Connecting play to STEM concepts, practices and processes: review of research on play within STEM learning environments

Abstract

As play is diminishing and the need to prepare students to enter the STEM workforce is rising, we conducted a literature review to examine how play in STEM learning environments may address issues in STEM, and conversely, how STEM learning environments can be framed as a context for human development through play. Findings highlight the value of all types of play for development within STEM across a range of learning environments. Yet, the scholarship seems to point to adults as vital to the play STEM learning environment as they provide connections between play and STEM concepts, practices and processes.