The first few weeks of school are full of transition—for both you and your students.
So how do you introduce STEAM without adding to the overwhelm?
Start with simple, open-ended invitations.
No worksheets.
No complicated setup.
Just hands-on, curiosity-driven play.
Here are three easy invitations to set up—what we call M.O.W.s (Moments of Wonder)—that spark curiosity, build connection, and gently introduce STEAM concepts through play.
1. Playdough Prints
What You’ll Need:
Playdough + small classroom objects (shells, keys, blocks, buttons)
What to Do:
Invite children to roll out dough and press objects into it.
What Happens:
They start noticing textures, comparing shapes, making predictions, and asking questions. You’re exploring science and engineering—without a single worksheet.
STEAM Concepts:
Observation, patterns, cause & effect, early engineering
2. Sink or Float
What You’ll Need:
A bin of water + a collection of mixed objects (plastic lids, feathers, rocks, toy animals, corks)
What to Do:
Ask: “Do you think this will sink or float? Why?” Then test each item and talk about what you see.
STEAM Concepts:
Prediction, testing, comparing, early science skills
Extension:
Sort the objects into two groups. Record with simple photos or drawings.
3. Nature Paintbrushes
What You’ll Need:
Sticks + leaves, flowers, or pine needles + paint and paper
What to Do:
Invite children to create their own paintbrushes using nature materials. Then let them paint freely.
STEAM Concepts:
Design, engineering, creativity, experimentation
Bonus:
Talk about textures and what kinds of lines each brush creates.
Keep It Simple, Stay Curious
Each of these invitations is:
- Easy to prep
- Open-ended
- Naturally rich in STEAM
You don’t need a full-blown unit plan. You just need to observe, listen, and follow their wonder.
Want the Full STEAM Play Guide?
The Preschool STEAM Membership gives you:
✅ Weekly invitations like these
✅ STEAM extension ideas
✅ Printables to support documentation
✅ A full library of done-for-you lessons
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