Curriculum Based on STREAM Learning and NASA’s Engineering Education Guide

Wilkes-Barre, Pa.—The Kids at King’s program—which connects King’s teaching candidates with children from the Wyoming Valley West School system as part of a four-part interactive education series—just had its last session of the year at Thomas J. O’Hara, C.S.C, Hall.

The Kids at King’s program started in the Spring 2023 semester and involves approximately 25 students, grades one through five, from Wyoming Valley West. Yesterday marked the last of a four-day series in which the children travel to King’s College for interactive activities based on the Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM) learning model and the NASA Beginning Engineering, Science, and Technology (BEST) curriculum. The program aims to strike a balance between fostering interest in these fields and developing the interpersonal skills necessary for success.

King’s education students enrolled in EDUC 260: Early Literacy and Foundations and EDUC 366: Methods for Teaching Diverse Learners are responsible for planning and facilitating the activities. The curriculum includes designing and building model space rockets, lunar thermoses, and exploration vehicles. The children also visit the College library, exercise science lab, and esports facilities, as well as the campus recreational spaces for kickball, table tennis, basketball, and more.

“Kids at King’s continues an educational partnership that Wyoming Valley West has been very fortunate to be part of for a long time,” said David Tosh, Superintendent of Wyoming Valley West. “This new and innovative academic program allows our students to explore and work together to solve STEM-related problem solving and critical thinking activities. After not having educational opportunities outside the school walls for almost three years due to COVID-19, it is very gratifying to see the smiles, excitement, and curiosity that this program brings to Wyoming Valley West elementary school students. Thank you, King’s College!”

“This experience is an opportunity for both King's College aspiring teachers and the Wyoming Valley West students to increase their ability to develop the broad range of skills necessary for success,” said Sunny Minelli Weiland, Ph.D., Program Director of Graduate Education Curriculum & Instruction at King’s. “The ability to collaborate, communicate, think critically, and use creativity to solve problems will be an asset for all students involved in the program, whether it’s the children dreaming of a career in science or the future teachers that want to help them get there.”

Students interested in majoring in education can learn more at kings.edu/education or email admissions@kings.edu.