FREE STEM ACTIVITY

Rainbow Fleet is offering a variety of seed packets for child care providers to use in their daily learning activities, an initiative made possible by the Lynn Institute for Healthcare Research. The packets are available without charge at Rainbow Fleet, 1105 NW 45th Street in the former Horace Mann Elementary School building. 

 

“Learning about nature through a hands-on experience can spark a love of science and the outdoors,” said Carrie Williams, Rainbow Fleet executive director. “Early childhood development findings consistently tout the benefits of STEM education and outdoor play. Gardening engages children on several levels, from exercise and motor skills development to learning textbook concepts outside the classroom.”

Mental and physical health benefits are also associated with gardening skills, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Suggested activities include creating simple greenhouses, observing the life cycle of plants, decorating garden spaces and tasting herbs and vegetables that may be new to the youngest gardeners. 

 

Child care providers can schedule an appointment to pick up seed packets by calling 1-405-521-1426. Seeds are available while supplies last. 

 

“This donation is an example of a community partnership that enriches the lives of local children,” said Wlliams. “Special thanks to the Lynn Institute for helping foster an awareness of how kinesthetic play in green spaces correlates with science education.”

The Lynn Institute is a non-profit organization that formerly dedicated resources to medical research. Its current focus is developing plans to improve the health of the community. Find more information at www.lynninstitute.org.