This workshop explores the fascinating relationship between chemical reactions and language development in early childhood. Come along to learn how to recognise chemistry in children’s everyday lives, find opportunities for age-appropriate chemical exploration, and explore the pedagogy behind language development through STEM inquiry.

STEM topic: Chemical Reactions

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

Use detective science skills to solve the mysteries of unidentified white substances.
Handle ‘dangerous materials’ and aerate chocolate!
Make a mess creating carbon dioxide with various substances.
Explore the properties of carbon dioxide in fizzy water and experiment with dancing grapes and blueberries.
Play with purple cabbage juice as a universal indicator and make noodles go from purple to blue or pink.
Make a baking soda rocket and find out why baking soda volcanoes aren’t as educational as you might think.

Pedagogical topic: Language development through STEM inquiry

This captivating professional development workshop will build on your understanding of language development by exploring it through the lens of STEM inquiry and chemical reactions. You will gain:

The fundamentals and principals of language development.
An understanding of the potential of STEM inquiry for language development.
An ability to use STEM to support children’s literacy and extend their vocabulary by modelling scientific language and engaging in sustained communication with children about their ideas and experiences.
Knowledge of how embodied experiences relate to language development and enhance learning.

STEM Learning Outcomes

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

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: This workshop is free of charge.

The Northern Territory Department of Education has generously covered the cost for all NT educators and teachers to register for this workshop. The department understands the value and importance that this PD offers and will continue to offer Little Scientists workshops free of charge throughout 2023.

FACILITATOR: Liana and Meagan, Little Scientists Local Network Partner Trainers.

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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