ELSA STEM Program

Early Learning STEM Australia (ELSA) program – coming in 2024.

The ELSA preschool Program is a key initiative supporting the ‘Inspiring all Australians in digital literacy and STEM’ measure, which sought to increase the participation of Australian children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, and improve their digital literacy under the National Innovation and Science Agenda.

The ELSA preschool Program provides the opportunity for young children to explore a play-based learning environment rich in STEM concepts, delivered through a series of mobile applications (apps) for tablet devices, embedded within a larger program of connected hands-on activities.

Iteratively developed over five years, the final ELSA preschool Program successfully engaged preschool children in STEM learning, which included a strong evidence base for substantial learning growth in 4-year-old children’s spatial reasoning skills and numeracy development.

Community will be the focus for children in Pre-primary Year.

We recognise that STEM learning occurs best when it occurs with others in local communities.

STEM Practices in Communities encourages children to develop an understanding that STEM is not just an activity for self; rather, learning occurs best when it is connected to the communities in which children live.