Online Workshop: Cracking the Case: Forensic Science in Early Learning

In this two-hour online workshop, early childhood educators and teachers will learn to introduce forensic science concepts to children in a playful and age-appropriate way. We’ll explore simple and engaging activities and provocations that promote children’s observational skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving. For example, fingerprint analysis, deciphering coded messages, exploring colour chromatography to reveal hidden colours, or going on a nature-inspired scavenger hunt to investigate footprints or animal tracks. 

Forensic science is a captivating topic through which to develop children’s foundational STEM skills and love of scientific inquiry. It provides rich opportunities to support children to recognise pattens, follow clues, engage in deductive reasoning, draw conclusions, and work as a team. By embracing their role as detectives, children are also empowered to lead their own investigations, document and report findings, and build confidence in STEM. 

This online workshop is aligned with the EYLF 2.0 and aims to be as interactive as possible by inviting educators attending live to ask questions, share ideas, and enthusiastically engage.  

Purchasing a ticket allows you to tune in live or via a recording. While we strongly encourage you to attend live so that you can participate in the conversation, a recording will be shared via email following the event and can be viewed for 3 days after the email is sent. This workshop will be held on:

Tuesday 15 October 2024

Time zones: 3-5pm (AEDT), 2-4pm (AEST), 12-2pm (AWST), 2:30-4:30pm (ACDT), 1:30-3:30pm (ACST) 

This online workshop will introduce the concepts, methods, and skills of inquiry-based STEM education to early childhood educators and teachers. Together, we will explore a range of simple techniques to cultivate children’s skills and excitement for STEM exploration and you will come away with a suite of hands-on STEM provocations to enrich your practice in your service or classroom.    

STEM Learning Outcomes   

• Overview of early STEM education and inquiry-based learning.   
• Discover everyday phenomena and explanations of basic scientific concepts.   
• Uncover the importance of playfulness and joy as impetuses to scientific discovery and research.   
• Create rich learning environments that stimulate discovery, sustainability learning, and nurture curiosity. 
• Learn how STEM education is much more than having factual answers to complex questions.   
• 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 colleagues and to become a STEM champion in your service.