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flow to create colorful designs before
their eyes (another science experiment
hidden there.) Counting flat glass marbles
and placing them on the coordinating
numbers printed on pictures of fish or
frogs for the Math component, doubles
as a dexterity skill-building opportunity.
All the while, the children are learning
through play, as individuals or teams, and
their teachers are able to enjoy the time
alongside them.
Feedback from teachers tells the ELC the
program is a hit not only with the students,
but with the facility staff as well. Teachers
often ask for tips on taking the activities
back into the classroom or ask where items
can be purchased. The aim is to keep the
activities duplicatable and affordable.
Teaching the teachers is a STEAM
Machine bonus and one of great
importance to the program. Inspiring
educators to bring these sorts of activities
into their classrooms means the program
expands and that can only present more
positive outcomes.
The STEAM Machine program serves
four-year-old children in preschool
classrooms all over Manatee County.
The Spring schedule saw the bus visit 15
VPK sites around the county. Each site is
visited four times, presenting a different
theme each time like Water, Nature, Lights
& Shadows, and Building Structures.
The Summer program included 11 VPK
sites, visited every two weeks, which was
comprised of last year’s VPK students
preparing for kindergarten, as well as
those a year younger who are part of
the Soar in Four program, which helps
prepare soon-to-be 4-year-olds for VPK
starting this month.
When you are out and about, look for the
ELC’s STEAM Machine on the roads in
Manatee County. The bright yellow bus
is often part of local parades or invited
to community events, so be sure to seek
them out and take a peek inside.
The STEAM Machine is another shining
example of the Early Learning Coalition’s
commitment to boosting the youngest
minds in Manatee County through creative
and innovative programming. The smiling
faces on the children who experience this
program is a sign the STEAM Machine
is, like a powerful locomotive, on the
right track. Education Innovation WOW!