Little Scientists offer STEM-focused Professional Development for Sea Week

Little Scientists Australia will hold a series of events for early childhood educators wanting to incorporate more water and ocean-based activities into their STEM curriculum in honour of Sea Week, Australia’s major national public awareness campaign to focus community awareness, provide information and encourage an appreciation of the sea.

The events will offer a range of engaging and interactive opportunities for educators to connect, learn and build their knowledge and skills in early STEM inquiry. Central to the program is the Big Blue Planet STEM Hour webinar.

Little Scientists Early STEM Communicator Lena Hammond will host an online panel on 2 March, leading a discussion on how educators can spark ideas for practical and meaningful implementation of ocean and marine science education into early childhood settings. 

Panellists include Susie Crick, CEO of the Oceanic Research Institute, Branch President of Surfrider Foundation and Director of Planet Childcare; and, Laura Kerr, Educational Leader at FROEBEL Australia.

Sea Week 2023 focuses on the ocean literacy principle that the ocean (and its interconnected systems) is the defining feature of our planet, Ms Hammond explained. 

“I’m interested in exploring how educators can incorporate STEM inquiry and ocean literacy into their teaching practice no matter where they live. This STEM Hour is a great way for educators to learn more about ocean education and gain more confidence in STEM,” she added. 

As an adjunct to the STEM Hour, Little Scientists are offering the Jumping into the Sea Inspire STEM online workshop. This two-part online workshop will provide educators with interactive, hands-on activities focused on ocean and sea-based STEM activities. 

Young children are filled with questions about the sea: Why do crabs move sideways? How do whales speak to each other? and the beauty of STEM education is that educators don’t have to have all the answers, Ms Hammond said. 

Attendees will learn how to foster a sense of wonder and curiosity in children through inquiry-based approaches and leave the workshop with a range of practical ideas and strategies to incorporate into their teaching practice. 

To register for the online workshop, Inspire STEM, see here.

For those in New South Wales, Little Scientists will also offer an in-person STEM Water workshop. The workshop will explore how educators can work collaboratively with children and create rich learning environments through the exciting STEM topic of water. 

From ice blocks to raindrops, children love to explore water and this workshop builds off that interest to help educators create rich learning experiences in which to explore water with all five senses, investigate its many aggregate states, and test the solubility of various substances. Led by expert trainers, the workshop is an excellent opportunity to network with peers and exchange ideas and will take place on 14 March from 9am – 12:30pm in Seaforth, NSW. 

To register for the in-person workshop, see here.

“The oceans and the world beneath the water is a fascinating and important subject that can inspire a lifelong love of learning in young children,” Ms Hammond said. 

Little Scientists invites educators to join in celebrating Sea Week 2023 and discover how creating opportunities for children to ask questions, make observations, and engage in hands-on experiences can help build a deeper understanding of the ocean and its inhabitants.

The Australian Association for Environmental Education has more information about Sea Week, which is available here.