Share this page
What you will learn in an Air Workshop
Could you squash a plastic bottle without ever touching it? Or break a ruler with a single sheet of newspaper? Come along to our much-loved Air Workshop to explore why air is so much more than ‘nothing’ and dive into the fascinating pedagogical topic of metacognition in early childhood. In this hands on, interactive workshop, you will learn how to create rich STEM learning experiences in your service through the exciting topic of air and use it as a topic through which to teach the outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework. Activities may include:
- Use air to submerge a submarine and bring it back to the surface.
- Try to blow up a balloon with a plastic bottle and transport the balloon inside that same bottle.
- Catch as much air as possible in a soap bubble.
- Explore the differences between hot and cold air and how you can feel and hear air.
- Test how well a round object and an angular object prevent a tea light from being extinguished.
- Try to move objects, paint, and even odours using air.
- Catch, trap and make air visible.
- Find out the fastest way to empty a full bottle of water.
- Find a way to measure the volume of the air we breathe.
Pedagogical topic: Metacognition in early childhood
This professional development workshop will explore the pedagogy of metacognition in early childhood and will give you the knowledge, skills, and tools to:
- Support children’s metacognitive development.
- Understand the effects of different prompts and questions on the learner.
- Understand how early education can foster children’s metacognitive development.
- Support children’s journey of discovery through questioning and collaborative reflection.
- Understand how communication, reflection, and questioning enhances children’s ability to become confident life-long learners.
STEM learning outcomes
This STEM workshop will provide you with the following learning outcomes through the lens of air:
- Uncover how early education can foster children’s metacognitive development.
- The confidence to tap into, guide, and focus children’s natural interests and abilities.
- Understand the important role of inquiry-based learning and co-construction in early education.
- Exchange ideas and experiences with 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 pass on your new knowledge and skills to your colleagues and to become a STEM champion in your service.
Who should do this course?
This workshop is designed for all early childhood educators and teachers, as well as educators with managerial responsibilities. No prior STEM knowledge required.
Something to think about before the workshop:
- How am I currently supporting children’s research and discovery?
- How can I help children reflect on their learning?
- How can I help children learn how to learn?
Explore more in-person STEM workshop topics:
STEM in-service PD
Don’t see a workshop near you? Book an in-service workshop to immerse your team in hands-on inquiry-based STEM learning without leaving your service.
- Aligns with the EYLF, NQF, and APST.
- NESA-accredited.
- Hands-on and interactive.
- Uses low-cost, everyday items.
- Provides opportunities to exchange with like-minded people.
- Contains practical and reflective phases.
- Supported by the Australian Government.
