When adventure calls, our students answer! Our Pre-K B four and five-year-olds embarked on an exciting journey into the Polar regions, blending the Reggio Emilia curriculum with STEAM education to create a project full of frosty wonder and discovery. 

A “Cool” Idea Born from CuriosityAt Children’s Discovery Center, we believe lessons should spark curiosity, ignite creativity and immerse children in hands-on learning experiences, and this “cool” idea is proof of that! Pre-K B’s polar plunge began in mid-December when children noticed how cold and snowy Toledo was. This innate curiosity led them to ask, “Are there places on Earth colder than this?”

Ms. Maria thought this was an excellent question and launched an exploration into the world’s coldest environments. During this exciting exploration, students learned about icy landscapes, unique wildlife and how people and animals adapt to extreme conditions.

Bringing the Outdoors In

Using the Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasizes hands-on learning and “The Hundred Languages of Children,” our preschool classroom was transformed into a little explorer’s base camp. 

Through art, storytelling and sensory experiences, children engaged with the topic in meaningful ways. Lessons incorporated recycled materials to reinforce sustainability while learning through play.

The Wow Factor: Ice Excavation

One of the most exciting moments of this project was the class’s ice excavation! During this activity, children froze various objects in blocks of ice and then used tools like mallets and chisels to excavate them—just like real scientists and explorers! 

This hands-on experience introduced our preschool students to important concepts, such as cause and effect, problem-solving and fine motor skill development, while making learning fun.

What’s Next?

This exciting project is still underway, and Pre-K B’s children have become fascinated with polar animals and their habitats. To build upon this curiosity, our students would love to visit the Toledo Zoo to see real-life polar creatures and bring their discoveries full circle with a real-world connection.

Projects like our Polar Regions exploration showcase the power of child-led learning and how a Reggio Emilia preschool fosters a sense of curiosity, independence and critical thinking.

Discover the CDC Difference

From infant care and preschool education to our kindergarten Discover School, Children’s Discovery Center is ready to help your child succeed. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a visit to one of our state-of-the-art discovery centers.