National Science Week (12-20 August) is fast approaching with the theme of this year “Innovation: Powering Future Industries”. As an early childhood educator, you may be wondering how best to implement this theme into an early childhood setting — in which case, let Little Scientists support you!

Immerse yourself in the world of computer science and playfully explore how to engage children in algorithms, sequencing, and sorting —without the need for computers — and gain expertise in the pedagogical topic of early computational thinking. In an increasingly digital society, this is an essential workshop for early years educators and will help you reframe digital technology as an exciting tool for learning, rather than as children’s passive entertainment.

Our newly revised Computer Science workshop has taken inspiration from National Science Week and now incorporates the educational robot Bee-Bots. Bee-Bots have already taken Australian primary education by storm, but are now being increasingly used in an early childhood setting. Little Scientists plugs the knowledge gap by developing your skills and confidence in building Bee-Bots into your practice through our Computer Science Workshops.

We have a great partnership with the Australian supplier of Bee-Bots that has given us a meaty 20% discount off their entire Bee-Bots range to share with educators who attend our Computer Workshops. That means if you or your service purchase a Bee-Bots swarm (aka six pack), you would have a saving of over $200 — which almost entirely subsidies your workshop ticket. A great way to save money and skill up!

STEM topic: Computer Science

In this hands on workshop, you will learn how to create rich STEM learning experiences and use computer science as a topic through which to teach the outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework. Interactive activities include:

Dress up as a robot and learn how to control one.
Play and build your confidence with computer terms.
Develop algorithms for everyday situations.
Write, debug, and run code without touching a computer or looking at a screen.
Play with sequences, structures, and code in a fun way.

Pedagogical topic: Early computational thinking

This workshop will help you uncover basic concepts of computational thinking and unlock the world of computers for children, which means this workshop is strongly recommended for any service considering purchasing Bee-Bots (or something similar) as an educational tool. By attending this workshop, you will:

Gain a basic understanding of computer science concepts.
Understand the fundamentals of computational thinking.
Learn the difference between computer programming and information technology.
Be able to recognise computational learning opportunities in everyday life.
Be equipped with age-appropriate computer science ideas for implementation in your service.
Know how to support children to unlock the world of computer science and “speak to a computer”.

STEM Learning Outcomes

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

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: Karen Player, 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 hello@littlescientists.org.au

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