Date/Time:

07/06/2022 - 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Event Categories:

• Professional Learning

Description:

The Common Goal of a Connected World

Children are born scientists (Neil DeGrasse Tyson) They build their knowledge and understanding of the world by observing, asking questions, and investigating.

In this session, Maria Taylor from Nature Play SA will guide participants through a series of engaging activities to explore; the curious mind inside of all of us and how connections have been the hidden superpower of creative thinkers, innovators, and inventors.

We recognise that carefully planned activities and materials can inspire and incite children’s natural desires to explore and can lead to spontaneous teaching and learning. We will reflect on the power of planned and unplanned STEM experiences and the way we transition between intentional teaching and recognising teachable moments.

This session will also reflect on our initial inquiry as ‘children being the architects of the future’ as we integrate STEM and Sustainability with a spotlight on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (2030). How might these goals be reflected in the everyday actions of an early learning service and in the daily lives of the children who make it their home?

In this practical and engaging webinar, participants will also learn new ways to:

• Engage children with thoughtful and intentional learning centre activities that invite them to engage in STEM
• Plan activities that prompt investigation and exploration
• Guide exploration with open-ended questions that encourage deeper thinking, thoughtful answers, and continued exploration and
• Explore an exciting new Nature Play SA resource ‘Exploring STEM in Nature.’

Maria Taylor, Manager of Education, Nature Play SA

Maria’s extensive teaching career has seen her travel globally to explore and research effective ways educators inspire and connect with students in diverse natural environments. She is passionate about innovation in education and supporting others to make a difference through advocacy, guidance, and mentoring.  Maria’s current role as Manager of Education for Nature Play SA, includes working with educators, students, and leadership teams to create and activate outdoor learning environments for authentic and purposeful teaching and learning.  Her work focuses on promoting connections between the Early Years Learning Framework, the Australian Curriculum and outdoor learning, with a vision to make learning naturally engaging by connecting with and drawing upon real life experiences. Her innovative approach and commitment to working in educational settings is the driving force to empower children and educators to advocate for a sustainable future.

8 March, 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm
17 May, 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm
7 June, 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm
9 August, 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm
23 August, 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm
1 November, 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm

Target audience – STEM professionals, teachers and school leaders

Delivery mode – Zoom

Presenters – Maria Taylor, Nature Play SA

For registration enquiries please contact Emily Metelmann.

A Zoom link will be sent closer to the event