Littlest Scientists
Scottsdale Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Littlest Scientists is a hands-on, exploratory program that creates intentional play opportunities to support science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) learning. This program gives our youngest patrons, with their adult, an opportunity to play their way through challenges that promote scientific thinking.
Challenge/Opportunity
Introducing STEAM to young children tho years old can be challenging. Traditional storytimes do not allow for full immersion in STEAM concepts, allowing for full engagement. Creating opportunities to fully immerse children in STEAM activities must be age appropriate and intentionally planned. Play based learning is how they learn best, so creating a program to meet their specific needs meant creating something that incorporated the best of storytimes with hands-on exploration. The result: Littlest Scientists.
Key Elements of Innovation
Littlest Scientists creates a learning environment that consists of seven activity stations, each with their own challenge based on the weeks theme. When children arrive, they participate in a story and a song and then they are introduced to the materials and challenges. Children are then free to explore the room and engage in playful learning with their adult. The program is 90 minutes long, once a week, for six weeks. Each week also provides an extension activity that the families can take home.
Achieved Outcomes
- A comprehensive STEAM program that is engaging and age appropriate.
- “We attended all six weeks. As a former teacher I was extremely impressed with the entire program. The thoughtfulness in designing a comprehensive, engaging program for this age group was impressive.”
- 100% of survey participants would recommend this program to a friend.
- “Great program! Perfect combination of group/individual interaction."
- Over 360 participants.
