Science Tots nonprofit gets kids messy with math
Taryn Carlberg, 4, plays with “Oobleck” at a Science for Tots event at Chartiers Community Center recently. “Oobleck” is a combination of cornstarch and water that has properties of both a liquid and solid.
Science Tots owner Erica Peterson helps Gabriella Washabaugh,4, of Canonsburg, create a volcanic explosion during a “Messy Math” program.
Landon Stockum, 3, of Houston, carefully measures and adds more cornstarch to his water solution to create “Oobleck.” The Science Tots programs varies in subject matter to get children interested in science in a hands-on way. The programs include making ice cream, sensory projects and learning in nature.
Mirah Suyasa,2, looks gleefully up at her mom, Laura Suyasa of Canonsburg, as her solution makes a physical reaction and creates an explosion of bubbles. The program was one of Science Tots’ various programs that encourage STEM in young ages.
Nia Washabaugh, 14 months, of Canonsburg, laughs while she plays in “Oobleck.” The children participating in the program measured water and cornstarch and combined the ingredients until they got the right consistency.
Taryn Carlberg, 4, of Washington, giggles as her mom, Traci Carlberg, pours vinegar into a solution of water, dish soap and baking soda, creating a physical reaction of bubbles. During the program, children had the chance to make “Oobleck” and volcanic explosions using science.
Between circle and snack time, Erica Peterson knew she couldn’t fit in a few minutes to have kids learn about science and math in preschool.
Frustrated with her own experiences as a parent and educator, the Washington resident started Science Tots, an education nonprofit aimed at engaging parents and toddlers in problem-solving classes that focus on the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
And the California University of Pennsylvania graduate student and mother of a preschooler makes it fun, with classes that seem more like play.
“As I’m going through my grad-level education classes at California University, I keep hearing how teachers complain that parents aren’t engaged, or don’t care,” she said. “But I know that I care. I have a 4-year-old son and I want to be engaged, (so) that can’t be true.
“Parents are teachers, too. They’ve been with the child the most. They just need empowered on the topics their kids are learning about so they can feel confident as an educator at home continuing those lessons,” Peterson said.
Belinda Anthony of Canonsburg said she will continue to sign up for the classes with her 3-year-old daughter, Rylynn.
“We did the ‘Messy Math’ lesson, and we’re going to do ‘Squishy Circuits’ next. The trials they figure out on their own – you can help a little bit, but it’s so amazing to watch your kid figure out these experiments without a parent or teacher. It’s a great way for them to learn the basics of science, like the interaction of solids and liquids,” Anthony said.
For the “Messy Math” class, Peterson said parents are told to hold back and only observe and take notes.
“The kids have to figure how to make the mystery substance ‘Ooblek.’ I tell them it has two ingredients, but I forgot the recipe. So they take beakers, starch and water and make a mess figuring out how many cups of each are needed to make it,” Peterson said.
Peterson said it’s feedback like that she appreciates and encourages from parents.
“Outside communication – texting and Facebook with parents – that’s something parents appreciate in these classes. It’s something traditional educators can’t do in school, but it’s crucial for parents to give feedback on how they’re coming along on projects,” Peterson said.
Those projects are often taken home and continually worked upon, Peterson said, as kids develop and refine prototypes.
“Children need time to think, explore and wander away if they need. Kids can’t be innovative thinkers under a time constraint. They need time to explore and ask questions. And we need to hear those questions so that we can address any misconceptions the child might have,” said Peterson. “It leads into how we function as problem-solving adults: An idea doesn’t come to us while we’re under pressure to perform. We’re not going to come up with something great in 40 minutes. The creative moments come when we step away from the desk.”
Through the mess of it all, Peterson said the overarching goal is to turn the tide of how parents expect kids to learn about science and math in early education. The classes are announced on the Science Tots Facebook page and held at community centers and parks around the area.
Peterson said she’ll be announcing scholarship programs soon through www.sciencetots.org, where parents can register for upcoming classes. The typical two-hour classes are $12 for an adult and a child ages 3-5. A sibling 3 or younger is admitted free. Classes are being offered in Washington and Beaver counties; Pittsburgh, Wheeling and Morgantown, West Virginia.