New Teacher Class Held at CSU – Pueblo

The Space Foundation is helping early childhood teachers develop activities to interest very young children in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In June, the 25 teachers enrolled in the Space Foundation class "PreK-2 Early Childhood Space Exploration," learned age-appropriate, hands-on activities they can immediately use with their students.

The class resulted from a new partnership between the Space Foundation and Colorado State University (CSU) - Pueblo, and was held on the CSU - Pueblo campus. Focusing on space and science education for young learners, the PreK-2 course provided early childhood educators the necessary tools to inspire very young children through inquiry-based learning. Young children are naturally curious about the world around them, and teachers can use that curiosity to encourage a lasting interest in STEM subjects.

The participants' evaluation comments praised the class:

• "I've been a teacher for 17 years, and this is absolutely the best professional development experience of my career."
• "You know, usually you go to these things, and you just want to check the box on continuing education for salary and advancement purposes. But this has been simply amazing, and has given me exciting things that I can take back to my classroom immediately."

Space Foundation Director - Education Bryan DeBates said, "It is important for very young learners to get excited and stay excited about space and, unfortunately, there aren't many resources available for teachers of young children. This class provides them with those resources by providing space-related, age-appropriate lessons and activities to use in the classroom."

To inquire about supporting Space Foundation education programs or partnerships, contact Margo Hatton, manager development and education partnerships, at 719.576.8000 or [email protected].

See a related article on Space Foundation Space Across the Curriculum classes in this issue of Space Watch.

For more information, contact [email protected].

Pictured: Teachers in the Space Foundation class, "PreK-2 Early Childhood Space Exploration," conduct a drop activity in their study of impact craters.

This article is part of Space Watch: July 2010 (Volume: 9, Issue: 7).