Little Scientists Online Workshop

Inspire STEM - Explore Space, Play, Reflect

Come explore space with us – from Earth to the beyond. You will be delighted and inspired by our hands-on, inquiry-based approach to STEM learning.

Young children are full of questions about the world they live in: “Can you blow bubbles in space?” “What’s the Moon made of?” “Why do astronauts float?” – Have you ever wondered how to answer their big questions?

STEM education is so much more than factual answers to complex questions and Little Scientists will show you how easy and uncomplicated it can be. In this live online workshop, Little Scientists will introduce the concepts, methods and skills to early childhood teachers and educators. We will show you some simple techniques to cultivate children’s skills and excitement for STEM exploration, and our hands-on session will enrich your repertoire of STEM activities.

Session 1: Explore and Play - Introduction to hands-on, inquiry-based STEM learning and exploration

Date: Monday, 29 November 2021

Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm AEST

Overview of early STEM education and inquiry-based learning, focusing on the importance of playfulness and joy as impetuses to scientific discovery and research
Interactive demonstrations of STEM explorations using items found around the home
Creating a rich learning environment to stimulate discoveries, enrich STEM learning opportunities and nurture curiosity in children and adults alike
Discovering everyday phenomena and explanations of basic scientific concepts
Resourcing STEM activities, learning how to use what you already have for fantastic explorations

Session 2: Play and Reflect - Process to practice

Date: Wednesday, 1 December 2021

Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm AEST

Reflection on what has been learned so far, what has worked well and how to overcome challenges
Learning techniques to find STEM explorations in everyday situations, making STEM accessible to young children
Discussion of next steps to integrate STEM exploration further in individual circumstances

The sessions are scheduled to run for 1.5 hours each and include a Q&A session. You will be engaged in hands-on activities during both session, for which you will receive a materials list in advance.

Questions? Email us at workshops@littlescientists.org.au.

Completing this online workshop series will contribute to 3 hours of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Registered PD for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW. To be eligible for NESA accreditation you are required to attend all three sessions live.

TQI registered PD

Completing this online workshop will contribute 3 hours of ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) registered PD.