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Using Mathematical Investigations in Projects for STEAM Integration

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Embedding STEAM in Early Childhood Education and Care

Abstract

In the early stages of learning, children engage with mathematics concepts through play, their environment and social interactions. Children are naturally curious and investigate their world through exploration, questioning and wondering. Informal everyday experiences incorporate opportunities for mathematical thinking and the context for deeper understanding. It is meaningful opportunities and hands-on experiences that stimulate inquiry. Using existing knowledge, play and intentional teaching can support deeper thinking and more abstract concepts. Problem-solving is embedded in mathematical thinking, and as children navigate their world, they are discovering and exploring using trial and error. Using an inquiry-based learning approach, purposeful investigations can be explored in realistic contexts to embed mathematics and other STEAM disciplines.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia

    Marianne Knaus

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  1. Marianne Knaus
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Correspondence to Marianne Knaus .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China

    Caroline Cohrssen

  2. Department of Education, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia

    Susanne Garvis

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Knaus, M. (2021). Using Mathematical Investigations in Projects for STEAM Integration. In: Cohrssen, C., Garvis, S. (eds) Embedding STEAM in Early Childhood Education and Care. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-65624-9_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-65624-9_9

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-65623-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-65624-9

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

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