It’s been quite a while since I’ve shared summaries of my training sessions with my readers, I will try and catch up over the next couple of weeks with summaries. As always I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to share my passion and knowledge of science and STEM with educators throughout the world. It’s always nice when I am able to conduct teacher training sessions within the state of Florida, where I’m based out of. In December of 2018, I had the privilege of providing a Loose Parts and STEM training session at Forty Carrots in Sarasota, Florida. During the training, early childhood teachers were introduced to the foundational principles of the Theory of Loose Parts.  The Theory of Loose Parts was developed by Simon Nicholson in 1971. Loose parts are materials that can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up, and taken apart and put back together in multiple ways. The idea of ‘loose parts’ uses materials to empower a creative imagination. The more materials and individuals involved, the more ingenuity takes place. The theory of Loose Parts and foundational principles of STEM are a natural blend. Both promote exploration and creativity, are student-centered and encourage building and engineering. During the training, teachers were immersed in exploring strategies for incorporating loose parts within STEM-based learning experiences. Teachers were actively engaged in using low-cost technology tools, building structures with loose parts, exploring states of matter, exploring the senses through loose parts, and more.  Additionally, teachers were introduced to STEM-based themed children’s literature. The following photos provide a glimpse of what the training entailed. For more information about Loose Parts and STEM teacher training workshops please complete the inquiry form found on the Contact Page. [envira-gallery id=”1697″]