Kindergarten C-STEM Curriculum

Overview

The Kindergarten C-STEM curriculum introduces students to foundational STEM concepts through interactive activities that emphasize creativity, exploration, and faith. Each lesson encourages curiosity and problem-solving while integrating Catholic values and teachings about God’s creation.

Learning Objectives

• Develop an introductory understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
• Encourage curiosity and awe about how the world works, seeing it as a reflection of God’s creation.
• Foster creativity, collaboration, and teamwork through hands-on projects.
• Introduce simple problem-solving skills by engaging students in interactive tasks.

Catholic Values Integration

Each lesson includes Catholic teachings such as:

• Stewardship: Encouraging students to take care of God’s creation responsibly.
• Gratitude: Recognizing and appreciating the beauty of the natural world as a gift from God.
• Community: Promoting teamwork and helping each other during STEM activities.

Topics and Activities

Lesson: God’s Creation Through Movement and Technology

• Topic: Introduction to Basic Robotics and Problem Solving
• Tools: EV3 units, Bee Bot 10 pack, Duplos
• Activity:
  • Introduce students to robots and how they can help us understand and explore God’s creation.
  • Use Bee Bots to navigate simple mazes, encouraging problem-solving and collaboration.
  • Build simple structures with Duplos to represent animals or nature, reflecting on God’s perfect design.
• Catholic Integration:
  • Discuss how God has given humans intelligence to create tools like robots to care for His creation (Genesis 2:15).
  • Emphasize teamwork, helping one another, and reflecting on the importance of community in our faith.

Lesson: Exploring Patterns in Nature

• Topic: Recognizing Patterns in God’s Creation
• Tools: Nature photos, classroom materials
• Activity:
  • Students will go on a nature walk (or explore pictures of nature) to observe patterns in plants, animals, and weather.
  • In the classroom, students will recreate patterns using simple craft materials or toys.
• Catholic Integration:
  • Discuss how God created the world with beautiful patterns and order, and how these patterns reflect His intelligent design.
  • Highlight how we can see God’s presence in the order and beauty of creation.

Lesson: Building Simple Machines

• Topic: Introduction to Simple Machines
• Tools: Toy levers, wheels, and axles; classroom materials
• Activity:
  • Introduce students to simple machines and how they help us in daily life.
  • Students will experiment with toys to understand how a lever and wheel and axle work.
  • They will then build their own simple machines using classroom materials.
• Catholic Integration:
  • Discuss how simple machines can help us take care of God’s creation and serve others.
  • Reflect on how, just like these machines, we are called to help make the world a better place.

Lesson: Introduction to Coding and Sequencing

• Topic: Basic Coding and Sequencing
• Tools: Unplugged coding cards, games
• Activity:
  • Students will participate in an unplugged coding activity, using cards or games to practice sequencing steps.
  • Students will take turns creating sequences for others to follow, encouraging problem-solving and logical thinking.
• Catholic Integration:
  • Talk about how God has a plan for each of us, and how following steps (just like in coding) helps us achieve our purpose.
  • Emphasize the importance of listening to God’s guidance and following His plan.

Lesson: Caring for God’s Creation

• Topic: Environmental Stewardship
• Tools: Recycling bins, cleanup materials
• Activity:
  • Students will participate in a classroom recycling project, learning about sorting and reusing materials.
  • Alternatively, students will engage in a “clean-up” activity, helping to tidy up the classroom or school grounds.
• Catholic Integration:
  • Emphasize the importance of taking care of God’s creation through recycling and cleaning.
  • Discuss how being responsible stewards of the Earth is part of our faith and duty as Catholics.

Assessment

• Participation in hands-on activities and group collaboration.
• Observation of creativity, teamwork, and engagement during lessons.
• Teacher-led discussions to assess understanding of basic STEM concepts and Catholic teachings.

Conclusion

This Kindergarten curriculum encourages young learners to discover STEM through play, creativity, and teamwork, while reflecting on how we can honor God’s creation and practice stewardship in the world around us.