Peer-reviewed article
STEM in early childhood education
Neharika Verma ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This report examines how STEM education can be delivered to young children aged 2–7 years through digital apps, using the Australian Early Years Learning Framework as a guide. Three educational apps—Kiddopia, Little Builders, and Thinkrolls—are evaluated for their educational value, developmental appropriateness, child safety, and cost-effectiveness. The report finds that while all three apps show potential for supporting STEM learning, their success depends heavily on how educators use them in the classroom. The authors recommend balanced, supervised use of digital tools alongside physical play to protect children and support healthy development.
Key points
- Three STEM-based apps (Kiddopia, Little Builders, Thinkrolls) were evaluated for early childhood settings
- All three apps demonstrated strong potential in supporting STEM learning for children aged 2–7 years
- Apps were assessed on functionality, alignment with learning outcomes, child safety, and value for money
- Effectiveness of digital tools depends on how educators incorporate them into the learning environment
- Balanced and supervised use of apps is recommended alongside physical play experiences
Limitations
The report does not present empirical data on learning outcomes or comparative effectiveness between the apps and non-digital teaching methods. It cannot tell us whether children using these apps actually develop stronger STEM skills compared to traditional early childhood approaches.
Abstract
This report critically analyses the role of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in early childhood settings, with a specific focus on the use of digital apps as teaching tools for young children. Drawing on current research literature and the Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the report examines what makes a digital app educationally meaningful and developmentally appropriate for children aged 2–7 years.Three STEM-based educational apps — Kiddopia, Little Builders, and Thinkrolls — are evaluated based on their functionality, relevance to EYLF learning outcomes, child safety, and value for money. Each app is assessed for its ability to promote critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and engagement in young learners.The report finds that while all three apps demonstrate strong potential in supporting STEM learning, their effectiveness largely depends on how educators incorporate them into the learning environment. Balanced and supervised use of these digital tools is recommended to ensure children’s safety and to maintain a healthy balance between screen-based and physical play experiences.This report is relevant to early childhood educators, parents, and researchers interested in integrating digital technology into STEM education for young children