Igniting Curiosity: STEAM comes to our Early Learning Students!

At Northshore Christian Academy we believe that every child is wonderfully made with a God-given curiosity to explore, create, and learn. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that our STEAM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) will now be experienced by our youngest classrooms--our Early Learning students! This exciting addition to our curriculum is designed to spark imagination, nurture problem-solving skills, and encourage collaboration, all while reinforcing the biblical principles that guide our academy. Through STEAM, we’re preparing our younger generation not only for academic success but for a lifetime of discovery and faith-driven innovation.  

I was excited to catch up with Teryn Jeyarajah, our NCA STEAM Director, and hear more about what this specifically means for our EL students and what it will look like. Here is what she shared with me: 

STEAM Demonstrations for Early Learning — A New Monthly Opportunity! 

I am partnering with our Science Specialist, Mei Sommervold, to bring a fun, hands-on STEAM Demonstration to seven Early Learning (EL) classes each month. These demonstrations are created specifically for our ages 3+ classrooms and are designed to align with their monthly curriculum themes. 

Teryn Jeyarajah STEAM Director

What Happens During Each STEAM Demonstration?  

Once a month, seven EL classes come to the Worship Center for a 30-minute Science Demonstration. Our goal is to introduce students to scientific thinking in a fun and interactive way. 

Each session includes: 

• The Scientific Method Song — We begin every demonstration by singing together to help students remember the steps of the scientific method. 
• A Live STEAM Demonstration — Students get to watch, wonder, and learn about a science concept. 
• On-Stage Student Participation — We invite students onto the stage to help us explore, test, and interact with the experiment. 
• A Preview of the Classroom Experiment — Mei and I model the exact activity students will later complete in their own classrooms. 

Hands-On Follow-Up in the Classroom 

After the Worship Center demonstration, students return to their classrooms where the learning continues: 

• Each class receives a complete science bin prepared by our Science Specialist. 
• The bin includes all materials, teacher instructions, and step-by-step guidance so students can recreate the experiment during their science rotation. 
• After the activity, materials are picked up, cleaned, and stored for future use

Example: October States of Matter Demonstration 

Last month we explored the States of Matter—solid, liquid, and gas—featuring the exciting world of dry ice. Students observed how gas behaves and participated in activities such as: 

• Bouncing fog bubbles 
• Creating a giant bubble dome 
• Launching fog rings 
• Making a bubble snake 

When students returned to their classrooms, they created their own bubble snakes using the materials and instructions provided.

EL library integration with STEAM

And the learning doesn't stop there! In addition to monthly demos, we also have a new EL library integration with STEAM in our library. Teryn continued to share more about this with me, as well:  

Our librarians are now incorporating STEAM learning into Early Learning library visits. This year, we have added a wonderful collection of Early Learning STEAM books to support this growing program. Five EL classes visit the library once a month, and these new STEAM selections are incorporated as part of their time together. 

Teryn Jeyarajah STEAM Director

During each visit: 

• Librarians will highlight a STEAM-focused book that encourages students to notice Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math in the world around them. 
• As the program grows, librarians will begin sharing a teacher-led mini STEAM demonstration that connects directly to the concept in the book. 
• When appropriate, students will be invited to participate in simple, hands-on moments to bring the story to life. 
• Featured STEAM books will be highlighted and displayed for students wanting to explore more.
   

Every child has the opportunity to check out a book to bring back to their classroom and enjoy during the month. Mrs. Kroeker and Mrs. Scott are thrilled about these new STEAM connections—they have even decorated the library with new STEAM-inspired décor to make the space more inviting and exciting for our youngest learners!

- Teryn Jeyarajah, STEAM Director  

At NCA, we get to see firsthand how children are natural born explorers. They ask questions, experiment, and seek to understand the world all around them. STEAM education taps into this innate curiosity by combining critical thinking with creativity. What a beautiful combo! Did you know that research shows that early exposure to STEAM concepts builds confidence, strengthens problem-solving skills, and lays a foundation for future academic achievement? By introducing these principles at a young age, we help children develop resilience, adaptability, and a love for learning. The best part-every activity we do is framed with biblical truth, helping children understand that innovation and faith can work hand in hand.

We want our students to see themselves as problem-solvers and creators who use their gifts to glorify God and serve others. I want to end with this awesome response from our NCA EL Program Supervisor, Eliana Borowicz:  

I’m excited for the hands-on learning this is bringing to our students. New experiences always spark so much curiosity and joy in them! Our students have already done two STEAM demos with hands-on activities, and their excitement and engagement were incredible. Introducing STEAM concepts early builds confidence and problem-solving skills and helps kids see themselves as capable learners. It sets such a strong foundation for their future and I’m just so grateful we’re doing this. Any time we can bring something fresh and intentional into our program, it’s a win for the kids. I love seeing them light up each demonstration, and I think this is very meaningful for them! 

Eliana Borowicz EL Program Supervisor

If you are interested in learning more about our Early Learning Program, we invite you to attend our Early Learning Open House on February 17th! Check out our Visit NCA page to learn more and RSVP!