Each spring, the Tucson J’s Early Childhood Education program highlights its incredible curriculum, staff, and facilities through STEAM Sunday, a free afternoon of engaging activities for families.
STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, all knowledge areas that instill curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
“For young children, STEAM activities provide a foundation for future development, allowing them to learn cause and effect, develop strategies, and build executive function skills like memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control,” said Joline Riddle, senior director of early childhood education at the Tucson J.
In the Tucson J’s Early Childhood Education program, STEAM education is infused in daily activities through hands-on and collaborative learning and lots of exploratory play and interactive experiences.
“Hands-on learning not only develops curious learners, but prompts students to be actively engaged and truly interested in what they are learning about,” said Joline. “STEAM education is an important part of our curriculum and key to developing lifelong learners.”
Here’s how Joline breaks down what STEAM means in ECE at the J:
Science – Figuring out how the world works
Technology – Using and creating pulleys, wheels, levers, scissors, and ramps
Engineering – Constructing while problem-solving
Art – Creatively solving problems, representing feelings, events, and experiences
Math – Number, operations, measurement, patterns, geometry, and spatial sense
Everyone is invited to join us on Sunday, April 12, from 10am-12pm, for STEAM Sunday. Designed for families with children 2-8 years old, enjoy a morning of fun, with hands-on, educational activities led by the Tucson J Early Childhood educators and special guests.
Plus, the first 125 registered guests will receive a special goody bag, and a light snack will be served for attendees.
During the event, you can also take a tour of our preschool, and registration fees for ECE summer camp and the 2026-2027 school year will be waived.
Get into the STEAM Sunday spirit with some of the activities below!
Technology
While the word technology evokes images of computers and screens, it actually refers to the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. From wheels to zippers— technology surrounds us!
Try this activity to get your child thinking about technology.
