Learning Science Through Play in Nature (Early Childhood – Year 2)

Play is one of the most important ways in which young children gain essential knowledge and skills by promoting sensory exploration and hands-on learning. Discover the best ways to enable children to become aware of living things, their needs and their importance, as well as expand their scientific thinking skills through play. You’ll learn how to conduct nature play to maximise learning and science skills by asking children to generate questions, make predictions, carry out investigations, evaluate results, and build on their existing skills and knowledge.

On this day you will:

• Learn how play can be a used as an engagement tool for teaching science
• Hear from teachers working in the field
• Gather practical resources to use in the classroom
• Build an understanding of ways to embed science-focussed play-based learning themes within the VEYLDF and Victorian Curriculum
• Participate in workshops, discussions and presentations
• Network and work collaboratively with like-minded peers

This professional development links to Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and Victorian Curriculum Levels F-2: Science.

This conference is mapped to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. It is accredited for teacher professional development hours in the following:

• Standard 3.2 Plan, structure and sequence learning programs
  You will be immersed in and develop powerful evidence-based teaching and learning resources
• Standard 6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice
  You will engage in professional learning in the outdoor learning spaces at Melbourne Zoo with qualified Early childhood teachers
  
• Standard 7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities
  You will have opportunities to collaborate with likeminded peers and share teaching and learning ideas

You will receive a certificate for professional development hours.

Morning tea and lunch are provided on the day.