Get ready to play! In this webinar recording, learn how to leverage an interdisciplinary STEAM approach to foster young children's curiosity through authentic play-based learning.
While there are many benefits to early introductions to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), many STEAM education tools and technologies are cost-prohibitive and are not playful or developmentally appropriate for young learners. In this recording, learn how early childhood educators and caregivers can utilize playful, low-cost, and screen-free approaches to introducing high-tech STEAM concepts and skills. The speakers will share evidence-based, hands-on approaches as well as a practical framework to effectively integrate STEAM learning in the early grades (pre-K to 3rd grade).
This webinar was hosted by NGCP on June 9, 2025
Playful STEAM Learning in the Early Years
Amanda Strawhacker
Dr. Amanda Strawhacker is the STEAM Curriculum Coordinator at the Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston. Her work involves teaching, developing curriculum, and professional development around educational technology for PreK-8th grade classrooms. Prior to her role at Schechter, Amanda was the Associate Director of the Early Childhood Technology (ECT) graduate certificate program at Tufts University. Through her work at Tufts with the DevTech Research Group, she contributed to the development of several educational technologies including the ScratchJr programming app, the KIBO robotics kit, the Early Childhood Makerspace at Tufts, and most recently the CRISPEE bioengineering kit. Amanda holds a Ph.D. in Child Study and Human Development from Tufts University. She is a two-time winner of the Eliot-Pearson Research-Practice Integration Award, and was a speaker with TEDxYouth@BeaconStreet on her research with bioengineering in early childhood. She is passionate about engaging young children in playful, positive, and developmentally appropriate STEAM experiences.
Amanda Sullivan
Dr. Amanda Sullivan brings over a decade of experience in education, research, and advocacy for girls in STEM to her role as Senior Researcher at NGCP. She is passionate about breaking gender stereotypes and providing children with equitable access and opportunities to succeed within (and beyond) STEM from an early age. Amanda is the co-author of the book Playful STEAM Learning in the Early Years: An Educator's Guide to Screen-Free Explorations (Teachers College Press, 2025) and author of the book Breaking the STEM Stereotype: Reaching Girls in Early Childhood (Rowman & Littlefield, 2019). Amanda has a Master's and Ph.D. in Child Study & Development from Tufts University and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology & Drama from Bennington College.