When it comes to STEM education, the Festival recognizes the need to offer continuing education opportunities for educators in our community.  In collaboration with the Arizona Science Center, and Arizona Project WET, the Festival is facilitating two workshops for STEM educators.  These workshops will equip teachers with skills they can use to be more effective in the classroom.  By adopting innovative teaching practices, workshop attendees will be able to more effectively connect with students and improve learning outcomes.

Workshop Location: USGS Astrogeology Science Center, Building 6 (2255 N Gemini Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001)

Workshop Dates:

Both educator workshops are on Saturday, October 5.  They are free, but have limited spots and require registration.  Continuing education credits are offered for both workshops.

October 5th, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

“Dramatic Science: Playful Learning in the Classroom” for pre-K through 1st grade teachers

October 5th, 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

“Hydrological Focused Professional Development Workshop”

Workshop Details:

On October 5, two teacher professional development workshops will take place for STEM educators.  From 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., join facilitators from the Arizona Science Center in a workshop geared towards pre-K through first grade educators.  In “Dramatic Science: Playful Learning in the Classroom” attendees can expect to elevate their science instruction.  In a dynamic workshop designed to ignite creativity and engagement in your teaching practice, this session empowers educators to weave dramatic play and storytelling into science instruction, turning everyday lessons into thrilling adventures.

Discover how to create and implement scenarios where students envision themselves in STEM careers, helping them connect more deeply with the material.  These playful learning experiences not only enhance understanding but also inspire curiosity and foster critical thinking.

Through dramatic play, children can explore various roles within STEM fields, allowing them to see the relevance of science in real-world contexts and envision their future contributions.  This approach encourages students to imagine themselves as problem-solvers and innovators, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-life applications.

Join presenters, Noortje Nelissen and Brenna Chambers Follett, to explore practical strategies for creating a classroom environment where science becomes an exciting and relatable adventure, paving the way for students to see themselves as future STEM professionals.  Through hands-on activities and real-life examples, you’ll gain insights into creating dynamic, playful learning environments that stimulate curiosity and foster a love of science.

Noortje Nelissen is a Professional Development Facilitator at the Arizona Science Center.  A graduate of Northern Arizona University with a degree in Elementary Education, her love for STEAM education and hands-on problem-solving helps educators spark curiosity and creativity in young learners.  Brenna Chambers Follett is the Director of Professional Learning at Arizona Science Center.  Brenna has taught grades ranging from preschool to upper elementary.  She is dedicated to equipping educators with the confidence in teaching complex science concepts in ways that students have ownership over their own learning.

Also on October 5, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., attend the “Hydrological Focused Professional Development Workshop”!  This is a unique opportunity for educators in the Flagstaff area presented by Arizona Project WET.  This workshop provides experiential, environmental education, allowing educators to integrate science instruction with local geographical and environmental contexts.  Enhance your teaching with authentic, place-based learning that connects scientific concepts to the local landscape.  Key focus areas include: water cycle, groundwater, watershed, and water sustainability.  Enrich your learning and your classroom with place-based, experiential learning.  This is your opportunity to contribute to water stewardship!

Arizona Project WET promotes water stewardship and STEAM literacy through engaging educators, students, and communities with relevant educational strategies.  They offer teacher professional development, state standards-based curricula, and experiential environmental education programs to enhance math and science practice.  APW aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills for water stewardship and to pique interest in STEAM-based careers.