn more, visit sourceforlearning.org.
the "ecosystem" of in-classroom, at-home, + informal learning
The initiative is grounded in the principle that playful learning builds kindergarten readiness and sets the foundation for future success in education and career paths. It fosters critical problem-solving, communication, and social-emotional skills that are essential for a smooth transition into formal education. By incorporating playful learning opportunities into the home, Pre-K classrooms, and informal learning spaces like children’s museums, the initiative builds an early education "ecosystem" that fosters curiosity, instills an early love for learning, and sparks a lifelong passion for STEAM.
The initiative's goals are to
Raise awareness of the value of playful STEAM learning in early education;
Help early learning educators build on STEAM practices in the classroom;
Strengthen professional development and deepen understanding of how STEAM prepares children for success;
Ensure wider access to STEAM-based early learning resources;
Build a coalition of children’s museums, integrating STEAM enrichment into Early Learning centers; and
Foster a learning ecosystem among families, schools, and children’s museums.
developing resources
In the first year, National Children’s Museum will create engaging, play-centered, inquiry-based STEAM activities and resources for educators and families, including at least 8 lessons made available for educators for free on The Source For Learning ECE resource portal, as well as activity kits for implementation in classrooms, museums, or at home.
The Source for Learning will contribute guidance and expertise in the development of these resources, vetting components against its vast curriculum database and ensuring that these resources align with National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation standards as well as state standards.
professional development + family days
Following resource development, National Children’s Museum will pilot the implementation of these activities by partnering with three local early learning centers. House of Ruth, Friendship Public Charter School, and CentroNía were selected as partners for the first year of the project.
Educators from each center will participate in a four-part professional development workshop series hosted by National Children’s Museum. The Museum team will introduce the educators to the activity kits and resources, providing training on how to implement them in the classroom. Supplementing these workshops, National Children’s Museum will provide on-site coaching at each early learning center.
To extend STEAM learning into homes, National Children’s Museum will also host Family Days, welcoming families enrolled at the partnering early learning centers to the Museum for a free day of playful learning adventures, giving caregivers a chance to engage in STEAM learning alongside their child.
national scale
In years two and three, the initiative will expand nationally through partnerships with six additional children’s museums Each participating museum will work with local early learning centers to support STEAM learning and host regular Family Days and educator workshops.
The Giving STEAM to Learning through Play initiative will conclude with a study showcasing the program’s success and documenting outcomes and best practices for replication.