Inspire STEM: diving into underwater STEM

Inspire STEM: diving into underwater STEM

Young children are filled with questions about the world they live in: “Why do crabs move sideways?” “How do whales speak to each other?” “Why is snow white but the ocean blue?” – Have you ever wondered how to answer their big questions?

STEM education is 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 of inquiry-based STEM education to early childhood teachers, educators, parents, librarians, youth workers, primary school teachers – indeed, anyone who is interested in developing skills and enthusiasm for STEM inquiry in children (or themselves!).

We will show you some simple techniques to cultivate children’s skills and excitement for STEM exploration, and our hands-on components will enrich your repertoire of STEM activities.

Session 1: Explore and Play – Introduction to hands-on, inquiry-based STEM learning and exploration

Date: Thursday, 2 June 2022

Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm 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
Interactive demonstrations of STEM explorations using items found around the home
Creating a rich learning environment to stimulate discoveries, enrich STEM learning opportunities and nurture curiosity in children and adults alike
Discovering everyday phenomena and explanations of basic scientific concepts
Resourcing STEM activities, learning how to use what you already have for fantastic explorations

Session 2: Play and Reflect – Process to practice

Date: Thursday, 9 June 2022

Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm AEST

Reflection on what has been learned so far, what has worked well and how to overcome challenges
Learning techniques to find STEM explorations in everyday situations, making STEM accessible to young children
Discussion of next steps to integrate STEM exploration further in individual circumstances

The sessions are scheduled to run for 1.5 hours each and include a Q&A session. You will be engaged in hands-on activities during both sessions, for which you will receive a materials list in advance.Questions? Email us at workshops@littlescientists.org.au.