Professional Development

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SPARK Discovery and Invention

Intended Audience: Grade 3-6 teachers

Date of Course: Thursday, November 14, 2024

Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

STEM Clock Hours offered: Three (3)

Cost: Free – Donor supported

Course Title: SPARK Discovery and Invention

Course Description:

SPARK Discovery and Invention! is a course designed to give you the knowledge and tools you need to engage students in STEM learning at the intersection of science and engineering. NGSS-aligned learning cycle units provide a coherent learning experience with flexible options for adapting to the needs, interests, and abilities of your students.  Connections to literacy are made by incorporating reading and writing as part of the STEM learning process. Artifacts from the museum offer opportunities for considering historical chronology and how science and engineering have shaped our world, and STEM careers through which students can do the same.

Course Objectives – You will learn:

  1. STEM content related to energy and electrical engineering.
  2. How to engage students in the engineering design process in authentic ways.
  3. How to efficiently and effectively access local resources to support STEM learning in your classrooms.
  4. How to encourage and strengthen science inquiry in your students through challenging and collaborative learning experiences.

Instructors:

  • Deborah Hanuscin – Current Professor at WWU Science, Math, & Technology Education and former Informal Science Educator
  • Abby Whatley – Informal STEM Educator at SPARK Museum

Agenda:

3:45 pm                 Check in

4:00 pm                 Introductions

4:15 pm                 Curriculum Overview

4:30 pm                 Session 1: Teaching Energy through Electrical Circuits

5:15 pm                 Break – STEM Beyond the classrooms: Rethinking STEM Careers with our students

5:20 pm                 Session 3: Engineering Design Challenge & the Engineering Process

6:45 pm                 Wrap up Discussion/Evaluations