
Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
Nestled in the nation’s capital in the richest museum complex in the world is the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center, a model early childhood program that places children at the center of every experience. SEEC utilizes an emergent curriculum, following the children's interests to teach content and developmental skills through objects in the museums and community.
Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center's collections
The Clothes We Wear To Go Somewhere
<p>This collection centers a book that tells the story of different clothing pieces in the Smithsonian collection that have played a role in Latine history while also discussing the different functions that a piece of clothing can have in our lives. Whether it be for identity expression, for functionality, to convey a message or performance, or to be safe in our environment. The collection also includes an educator note that provides additional context on the items as well as links to the items that are available on Learning Lab. Intended for ages 0-3.<br></p>
<p>Created by Carla Barefoot, an Office of Engagement intern at the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center.<br></p>
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Verónica Castillo’s Tree of Life
<p>This collection centers around a <em>Tree of Life </em>sculpture called "Raíces, historia y justicia latinas" (translation: "Latino Roots, History, and Justice"), created by Mexican artist Verónica Castillo. The sculpture is comprised of three different branches that explore the following themes: identity and community, fighting for justice, and breaking boundaries. This collection consists of an introductory book and three other books that each focus on a different branch. There are also related activity ideas and educator notes to learn more information following each book. Intended for ages 2-5.</p>
<p>Created by Carla Barefoot, an Office of Engagement intern at the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center.</p>
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Volcano Eruptions
<p>Objectives - </p><p><br /></p><ul><li>Learn that active volcanoes erupt </li><li>Discover that volcanoes erupt when pressure builds up </li><li>Experiment with eruptions </li><li>Learn that some mountains are volcanoes </li></ul><p><br /></p>
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Women as Pioneers of Technology: Invention and Contribution
<p>This Learning Lab collection was created by Ngan Vo, a student in the summer 2022 Smithsonian Digital Learning and Engagement Internship, in collaboration with Emerson Collective. </p>
<p>This collection draws from the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center’s approach to object-based learning and aims to remedy gender bias in the classroom, particularly regarding STEM-based subjects. By showcasing women as trailblazers of technology, the collection hopes to spark confidence and gauge interest from young girls to participate in STEM endeavors. </p>
<p>#SAintern #SEEC</p>
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