Term
Summer 2020
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MAED: NSEE
Facilitator(s)
Jana Lo Bello Miller
Content Expert
Jennifer Eckman
Abstract
The purpose of this capstone project was to create a developmentally appropriate environmental science, technology, engineering, and math (E-STEM) curriculum for kindergarten and first grade students. This capstone seeks to answer the question: What are qualities of developmentally appropriate environmental education curriculum for kindergarten and first grade students? The research explores physical, cognitive, and social and emotional growth, in addition to multiple intelligences. Developmentally appropriate kindergarten and first grade classrooms encourage play, choice stations, movement, utilizing all of the senses, and a nurturing environment. Best practices in Environmental education combine developmental needs of students, authentic experiences in the environment, and encourage stewardship of the environment. The capstone project includes a curriculum consisting of seven units, each unit has between three and ten lessons. The seven units are all designed to focus on the local environment allowing students to play, explore, and investigate natural phenomena with the ultimate goal of fostering environmental literacy and stewardship in students.
Keywords
Science, Environmental Education, Science Standards
Recommended Citation
Sweeney, Mary, "Developmentally Appropriate Environmental Stem Curriculum for Kindergarten and First Grade Students" (2020). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 551.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/551
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Projects