Alicia Carroll teaches STEM to young children at the East Boston Early Education Center. Over this past school year, she and her colleague, Maria Valarezo, worked after school with a group of K2-Gr1 students to pilot a new PBS Kids program, HERO ELEMENTARY. The children read related books, wrote in science journals, and worked together to solve problems “using their science superpowers to investigate, observe, make predictions, and figure out solutions.”
Alicia also used the curriculum and materials provided by PBS to supplement her regular teaching units throughout the school day. Maria says this project has taught her “the importance of being active with the community… and of finding developmentally appropriate videos” to use with her students.
HERO ELEMENTARY is a school for superheroes, where kids learn to master their powers while exploring science along the way. Project games are available on www.pbskids.org and on the free PBS KIDS Games App, along with clips and full episodes streaming across PBS KIDS’ video platforms, including the free PBS KIDS Video App.
A key goal of this new PBS Kids program, which debuted on June 1st, is to help Black and LatinX children to achieve at high levels. It aims to give children ages 4 to 7 the tools to solve problems by thinking and acting like scientists, igniting their natural curiosity and empathy. Check out Alicia’s website for more information and resources.
Ramy (K2) creating code.
Alicia Carroll with K2-Gr1 students.