Teacher Training By Dr. Diana Wehrell-Grabowski

Whether you are just beginning to research the possibility of implementing STEM investigations in your classroom, or you are fully engaged in implementing STEM investigations already, December 2012 Vol.50 No.4 Science and Children magazine an NSTA publication has some fantastic articles to help get you started, or add to your STEM library. Check out the issue online here.  Articles cover everything from the Engineering Design Process, Materials Science, and hosting a STEM Family Night. If your school or district is looking for quality STEM teacher training, check out the STEM teacher training workshops I offer on my website. STEM teacher training workshops are offered for all grade-levels, throughout the nation and world,  year-round.

There’s nothing more exciting than seeing a young child discover the world around them using simple scientific tools. Recently, I conducted a hands-on science program for early childhood-age students. The program was called “Micro Explorers” children used simple scientific tools such as eye loupes, magnifying lenses, simple microscopes, and rulers to explore specimens from nature and man-made objects. Children used super absorbing polymers in the shape of spheres as magnifiers. They made mini aquatic habitats from centrifuges which were then worn as necklaces. They were also given the opportunity to draw what they observed at the many hands-on science centers. I reiterate during all my teacher training workshops to teachers that hands-on-minds-on science experiences need to be incorporated on a daily-basis in all classrooms. A great tip for early childhood teachers to bring science experiences into the classroom on a daily basis is to have a magnifying lens with an object or two for the students to observe as they enter the classroom for the day. The teacher can start the day by having the students share their observations of what they observed using the magnifying lens. The photos below were taken during the hands-on science lesson “Micro Explorers”.