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Problem Solvers: A Free Early STEM Curriculum

A Free Preschool STEM Curriculum

Research tells us early math skills are a powerful predictor of overall school achievement. But what does early math, science and engineering look like for toddlers and young preschoolers?

It looks like Problem Solvers.

Problem Solvers is a free, downloadable early childhood and preschool STEM curriculum for children aged 30 to 48 months that includes:

  • 22 play-based math activities 
  • 22 play-based science and engineering activities  
  • 44 specially-composed songs that support early STEM learning in each activity 
  • 44 book suggestions and extension activities that nurture early math language through read-alouds 
  • 44 family resources (English/Spanish) that build bridges between school and home, and give caregivers ideas for engaging STEM play 
  • A Teacher’s Guide to help educators implement the preschool STEM curriculum 

Download the free Problem Solvers preschool STEM curriculum now!

Classroom

Fill out the form below to get the entire Problem Solvers preschool STEM curriculum at no charge, including Teacher's Guide, songs and bonus math activities! 

The development of Problem Solvers math component was made possible by the generous support of the Honda USA Foundation and the Dr. Seuss Foundation. The development of Problem Solvers science and engineering component was made possible by the generous support of the General Motors Foundation. We are deeply grateful to these foundations for allowing us to make this resource available at no charge to preschool and early education programs nationwide. 

What are early educators saying about Problem Solvers ?

Listen to what early educators have to say about how using the Problem Solvers curriculum changed their practice and engaged their students. 

See how teachers can build on children’s experiences as they introduce Problem Solvers activities

Read-alouds can nurture STEM concepts like volume (full and empty).

Watch as a teacher creates a “just-right” challenge for her students using a Problem Solvers sorting activity.

Evaluation Results

The math component of Problem Solvers (22 activities) was examined at 5 treatment sites and 3 control sites in upstate South Carolina during the 2023-2024 school year.

This effort represented 18 treatment classrooms (n=158 children) and 3 control sites (n=48 children).  

Findings from the evaluation established: 

  • Significant differences in math skills for three-year-old students in the treatment group and when examining individual treatment sites by age. 
  • Students in public 3k/4k treatment sites scored significantly higher in math skills than students in public 3k/4k control sites. 
  • Teachers who implemented the curriculum with greater fidelity had students who showed higher levels of mathematics understanding than students whose teachers implemented the curriculum with low fidelity. 
  • Family/caregiver feedback on the take-home resource reported the suggested activities were fun and helpful for their children’s learning.  

Overall, the evaluation team for Problem Solvers—representing 8 instructors and professionals from Clemson University—concluded: “These outcomes provide a rationale for continued exploration of this cost-free resource for early childhood teachers.” 

Bring Problem Solvers to your early education or preschool system!

ZERO TO THREE can help with professional development for teachers, a train-the-trainer experience, ongoing coaching, and more.

Just for educators! A free reflective planning tool.

Get this tool for early educators designed to assist with STEM activity planning before, during, and after you teach!

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