Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre is bringing its teacher professional development program, Engineering is Elementary, to Queensland primary school teachers this month.
After a year of delivering virtual workshops, Questacon is back on the road delivering face-to-face workshops. Questacon will be in Townsville and Rockhampton on Tuesday 23 March and Mackay on Thursday 25 March. Engineering is Elementary workshops introduce teachers to the engineering design process, equipping them with skills and confidence to incorporate engineering concepts alongside science, technology, and maths in their own classrooms. The workshops also provide an opportunity to network with like-minded colleagues to build professional learning communities.
“This program has been designed by teachers for teachers which results in high impact professional learning,” said Anita Beck, Senior Manager, Learning Experiences. “Teachers are excited by the hands-on and collaborative approach of workshops that make the program not only engaging, but also highly useful.”
The interactive workshops challenge teachers to think about how to solve a practical problem using science, technology, mathematics and the engineering design process.
“Teachers tell us that the workshops give them a better understanding of how the engineering design process can solve real world problems in a fun and interesting way,” said Ms Beck. “Teachers are excited to take the program back to their classrooms and share what they learn with their peers, schools and students.”
Engineering is Elementary workshops are aligned to the Australian Curriculum, and TQI (Teacher Quality Institute) accredited. Following the workshops, participants receive materials to enable them to deliver the unit in their classroom and are supported with online resources. Teachers and educators interested in registering for future Engineering is Elementary workshops can visit the Questacon website.
About the program
Engineering is Elementary is an award-winning program developed by EiE, a division of the Museum of Science, Boston. The program has been adapted by Questacon to align with the Australian Curriculum and meet the needs of Australian teachers.
Through a partnership between Questacon and Principal Partner, The Australian Defence Force, Engineering is Elementary workshops will be held in all states and territories across Australia. These engaging professional learning workshops empower teachers to deliver impactful STEM learning and help to inspire young people to consider a career in engineering.
Media contact: Michelle Lauder - 02 6270 2907 | 0468 516 411 communications@questacon.edu.au
