STEM Acoustics Workshop, Penrith, NSW, 12 October 2023

Fizzle, crash, boom, bang! Delve into the world of everyday sounds with us in this stimulating workshop and explore the presence and absence of sound, create your own sound maker, and tell a sound story — just to name a few. Through the topic of acoustics, we will also uncover the pedagogical topic of peer group learning in co-constructed environments and reflect on the educator’s impact on group dynamics. 

STEM topic: Acoustics 

In this hands on, interactive workshop, you will learn how to create rich STEM learning experiences in your service through the exciting topic of acoustics and use it as a topic through which to teach the outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework. Activities may include: 

• Explore the world of sound by listening closely to the environment. 
• Learn sound proprieties like loud and quiet, short or long, high and low. 
• Find out the difference between a noise and a bang and a complex tone and a simple tone. 
• Discover the variety of sounds the human body can make by listening to it bubble, crack, squeak, rumble, and crunch. 
• Invent your own noise maker. 
• Learn how to systematically experience and analyse acoustic phenomena with children. 
• Feel the vibrations of sound sources and listen to sounds through solid materials. 
• Invent ways to visualise sound through the vibrations they make. 
• Gather ideas for learning experiences with acoustic phenomena for different stages of development. 

Pedagogical topic: Peer group learning 

This important professional development workshop will build on your understanding of peer group learning in early development and consider the role of both verbal and non-verbal communication. By the end of the workshop, you will gain the ability to: 

• Recognise how co-constructed environments support peer group learning. 
• Reflect on the role of the educator in enhancing children’s verbal and non-verbal communication with peers. 
• Reflect on the effects of group dynamics on the learner. 
• Understand the group formation process and how free play and STEM discovery can have the greatest impact on child development. 
• Learn how Vygotsky's ideas on co-constructivism relate to peer group learning. 
• Understand Piaget's view on symmetrical and asymmetrical relationships and the interactions between children and adults 

STEM Learning Outcomes 

This STEM workshop will provide you with the following learning outcomes through the specific lens of acoustics:  

• Understand the important role of inquiry-based learning and co-construction in early education.  
• Uncover how early education can foster children’s metacognitive development.  
• Learn how communication, reflection, and questioning can enhance children’s ability to think about their own learning.  
• Exchange ideas and experiences with other like-minded educators and reflect on your current practice.  
• Receive comprehensive topic-specific materials with educational STEM ideas and information about inquiry-based practices.  
• The confidence to tap into, guide, and focus children’s natural interests and abilities.  
• The confidence to pass on your new knowledge and skills to your colleagues and to become a STEM champion in your service. 

Practical info about this workshop:  

WHO: This workshop is suitable for all educators and teachers — no prior STEM knowledge required.  

COST: $215 per participant. Ticket includes morning tea. 

FACILITATOR: Hayley Bates, Little Scientists Trainer.

BRING: Please bring something to write notes with and wear comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on activities and experiments.  

TRANSPORT: Please research your parking and public transport options ahead of time. 

GOOD TO KNOW: This workshop provides you with a variety of tools and educational concepts to meet a range of requirements of the NQF and EYLF. 

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

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