Little Scientists Online Workshop

Inspire STEM - Explore, Play, Reflect

Come and investigate with us the creatures that call Australia home and their habitats. Experience practical, hands-on advice on the creation of habitats in an early childhood setting and investigations into animal adaptations to Australian conditions with musical and literacy links.

“What is the difference between a reptile, mammal and bird?” “What’s a monotreme or marsupial?” “Why is wombat poo cubic?“ – Young children are filled with questions about the world they live in. 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 - Introduction to inquiry-based STEM learning

Date: Monday, 11 October 2021

Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm 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
Creating a rich learning environment to stimulate discoveries, enrich STEM learning opportunities and nurture curiosity in children and adults alike
Resourcing STEM activities, learning how to use what you already have for fantastic explorations

Session 2: Play - Hands-on STEM exploration

Date: Tuesday, 12 October 2021

Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm AEST

Interactive demonstrations of STEM explorations using items found around the home
Discovering everyday phenomena and explanations of basic scientific concepts
Learning techniques to find STEM explorations in everyday situations, making STEM accessible to young children

Session 3: Reflect - Process to practice

Date: Monday, 18 October 2021

Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm AEST

Reflection on what has been learned so far, what has worked well and how to overcome challenges
Discussion of next steps to integrate STEM exploration further in individual circumstances

The sessions are scheduled to run for one hour each and include a Q&A session and a networking opportunity. You will be engaged in hands-on STEM activities during the second session, for which you will receive a materials list in advance.

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

Completing this online workshop 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.

Contact the host of Inspire STEM - At home among the gum leaves