This month, select public libraries in the Hamilton area have introduced a collection of Early Learning STEM Kits to help young children explore STEM concepts while celebrating Black culture and identity.
The kits, created by McMaster Engineering and Toronto’s Early Childhood Development Initiative (ECDI), combine hands-on engineering play with meaningful representation.
Developed with ECDI’s expertise in culturally responsive early childhood education and McMaster Engineering’s outreach and engagement experience, the kits are for children ages 18 months to six years and intentionally reflect Black identities and cultural experiences. The goal is for children from underrepresented communities to see themselves in STEM from the earliest stages of learning.
“Play is the natural way that children are hardwired to learn,” says Emily Waldron, Manager of Community Outreach in the Faculty of Engineering.
“High-quality, open-ended materials — like those found in the Early Engineering Kits — promote deep learning and understanding of STEM concepts.”
The Hair/Shapes kit helps children explore foundational math and science concepts through the shapes, patterns and textures found in Black hairstyles.
The Building/Stacking kit features wooden blocks and African animal figures that encourage children to build, balance, sort, and problem-solve — introducing early engineering ideas in a playful and accessible way.
The Building/Stacking kit features wooden blocks and African animal figures that encourage children to build, balance, sort, and problem-solve — introducing early engineering ideas in a playful and accessible way.
“The Early Learning STEM Kits encourage caregiver-child engagement in early numeracy and early science through hands-on play,” says Britney Buckley, Early Learning and Training Lead at ECDI.
“Centred on Black culture and identity, the kits integrate early STEM concepts and allow children to see themselves reflected in learning materials.”
This initiative builds on McMaster Engineering’s award-winning Black youth outreach program, the Black Outreach STEM Series (BOSS).
These workshops provide mentorship, engaging conversations and opportunities for youth to imagine themselves as future post-secondary students. BOSS actively works to break down stereotypes and foster a sense of belonging in STEM fields where Black communities have historically been underrepresented.
“Engineering is for everyone,” Waldron says. “We want to provide all families with tools to recognize, promote and explore STEM experiences for their children.”
Buckley agrees: “Our collaboration with McMaster Engineering Outreach was essential in translating complex STEM principles into playful learning kits designed to spark curiosity in our youngest learners.”
The Hair/Shapes and Building/Stacking kits are now available at Burlington, Hamilton and Grimsby public libraries. Two additional kits slated for release in the near future.