The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution will present professional development for early childhood educators on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 with a “Smithsonian Early Childhood Science Education Research Forum.” I’m so glad I live near Washington, DC so I can participate but if you can’t be there, check out the webcast both during and after the event!
Events begin at 9:00am with a presentation by Nancy Clark-Chiarelli, Education Development Center (EDC), Cindy Hoisington (EDC), Jeff Winokur (EDC), and Holly Harrick (Connecticut Science Center) on “Foundations of Science Literacy (FSL): Professional Development that Impacts Adult and Child Learning in Physical Science”.
Young children and science are a natural fit. In order to get the most out of their science experiences however, young children need the support of adults who can integrate science content and practices into children’s explorations. “Foundations of Science Literacy” is a comprehensive professional development program designed to support science teaching and learning in the early years. In this presentation we will describe the FSL program, present research-based evidence of its impact, and share some compelling illustrations of what young children’s science inquiry and learning can look like when it is facilitated by knowledgeable adults. Holly Harrick from the Connecticut Science Center will address the significance of the FSL approach to informal learning environments.
The program will continue with a lunchtime discussion of NASM’s Science in Pre-K program and a choice of afternoon hands-on workshops offered by the Education Development Center, and Culture Interpreters from the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), ending at 3pm.
For more information and to sign up, see the registration page.
The event will be webcasted on the NASM U-STREAM Channel during the event and then it will be archived for later viewing.
Looking forward to participating in meaty discussions and inspiring workshops,
Peggy