News

October 2, 2024

Carnegie Library Announces Science Programs for Children

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is launching Super Science programs for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

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Super Science programs not only teach children about science, but also show them how to actively explore, experiment, and discover answers to questions, from how fossils form to how geological forces shape mountains.

The programs pair books with hands-on STEM activities that promote scientific inquiry while igniting wonder about the world of science. 

Some of the topics covered in Super Science programs include:

  • Animal Features and Adaptations
  • Bugs
  • Physics
  • Paleontology
  • Geology
  • Human Anatomy

The complete lineup of the Carnegie Library’s Super Science programs is available on its website.

News

August 13, 2024

Carnegie Science Center to Host Free Programs for North Side Families This Fall

The Carnegie Science Center is hosting one free program per month for North Side families this fall.

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The programs are aimed at families with children between the ages of 3 and 5. Each event will include a snack and free premium memberships will be given to North Side residents with early learners while supplies last.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, “Ready for Blastoff” will teach attendees how astronauts get ready for their trips to space, what they pack for their journey, and how to make a space helmet. 

“Creepy Crawly,” which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12, will investigate insect parts and behavior through song and dance. Attendees will make bug antennae to take home. 

On Saturday, Nov. 9, “Incoming Landing” will enable participants to build a Mars rover to take home. Children will also learn about the importance of engineering design and teamwork in space exploration.

“Bubble Science,” which will be held on Saturday, Dec.14, children will explore the “S” in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through the creation of amazing bubbles via bubble blowers.

Each class will run from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

Register

Each program has limited capacity, so those interested should register in advance by calling the Carnegie Science Center at 412-237-3400 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

News

April 11, 2023

Dancing Our Way Through STEM

Providing children with opportunities to explore creative movement can spark so many natural connections to STEM concepts.

During this interactive workshop provided through the Trust Arts Education Center, early childhood and K-12 educators will participate in a variety of dance focused strategies that will deepen understanding in science math, ingenuity, and other fundamental STEM concepts. Participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate their own creative movement techniques that can support student’s STEM learning.

Breakfast will be included. PQAS and ACT 48 Credit available.

To learn more and register, visit the Trust Arts Education Center event page.

News

November 20, 2020

Open-Ended Questions Are For Everyone!

Are you interested in learning about using open-ended STEM questions with early learners of all ages and abilities? Join Trying Together on December 9 for our online session, “Connections and Conversations: Open-Ended Questions Are For Everyone!”

About

Connections and Conversations Virtual Check-Ins are biweekly interactive sessions that highlight topics of interest to the field of early childhood education. Participants engage in virtual discussions with child development experts while interacting with early learning practitioners to share questions, experiences, and expertise about the highlighted topic. Sessions offer one hour of PQAS credit. Act 48 credit will not be provided.

In this session, participants will engage in virtual discussions via Zoom with child development experts while interacting with early learning practitioners to share questions, experiences, and expertise about using open-ended Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) questioning with early learners of all ages and abilities.

Session Details

    • Session Date: Wednesday, December 9  |  6 – 7 p.m.
    • Instructors: Jasmine Davis and Wendy Brenneman
    • CKC: Curriculum and Learning Experiences
    • CDA Subject Area: Safe, Healthy Learning Environment
    • Registration Deadline: Monday, December 7, 2020

Registration

To register, visit the course PD Registry page. Space is limited. Participants will receive the course Zoom link via email within 24 hours before the start date for the course. PQAS credit is available.

If you do not have a PD Registry account, please complete this online form to create one. If you are unable to create an account, please contact pdregistry@pakeys.org for more information.

Session Rules and Guidelines

These virtual discussions are designed to provide educators the opportunity to grow professionally and share knowledge on early childhood topics. During the meeting, participants should follow the guidelines below to ensure a successful virtual meeting for all participants.

    • Please allow all participants a chance to speak. Listen respectfully and actively.
    • Commit to learning about each other, not to debating the topic.
    • Embrace differences of opinion as healthy and support each person’s authentic self-expression.
    • Participants will be muted for the beginning portion of the session.
    • Participants may use the “Raise Hand” feature in Zoom to request an opportunity to comment or ask a question. Individuals will be temporarily unmuted by the moderator.
    • Participants may type a comment or question in the Chat or may send comments or questions directly to the moderator for them to share.
    • To receive PQAS credit, you must complete an evaluation at the end of the session and include your PD Registry number.
    • Have fun, make connections, and engage in the conversations!

More Information

For questions or more information, please contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

News

November 12, 2020

Educators: Join the Leap into Science National Network

Are you an educator in Pennsylvania who is interested in receiving training and materials to lead science and literacy workshops for children and families? Join the Leap into Science National Network! Applications must be submitted by December 14, 2020.

About

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 three through 10-years-old 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/or family groups. If your organization was already trained in the Leap into Science Wind curricula, you are NOT eligible to attend this training.

Organization Benefits

Each organization that participates in Leap into Science will receive:

    • a two-hour virtual 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; and
    • a curriculum and materials kit (valued at $300).

Participation Commitments

As a Leap into Science partner organization, participants commit to:

    • scheduling and leading at least three Leap into Science workshops for children and/or families living in underserved rural or urban communities by September 2021, including an event during National Leap into Science Week (June 7 – 13, 2021);
    • posting each workshop to The Connectory, a searchable directory for STEM programs across the country;
    • completing a workshop report following each workshop; and
    • participating in quarterly calls with other trained educators in your state.

Available Workshops

The Pennsylvania Leap into Science Team is hosting a free two-hour virtual training on the Leap into Science Light & Shadow workshops at the following times:

    • Friday, January 29, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    • Tuesday, March 16, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
    • Thursday, May 13, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Submit An Application

To participate in the national network and attend one of the trainings listed above, please complete this brief application form by December 14, 2020.

