The Westchester Children’s Museum, in Rye, is hosting a Fall Fest Weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., November 19, 2023, with science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) activities that celebrate the changing seasons. There will be a broad range of fun things to do for kids of all ages and learning or playing styles, including leaf litter microbiomes, pumpkin batteries, a do-it-yourself corn maze, applesauce cinnamon dough sculptures, seed sorting and leaf raking.

Each of STEAM’s five subjects share a common approach and focus. They require gathering and using evidence to create knowledge or solve problems. STEAM learning happens naturally every day as children explore, play and try new things. When young children have the opportunity to investigate the world around them, they learn and experiment with new STEAM skills and theories. Research shows there is a positive relationship between early STEAM experiences and future success in school.

Experts say play-based learning improves literacy and language development, encourages creativity and imagination, and leads to problem-solving skills. It also helps children develop social and emotional skills, such as empathy and self-regulation, and improves cognitive development, including memory, attention and academic skills.