A Deep Dive into the "S" in STEM, with the Theme of Space Science

Friday, June 23, 2023

This Year's PSI will
  • provide an overview of what is S.T.E.M. and integrated STEM in preschool
  • emphasize the "S" in STEM
  • connect the content to the theme of space science
Deadline to Apply for Grants:
  • 1st deadline: Feb 24, 2023
  • Applications reviewed on a rolling basis thereafter
Overview for 2023

The purpose of our 3rd annual PSI - an interactive, virtual, hands-on, minds-on professional learning experience - is to introduce the what and why of STEM and integrated STEM in preschool, dive deeply into the S in STEM, providing key teaching strategies, engaging in hands-on demos, and allowing for time in each module for discussion with peers in small groups in breakout rooms. We will weave our day together with the theme of space science.

Areas of intersection may include: 
  • Connections to being outside, looking up, wondering, asking big questions; engaging in science practices 
  • Noticing patterns, such as predicable changes in moon phases or the movement of shadows of objects on Earth as the Sun appears to move across the sky 
  • Math intersections, such as 2-dimensional shape properties and objects in the sky (geometry); noticing and counting stars that make up constellations (numeracy); math trailblazers like Katherine Johnson and her work at NASA
  • Language and literacy integrations with space science through fiction and nonfiction texts 
  • Strategies for making big ideas in science concrete for our young learners 
  • Integration ideas within STEM, like the role of computational thinking and problem solving in human space travel
  • Approaches to learning in science: Growth mindsets, mindsets for learning, habits of mind, persistence in science and engineering 

STEM Kits, including a copy of our book, kids' books, and materials to use during the session will be mailed in advance to use during the professional learning session.

Materials, articles, PowerPoints, and other resources can be used later with teachers in home centers/districts.

​Participants will be given a chance to consider the content in each section as it applies to their own contexts. In the end, participants will make an action plan to work with their teachers in the coming year related to the content they choose from the Institute. 

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​The Preschool STEM Institute is a 1-day, interactive professional learning experience for anyone who supports preschool educators. The content of the training focuses on supporting S.T.E. & M. and integrated STEM teaching and learning for 3-to-5-year-olds.

INCLUDED IN FEE
  • Entry into full-day Preschool STEM Institute
  • For all 6 Modules
    • Materials, articles, and resources to share with teachers
    • PowerPoints
    • STEM materials
    • Children's books
    • Padlet site especially for attendees with downloads
  • ​Book: Teaching STEM in the Preschool Classroom: Big Ideas for 3-to-5-Year-Olds book, by Lange, Brenneman, & Mano 
  • 1-2 virtual training/coaching sessions with presenters during following school year
"We have been given a wealth of resources that I can learn more from and use, as well as share with educators."
- 2022 attendee

"I appreciate the intentional link between the summer Institute and the upcoming STEM Workshops [more here] through the year. I'm already looking forward to reconnecting with this group..."
- 2022 attendee


"Thank you so much! I really enjoyed the Institute!"
- 2021 attendee

Details

The Preschool STEM Institute is led by the EC STEM Lab team.

Goals
  • Learn definitions, importance, and power of S.T.E.M. and integrated STEM in preschool
  • Explore strategies to support science and STEM learning in preschool
  • Connect with colleagues across the country and book authors
  • Leave with new ideas to support developmentally appropriate, inspiring early science and STEM learning experiences with teachers

JOIN US
  • 1-day virtual professional learning experience
  • For coaches, master teachers, directors, and anyone else responsible for supporting preschool educators
  • Focused on STEM teaching and learning for 3-to-5-year-olds
  • Hands-on, minds-on interactive style

WHY ATTEND?
  • Learn about big ideas in preschool STEM with
    • EC STEM Lab experts
    • Led by authors of the Preschool STEM book
    • Teacher educators from across the region, country, & beyond
  • Dive into research-based STEM activities to support your teachers
  • Take training materials back to your center, school, program, or district
  • Get professional development hours approved by TrainTN
  • Get CEUs (.6) available from ETSU for additional $25 fee (optional)
  • Experience professional learning supports that build on our work  funded by the National Science Foundation​
​
​GRANTS 
  • Limited number of grants will be available
  • Check in next year for grant opportunities for 2023


​INCLUDED IN FEE
  • $150/per person
  • Entry into full-day Preschool STEM Institute (virtual)
  • For all 6 Modules
    • Materials, articles, and resources to share with teachers
    • PowerPoints
    • STEM materials
    • Children's books
    • Padlet site especially for attendees with downloads
  • ​Book: Teaching STEM in the Preschool Classroom: Big Ideas for 3-to-5-Year-Olds book, by Lange, Brenneman, & Mano 
  • 1-2 virtual training/coaching sessions with presenters during following school year​

Connect, Learn, Laugh

Recap on our 2022 Institute
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And we did connect, learn, and laugh together!

Our 43 attendees from 16 states connected with colleagues across the country, got new ideas, and had fun. They plan to return to support over 1,000 preschool teachers in STEM in 2022-2023!

The PSI is linked to our Preschool STEM Workshop series as well, which is free to all. Learn more.

Join us in June 2023 to be a part of the next professional learning adventure!

Thanks to our Funders and Supporters!

Explore Big Ideas in Preschool STEM with Colleagues

2021 Institute

Our ​1st Annual Preschool STEM Institute 2021 was a success! ​

​On Friday, July 9th, 2021 from 9am-4pm eastern time, we explored "STEM in the Garden: Supporting Preschool Teachers to Incorporate STEM Throughout the Day"
  • 35 educators from 12 states, 3 countries (33 live)
  • Attendees have plans to train over 600 preschool teachers
  • 6 hours of contact time
​​
Thanks!
  • NSTA provided free copies of Science and Children 
  • Childcare Exchange provided free Exchange professional development resources
  • This work was funded (in part) by a grant from the East Tennessee State University Research Development Committee Small Grants Program.
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Science journals!
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Putting her engineered trellis to use!
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