Exploring God’s World through STEM
Children are curious. It is a vital part of who they are as developing humans. At Zion Preschool, a class for 4 and 5 year olds channels students’ innate curiosity toward the discovery of things about the world around them. And, best of all, they’re learning that this amazing world was designed and created by their Lord and Savior!
I teach this class -- called STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) -- three days a week, for several sessions each day. I’ve been a Zion preschool teacher and church member for more than 30 years, and I’ve also been an avid STEM explorer myself from childhood. So, when I was considering retirement in 2019, God gave me an idea that would reduce my hours in the classroom and allow me to focus on a subject I love.
STEM is a special “breakout” session from the preschool day; I take 5-7 students to a separate classroom to LISTEN, OBSERVE, and EXPLORE on an area of STEM. For example, one lesson is about wind and what causes it, which integrates nicely with one of the Bible stories that Pastor teaches the children in chapel: Jesus Calms the Storm. Before beginning the STEM class, I ask the children if they remember our Bible story of Jesus calming the wind and waves when he was out on a lake with his disciples. Then I explain that today we’re going to learn about wind, and that it’s an awesome force in our world, but our God is even more awesome.
Some lessons are tied to holidays and events. In December, kids learn that coding is simply putting things in the correct order, or “sequence”. They’ve already heard the Bible story of Mary and Joseph’s travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem before Jesus’ birth, so I use simple coding cards to help kids plot a path between the two ancient towns and arrive at the spot where Jesus was born.
Savannah Killinger uses a coding mouse during STEM. Her goal: To put code in the right sequence for the mouse to reach a cheese treat.
In February, I like to contrast the cute hearts we see drawn on Valentine’s cards with pictures of what the heart inside our body actually looks like, and the work it does for us. I also take the opportunity to explain that life is precious because God made it. He formed us, and each of us had our own beating heart even before we were born when we lived inside our mothers. An apt lesson for children today!
Over the past seven years as a STEM teacher, there have been a few occasions when I’ve pondered whether to continue in the classroom, or step back from teaching to enjoy more leisurely pursuits in retirement. As any grandparent can attest, some days keeping up with energetic four year olds is quite challenging physically and mentally. But then God puts a Bible verse on my heart and I know He wants me to continue …
O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. Psalm 71:17-18
My hope and prayer is that when I decide to ease into retirement someday, God will prepare another teacher to embrace the integration of STEM and Biblical principles for all His children at Zion.
