September 20, 2019 Engaging Indoor Classrooms: Natural Materials & Loose Parts Join Cindy Gennarelli, M.Ed., Director of Early Childhood Education Innovation at William Patterson University, for her upcoming webinar exploring opportunities to engage indoor classrooms using natural materials and loose parts. About This free webinar was designed to support the use of nature-based materials and loose parts in indoor classrooms. Common questions and concerns include: How will these materials change the indoor environment? Where do they go and how do I introduce the materials to the children? How will these materials support children’s learning? How do we integrate these materials without compromising the integrity of our curriculum and/or physical classroom space? These questions and others will be discussed and answered. Photos of classroom environments, children’s engagement in inquiry-based, hands-on, STEAM-related explorations and discoveries will be used as examples. Examples will highlight the use of combining indoor classroom tools, materials, and equipment with outdoor materials to create richer learning experiences. Learning outcomes will be relevant and aligned with approved developmentally appropriate curricula, pedagogy, children’s learning styles, and 21st-century skills. This webinar will be of particular benefit to pre-k teachers. Time for questions will be provided. Registration To sign-up, register via the event webpage. More Information To learn more, visit the edWeb website. *Information provided via EdWeb
May 1, 2019 Leap into Science! Workshop Professionals and community members that teach Preschool/School Age children and/or families are invited to join a national network for science and literacy. By joining, you will receive training and materials to lead Leap into Science workshops. What is Leap into Science? Leap into Science is a nationwide program developed by the Franklin Institute Science Museum that integrates open-ended science activities with children’s books, designed for children ages 3-10 and their families. The program empowers educators to offer workshops in community settings like libraries, museums, and out-of-school time programs to engage underserved audiences in accessible and familiar settings. Leap into Science provides workshops on a science theme for three possible audiences: early childhood, elementary, and family groups. Workshops The Pennsylvania Leap into Science Leadership Team is hosting free training sessions on Leap into Science Wind workshops at the following times and locations: Edinboro, PA: August 22, 2019; 10:00 am – 2:30 pm Williamsport, PA: September 12, 2019; 9:30 am – 2:00 pm Allentown, PA: Oct 1, 2019, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm Benefits Each organization who participates in Leap into Science will receive: A 4-hour in-person training on high-quality science and literacy curriculum and facilitation strategies for two or more educators, Ongoing support during program implementation as part of a Leap into Science National Network, Access to the national Leap into Science leadership team and online resources, A curriculum and materials kit (valued at $300), and Web-based training on new curriculum themes in subsequent years Commitments As a Leap into Science partner organization, you are committing to: Scheduling and leading at least three (3) Leap into Science workshops for children and/or families living in underserved rural or urban communities by next spring, Posting each workshop to The Connectory, a searchable directory for STEM programs across the country, Leading Leap into Science activities during National Leap into Science Week during the last week of February, Completing a workshop report following each workshop, Participating in quarterly calls with other trained educators in your state, and Completing an annual survey and possible interview. Registration To participate in the national network and attend one of the training sessions listed above, please complete this brief application form by May 15, 2019. Priority will be given to organizations that can send at least two educators to the training. If selected, you will receive email notification of your acceptance by June 15, 2019, along with details about the training you will attend. Questions For more information, contact the Franklin Institute Science Museum at 215.448.1200 or guestservices@fi.edu. Share this flyer with your network.
March 19, 2019 Music Makers: Nature Sounds Join the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in the Nursery for an hour of hands-on musical exploration. Experience the beautiful sounds of the natural world such as rain, birdsong, wind and running water and invent your own instruments using a variety of natural materials. Discover how music is everywhere if we just take the time to listen! This program is designed for our youngest learners (0-5) but is suitable for all ages. The event is drop-in, so guests may come and go as they please! For more information, visit the event page!
Tech Tuesday: MaKey MaKey Use the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh‘s MaKey MaKey invention kit to compute with your body! Discover different conductive materials, design a controller and build sensors. What will you invent? This program is designed for our youngest learners (0-5) but is suitable for all ages. The event is drop-in, so guests may come and go as they please! For more information, visit the event page!
March 18, 2019 Music Makers: Handmade Symphony Join the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in the Nursery for an hour of hands-on musical exploration. Use different materials to invent your very own instrument and join our Handmade Symphony! What will you hear when the sounds combine? This program is drop-in, so feel free to come and go as you please! This program is designed for young learners (0-5) but is suitable for all ages. For more information about Early Childhood Learning, visit their home page!