Priority will be given to organizations that can send at least two educators to the training and who serve traditionally underrepresented audiences. If selected, you will receive an email notification of your acceptance by the end of December with details about the training you will attend.

More Information

For questions, contact Betsy O. Saatman at betsaa@pakeys.org or 484.955.5909.

News

October 1, 2020

Remix! New Ways to Play Using STEM Provocations

Are you interested in stimulating curiosity in your classroom to build children’s STEM skills? Join Trying Together on Monday, October 12 for our online course, “Remix! New Ways to Play Using STEM Provocations.”

About

In this course, participants will explore building early Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills by using classroom resources in fun new ways, with materials you already have. Re-energize your science table, or bring STEM play into a new classroom area using research-based (and kid-tested) recommendations.

Session Details

    • Session Date: Monday, October 12, 2020  |  5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
    • Instructors: Jasmine Davis and Wendy Brenneman
    • Core Knowledge Area: Curriculum and Learning Experiences
    • CDA Content Area: Safe, Healthy Learning Environment
    • Registration Deadline: Saturday, October 10, 2020

Registration

To register, visit the course PD Registry page. Space is limited. Participants will receive the course Zoom link via email within 24 hours before the start date for the course. PQAS and Act 48 credit available.

If you do not have a PD Registry account, please complete this online form to create one. If you are unable to create an account, please contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org for more information.

More Information

For questions or more information, contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

News

September 24, 2020

KidSMART Club At Home Program

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Citiparks will offer its KidSMART Club as an at-home program for children in grades three, four, and five. An option for pre-kindergarten children is also available.

About

KidSMART Club is an afterschool program developed by Citiparks for children in grades three, four, and five. A pre-k option is also available and is best suited for children ages three to five years old. The program features a series of activities that explore science, math, art, reading, technology, and more! This year, the Club will be offered as an at-home program for 11 weeks with each week offering a new theme of learning.

Themes and Dates

Club members who complete six weeks or more of STEM/STEAM projects will be eligible for a chance to win cool prizes! View the full list of upcoming sessions below.

    • Week 1: Art Explosion, Multimedia Art Studio 
      October 5 – 9, 2020
    • Week 2: Wide World of Sports
      October 12 – 16, 2020
    • Week 3: Urban Adventures
      October 19 – 23, 2020
    • Week 4: DIY Maker Lab, “I Made It With Citiparks”
      October 26 – 30, 2020
    • Week 5: Comic Central
      November 2 – 6, 2020
    • Week 6: X-Treme Science
      November 9 – 13, 2020
    • Week 7: Create With The Masters
      November 16 – 20, 2020
    • Week 8: Junior Chef – Holiday Kit
      November 23 – 27, 2020
    • Week 9: Space Station Pittsburgh
      November 30 – December 4, 2020
    • Week 10: Holidays Around The World
      December 7 – 11, 2020
    • Week 11: KidSMART – Holiday Kit
      December 14 – 18, 2020

Registration

Registration is required to participate. When registering, you must select a pickup location for your weekly at-home kits. Kit pickup will occur every Monday (beginning October 5) from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at one of the following Citipark Recreation Center locations:

To register, complete the KidSMART Club Registration Form. This registration reserves your kit for an 11-week period through the end of 2020. Space is limited.

More Information

For more information, visit the KidSMART Club webpage.

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News

September 11, 2020

Co-Educating with Families Webinar

Are you interested in learning how to utilize creative experiences to draw families into learning together? Attend the webinar “Co-Educating with Families” on November 4 to learn about practice strategies that bridge school and home learning.

About

In this webinar, Cheri Sterman and James Wells from Crayola will share practice strategies that bridge school and home learning. Whether it is Moved by Math, Writing Art-Inspired Stories, or STEAM for 21st Century Learners, projects that actively engage students as decision-makers who create, present, respond, and connect enliven learning!

This webinar will be of interest to pre-k through middle school teachers and school and district leaders. Time for questions will be included.

Registration

To register and learn more, visit the event webpage.

News

September 8, 2020

STEMIEFest 2020: Virtual Conference

STEMIE is partnering with the Boston Children’s Museum and Bridge Multimedia for the inaugural STEMIEFest and MakerFest. Join them from September 14 – 18, 2020 for a series of STEM-focused virtual events!

About

STEMIEFest will:

    • convene experts to engage early childhood practitioners in learning about and applying evidence-based practices in STEM and inclusion;
    • excite families, practitioners, and young children in exploring, making, and tinkering through MakerFest;
    • connect participants with authors of STEM-focused books through Storybook Conversations; and
    • showcase STEM activities, STEM games from museums, and organizations from around the nation through Media Cubbies.

Registration

To register and learn more, visit the conference Eventbrite page.

News

August 19, 2020

Virtual Back to Out-of-School-Time Conference

Join Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School-Time (APOST) from August 24–September 10, 2020 for their Virtual Back to Out-of-School-Time Conference!

About

Over a period of three weeks, the Virtual Back to Out-of-School-Time Conference will offer relevant workshops to assist professionals in continuing to provide high-quality programming for youth during this challenging time. This Conference is open to any youth practitioner who desires to increase their skills in working with youth in out-of-school-time programs or mentoring relationships.

If there is a workshop that you would like to attend but are not able to due to schedule conflicts, recordings and resources for all workshop offerings will be available for at least one month after all of the workshops have concluded.

Available Workshops

Registration

To view all workshop descriptions and register, visit the full Conference Agenda. Registration links will be included at the bottom of each event description.

More Information

For questions, contact Jaron Paul via email at jaron.paul@unitedwayswpa.org.