At STEM in the Early Years, we focus on children’s natural curiosity about the world around them. The learning experiences we present are play-based and intended to arise from young children’s interests and actions. We encourage you to explore everyday science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with your children – and to have fun!
Our Philosophy
We are a group of early childhood educators and researchers who are passionate about purposefully identifying aspects of STEM in learning experiences with toddlers and preschoolers. Young children are naturally inclined to explore the world around them, asking questions and problem solving as they learn about how things work. By noticing children's interests, parents and other caregivers can support age appropriate STEM explorations that will build a foundation for future learning.
Our Team
Christine Tippett
Dr. Tippett is an associate professor of science education in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa. She was an engineer before she obtained her teaching degree, which influences her ways of thinking about science education.
Roxana Yanez Gonzalez
Roxana is a doctoral candidate at the University of Ottawa with extensive experience in early childhood education as a teacher, frontline educator, and college professor. She is currently involved in a SSHRC funded project on STEM in early childhood.
Hannah Bradley
Hannah is an MA student at the University of Ottawa who is working in the area of early childhood STEM education. She has experience working with early childhood programs and conducting research in Inquiry-Based learning.
Todd Milford
Dr. Milford is an associate professor in science education and chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Victoria. Since 2013, he has been exploring possibilities and challenges of early childhood STEM with Dr. Tippett.
We are proud to collaborate with:
Children on the Hill (Karen Barban, Nathalie Taggart, and Amy Hoare)
Borden Farm Child Care Centre
Charmian Craven Child Care Centre
Dr. E. Couture Child Care Centre
Elsie Stapleford Child Care Centre
Esther By Child Care Centre
Foster Farm Child Care Centre
Huron Early Learning Centre
Centre éducatif Pinocchio
Centre éducatif Tournesol
St. Luke's Child Care Centre