Our Conceptual PlayWorld is Australia’s first research-based model for teaching STEM. We have found that it can:
- Increase girls' engagement in STEM
- Improve executive function
- Motivate children to learn
Fleer’s Conceptual PlayWorld
Fleer's Conceptual PlayWorld
PlayWorlds start with a story. Then both adults and children enter an imaginary world. Playing together, they solve challenges and learn concepts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Educators
Our Conceptual PlayWorlds support early childhood educators around the world to harness the power of play to teach STEM to young children. It’s a model of teaching based on the latest research, and developed in partnership with educators we call our STEM champions.
We offer free online professional development, as well as a range of PlayWorld scenarios that can be used and adapted for your centre, school or family day care.
Learn how CPW works for early childhood educators and primary school teachers
Families and Playgroups
Conceptual PlayWorlds are imaginary scenarios based on picture books. You play in your world together, and encounter problems to solve. It’s a fun and engaging way to foster your child’s scientific curiosity, mathematical logic and design thinking, as well as supporting their social and emotional development.
We have developed step-by-step guides on how to create a PlayWorld. They are designed to work either at home or in your local playgroup.
Learn how Conceptual PlayWorld works for families and community playgroups
Teachers educators
Our Conceptual PlayWorlds have been created to support early childhood educators around the world to harness the power of play to teach STEM to young children. It’s a model of teaching based on the latest research, and developed in partnership with educators we call our STEM champions.
We offer free online professional development, as well as a range of PlayWorld scenarios that can be used and adapted for your centre or school.
Learn how CPW works for early childhood educators and primary school teachers
PlayWorlds in action
See some examples of Conceptual PlayWorlds that we've successfully piloted in preschools, childcare centres, kindergartens and primary schools.
Learn with us
Would you like to build your own understandings and knowledge of Conceptual PlayWorlds? Sign up to our free online PD for early childhood educators and teachers.
Find out more about the free online course
Backed by years of research
The Conceptual PlayWorld model is part of a larger five-year programmatic research called the Monash PlayLab.
The project is led by international early childhood education expert Laureate Professor Marilyn Fleer. It is supported by a $3.2 million Laureate Fellowship from the Australian Research Council and is underpinned by decades of research.
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