The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring will partner with Mid-Cumberland Head Start to launch the SPARK! Head Start program to reach under-resourced early learners, families, and teachers in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Building on its successful STEM programming that integrates science with children's books, the museum will increase connections between science and literacy skills for 132 pre-K children ages three to five, and enhance the capacity of 16 teachers and two administrators within Rutherford County. Head Start will integrate and embed literacy and science process skills through hands-on STEM activities linked to children's literature and best practices. The project will also include programming designed to increase family engagement in STEM at the museum and at partnering Head Start centers.
The article discusses a study conducted by the University of Waterloo, reported by researcher Daniela O'Neill, regarding the acquisition of knowledge by children concerning animals when a picture book is read aloud. Topics include a comparison of picture books and vocabulary books, the use of generic language used by mothers when reading aloud, and additional animal facts provided when reading either book.