Chemical Reactions
Workshop
+ Language development through STEM inquiry
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What you will learn in a Chemical Reactions Workshop
Explore the fascinating relationship between chemical reactions and language development in early childhood in an interactive workshop setting. Learn to recognise chemistry in children’s everyday lives, find opportunities for age-appropriate chemical exploration, and create rich learning experiences through the topic of chemical reactions that teach the outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework. Activities may include:
- Use detective science skills to solve the mysteries of unidentified white substances.
- Handle ‘dangerous materials’ and aerate chocolate!
- Make a mess creating carbon dioxide with various substances.
- Explore the properties of carbon dioxide in fizzy water and experiment with dancing grapes and blueberries.
- Play with purple cabbage juice as a universal indicator and make noodles go from purple to blue or pink.
- Make a baking soda rocket and find out why baking soda volcanoes aren’t as educational as you might think.
Pedagogical topic: Language development through STEM inquiry
Expand your understanding of the pedagogy behind language development by exploring it through the lens of STEM inquiry and chemical reactions. In this captivating workshop, you will gain:
- The fundamentals and principles of language development.
- An understanding of the potential of STEM inquiry for language development.
- Knowledge of how embodied experiences relate to language development and enhance learning.
- An ability to use STEM to support children’s literacy and extend their vocabulary by modelling scientific language and engaging in sustained communication with children about their ideas and experiences.
STEM learning outcomes
This workshop will provide you with the following learning outcomes through the specific lens of chemical reactions:
- Understand the important role of inquiry-based learning and co-construction in early education.
- Uncover how early education can foster children’s metacognitive development.
- Learn how communication, reflection, and questioning can enhance children’s ability to think about their own learning.
- Exchange ideas and experiences with other 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 tap into, guide, and focus children’s natural interests and abilities.
- 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:
- Where do children experience chemical reactions in their everyday lives?
- What do I currently do to support children’s language development?
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.
- Hands-on and interactive.
- Focuses on implementation into practice.
- Uses low-cost, everyday items.
- Provides opportunities to exchange with like-minded people.
- Contains practical and reflective phases.
- Supported by the Australian Government.
