What’s better than teaching them science?
Letting them discover it.
Effective STEM/STEAM classes start with effective, inquiry-based science instruction. We’ll explore the latest teaching strategies, effective use of technology, and NGSS standards and practices.
Multiple formats to fit your schedule
multiple formats to fit your schedule
Site Based
We’ll send one of our experts to your school to lead a hands-on workshop.
Live Webinars
Join us for a live presentation that includes an opportunity to ask questions.
On Demand Webinars
Watch one of our recorded workshops online whenever it’s convenient for you. Learn More.
A small sampling of our site-based workshops
Here are just some of the professional development workshops we have available. Contact us to explore all the options or discuss a customized option for your school.
SAIL into STEM
Take a classic car and ramp experiment and combine it with technology. Extend the investigation with an engineering design problem and you have a “SAIL CAR!” See a series of fantastic inquiry based investigations that teach about basic types of friction, forces, and related motion concepts that will benefit elementary, middle AND high school science or math students.
STEM and Storybooks
Using Literature in the STEM Classroom: Literature helps students make connections with STEM concepts. In this workshop, we will explore ways to teach STEM through different types of literature. You will learn how to engage your students with activities utilizing key Math, Science, and Literacy concepts found in their favorite fiction and nonfiction stories!
Once Upon a Fairy STEM
Once upon a time, fairy tales were for the very young. They were read at bedtime or watched in Disney movies. However, in a true to life “happily ever after” scenario, fairy tale literature is experiencing a revival these days. As educators, we understand the time crunch we face daily to “get it all in”. Why not teach skills simultaneously? In this workshop, we will focus on how to integrate fairy tales and STEM challenges. It will contain examples of tiered lessons, STEM challenge activities, printables, a step-by-step guide for setting up a classroom and how to complete a fairy tale STEM challenge.
Coding for Junior Engineers
Coding in the early years is growing rapidly in popularity as more and more parents and educators see that it is an important 21st century skill best taught early and often. In this session, you’ll learn some simple, effective ways to start your own coding classes and clubs, while attempting to provide advice on academic approach, curricula and other resources.
Contact a specialist
Interesting in learning more about how School Specialty can inspire teachers and give them the tools to engage students? Let’s connect.
Simply fill out this form, and we’ll contact you.
From The Schoolyard Blog:
- The Schoolyard Podcast Episode 5: Surprise Benefits of Robotics in Schools & Where to Start
Robotics in schools has become increasingly important in today’s educational landscape. Join host Nancy Chung as she interviews Naomi Hartl, STEM Subject Matter Expert for School Specialty. Nancy and Naomi discuss how integrating robotics into the curriculum provides students valuable […]
- STEAM Skills in Everyday Life: Examples for the Classroom
Educators often come up against the argument that the skills and concepts they are teaching in class have no real connection to daily life. When it comes to STEAM concepts, there are a million ways to capture the imagination and interest of students who are probably already using them every […]
- What Are Crosscutting Concepts?
The Crosscutting Concepts Framework, created and studied by Next Generation Science Standards, suggests that a successful science education in grades K-12 be built around concepts that unify the study of science and engineering through their common application across fields. The core […]
- The Importance of Art Integration in the Elementary Classroom
The integration of art into the curriculum for subjects like math and science has been shown to increase understanding and retention, and aids in the development of creative problem-solving skills. The art integration concept introduces tactics that teachers have known for a long time, namely, […]