Exploring Early Years STEM Education in Ireland and Australia
Understanding the role of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in early childhood is crucial for developing the foundational skills of young learners in both Ireland and Australia. Early exposure to STEM concepts not only sparks children's curiosity but also promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity—skills that are increasingly important in our rapidly changing world.
In Ireland, the early years curriculum emphasises play-based learning, seamlessly integrating STEM principles into everyday activities. Educators are encouraged to create engaging environments where children can explore scientific concepts through hands-on experiments, immerse themselves in technology, and engage with engineering challenges—all within a framework that supports their natural curiosity and desire to learn.
Similarly, Australia adopts a holistic approach to early years STEM education, with a focus on inquiry-based learning. The Australian Early Years Learning Framework encourages educators to foster a love for exploration and experimentation, guiding children to ask questions, test hypotheses, and collaborate on projects. This approach not only enhances children's cognitive skills but also builds their confidence and resilience as they learn to navigate challenges and find solutions.
By examining the STEM educational practices in both Ireland and Australia, we can uncover best practices and innovative strategies that can be implemented worldwide. Investing in early years STEM education is not just about preparing children for future careers; it's about equipping them with the tools they need to understand and engage with the world around them, ultimately contributing to a more informed and capable society.
This year, we are collaborating with IEEE and Swinburne University to host an online event specifically designed for early childhood and primary educators. The event will focus on how STEM educational activities are integrated in two countries. The discussion will provide pre-service teachers with valuable insights into the contemporary educational landscape. Join us in this important discussion about equipping our future STEM leaders with the resources they need to thrive!
🎯 Session Objectives
The event will focus on
1. How do STEM play-based educational activities integrate into teaching practices in Ireland?
2. How do STEM play-based educational activities integrate into teaching practices in Australia?
3. Are there any similarities or differences between the STEM teaching and learning approaches in these two countries?
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
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- Contact Event Host
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Dr Anamika Devi (adevi@swin.edu.au)
Dr Jennifer Cutri (jcutri@swin.edu.au)
- Starts 18 March 2026 01:00 PM UTC
- Ends 01 April 2026 01:00 PM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
NĂłirĂn of Trinity College
Exploring Early Years STEM Education in Ireland
Prof Nóirín Hayes is an adjunct Professor at the School of Education, Trinity College Dublin and Professor Emerita, Technological University Dublin. Working within a bio-ecological framework of development and through a child rights lens she is an active academic, teaching, researching and publishing in Early Childhood Education and Care, with a particular interest in early learning, curriculum, pedagogy and policy. She is convener of the Researching Early Childhood Education Collaborative [RECEC] at Trinity College, author of Early Years Practice: Getting It Right From the Start (2024) and co-author of Introducing Bronfenbrenner: A Guide (2023) and Supporting Positive Behaviour in Early Childhood Settings and Primary Schools: Relationships, Reciprocity and Reflection (2020).
Email:
Address:Trinity College , , Dublin, Ireland
Yingshi of Swinburne University of Technology
Exploring Early Years STEM Education in Ausralia
Ms Yingshi Xiao is an early childhood teacher (Sydenham Community Kindergarten), sessional academic, and PhD candidate with over six years of experience in the early childhood education (ECE) sector. She currently teaches at a kindergarten and serves as a sessional academic while pursuing her doctoral studies. Yingshi leads her own classroom and steps in as the responsible person in the afternoon. Previously, she served as the educational leader for the infant and toddler rooms. A graduate of the University of Melbourne and Monash University, Yingshi majored in early childhood education, finance, and economics. Her research focuses on early childhood STEM education, particularly how family dynamics influence children’s learning experiences. She has worked in various kindergarten settings, delivering high-quality programs for three- and four-year-olds. Her approach to teaching integrates play-based learning, relational pedagogies, and Indigenous perspectives, fostering inclusive and holistic education.
Email:
Address:John St, , Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia, 3122
Agenda
6:00pm to 6:15pm- Welcome by IEEE Education Society Chair
6:15pm to 6:35pm- Presentation by presenter 1
6:35pm to 6:45pm- Q&A to presenter 1
6:45pm to 7:05pm- Presentation by presenter 2
7:05pm to 7:15pm- Q&A to presenter 2
7:15pm to 7:30pm- Open for discussion