P.U.L.S.E.

Playing, Understanding and Learning in STEM Education

In an era where academic goals are becoming increasingly demanding at every educational level, play continues to be the most comprehensible language for children. According to research, through play, children understand the world around them and develop important skills (linguistic, mathematical, social, etc.).

The name of the program is an acronym of the basic methodology followed: Playing, Understanding, and Learning in STEM Education.

Through play, children come into contact with the world of sciences, understand and learn new concepts, new vocabulary, and general knowledge. This process helps them form the basis for their future learning progress in these fields.

The Programme

The programme was created by Greta Leventis and is the result of years of experience implementing STEM education in the  classroom.

In combination with robotics, the programme covers the entire spectrum of STEM fields and is based on the premise that young children first play, then understand, and finally learn specific concepts and acquire new knowledge.

Central to the programme is capturing and nurturing the children’s inherent spirit of exploration, fostering observation skills, encouraging critical thinking, and acquiring an early acquisition of science-related vocabulary. P.U.L.S.E. aims to demystify the world of the sciences in the eyes of young children, making it accessible and understandable, contrary to stereotypes that portray these areas as difficult and exclusive.

As all educators come to discover, children are ready to play at any given time. It is up to us to channel that energy towards a creative and engaging educational environment in which learning becomes part of the fun!

Skills Development

Basic skills are the foundation upon which a child’s future success is built. Nurturing basic skills in young children is not just about laying the groundwork for academic success—it’s about empowering them to thrive in all aspects of life, both now and in the future.

The programme focuses on the development of skills by:

  • Mobilizing the children’s innate spirit of exploration
  • Cultivating and developing their observation, problem solving and critical thinking skills
  • Introducing new vocabulary related to the sciences
  • Building confidence in children that the world of STEM is accessible and understandable (contrary to stereotypes that suggest these knowledge areas are difficult and for a select few)
  • Enhancing social interaction at a young age such as communication, cooperation, and empathy. By mastering these skills early on, children develop the ability to express themselves effectively, understand other’ s perspectives, and collaborate harmoniously in various social settings.

 

Cultivating basic skills in young children fosters a love for learning that extends throughout their lives. By instilling a strong foundation early on, children develop a lifelong curiosity and thirst for knowledge, enabling them to pursue continuous learning and personal growth well into adulthood.

Tailored Curriculum

With specially designed lesson plans and through targeted experimental activities and games, the programme offers children a unique first glimpse into the world of the sciences. The curriculum includes engineering, experiments, basic coding and robotics.

The innovative approach of the PULSE programme includes:

  1. Unit Selection: Thematic units are carefully chosen to cover the entire spectrum of STEM fields while also incorporating elements that children can observe in their daily lives. This offers them the opportunity for immediate engagement and experimentation at their age level.
  2. Specialized Equipment: In all programme units, children, guided by instructors, utilize specialized educational material and equipment specifically tailored to their age. This ensures that the tools they interact with are appropriate and conducive to their learning.
  3. Specially Designed Lesson Plans: Instructors follow specially designed lesson plans that include educational objectives and detailed instructions on the use of equipment. These plans are meticulously created to optimize learning outcomes and cater to the unique needs of the age group.

 

By integrating these innovative approaches, the PULSE program provides children with a stimulating and enriching learning environment that fosters their curiosity, engagement, and understanding of STEM concepts from an early age.

For more information visit Pulse Education