To highlight STEM education at the early childhood level, UNL is bringing to Nebraska an educational exhibit fostering understanding of what it means to teach young children about science and math. The exhibit is called "Cultivate the Scientist in Every Child: The Philosophy of Frances and David Hawkins" (http://hawkinscenters.org/exhibit). It was created by the Hawkins Centers for Learning in Boulder, Colo., where the Hawkins' lived, taught, and inspired progressive educators worldwide for many years and where their collected papers and publications are stored and shared with educators.
The exhibit showcases an inquiry-based approach to capturing children’s interest in science and math – an approach that activates their imaginations and natural curiosity by offering opportunities for exploration that lead to inspired discovery. The exhibit arrives at a time when schools across the country are actively pursuing ways to engage young students in the ever-critical fields of science and mathematics – a mission the University of Nebraska enthusiastically shares.
The exhibit is now on display in the East Campus Union. From June 3-12, it will be at Educare Lincoln, and then at the Center for Great Plains Studies from June 16 to July 11. It finishes out July in the Rotunda Gallery in the Nebraska Union and the Lied Lodge in Nebraska City. From Aug. 4-Sept. 11, the exhibit will be at Morrill Hall.