Just Playing Around: Teaching (PreK-Grade 1) STEM Through Inquiry, Exploration, and Play (1) - Science

E Childhood Prof Dev | This program is completed

1117 Williston Rd South Burlington, VT 05403 United States

TBD

6.0 Professional Learning Hours

10/17/2019 (one day)

8:30 AM-3:30 AM EDT on Th

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$150.00

A workshop series for teachers of PreK, K and 1st grade students


Children are naturally curious, full of questions, creative, and playful. This four-part workshop series uses the concept of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as play; children are engaged in asking questions, making discoveries, experimenting, working with others, and working toward proficiency in the VELS, NGSS and CCSS standards.

The format of each workshop reflects this playful approach to STEM. Participants will interact with each other, ask questions, explore materials, and play. The series starts with a focus on science followed by engineering, then math. Technology is viewed as a tool that is woven throughout the series. The last workshop focuses on integrating STEM throughout the day.

Participants in this Science workshop will leave with a STEM toolkit of ideas and simple materials grounded in:
· Using the outdoors as a learning environment that optimizes play and exploration;
· Introducing science phenomena, tasks and problems to spark curiosity;
· Employing strategies that encourage questioning and prompt inquiry;
· Using literature to thread science themes throughout the day;
· Reflecting and documenting with technology; and
· Scaffolding to include all learners and personalize learning.

  • The series can also be taken as a 3-credit graduate course. The course requires participating in all four workshops, completing readings and assignments online, focusing on purposeful play, cultivating STEM identities, and strengthening both teacher and children’s mindsets with STEM content. Please register under the COURSE option if you choose to participate this way.
Koch, Susan

Susan Koch, a first-grade teacher in Montpelier, has been devoted to using an inquiry approach to learning for more than 25 years. She is passionate about outdoor learning and creating community and believes that developing a sense of wonder is crucial for the future stewards of the Earth. Susan was named the 2016 Vermont Teacher of the Year.