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STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and the Arts

STEM Laboratory

What is a laboratory? A laboratory is a facility that provides controlled conditions in which scientific or technological research, experiments, and measurement may be performed. (Wikipedia)
The natural world is one huge laboratory where children explore, investigate, test and discover as they play. Having access to a diverse range of loose parts, time and space with skilled and sensitive educators will encourage a laboratory type environment where STEM happens naturally. Science, technology, engineering and maths are linked through their scientific thinking skills but none of this will happen without including literacy, the arts and so much more. Educators skilled at identifying the learning as well as the development as children play are able to share this with families.
Not in Australia? We also ship internationally. Please e-mail David with your order and he will confirm postage with you before sending your order.

Fire Laboratory Kit

A$74.95

Everything you need to start the journey exploring the natural element of fire with children. Included is a benefit-risk assessment on lighting and cooking on a small fire in a supervised environment. Comes with comprehensive educator notes on:

  • what fire is,
  • introducing it to children,
  • fire safety,
  • lighting the fire with children
  • cooking on fire
  • further experimentation


It is vital that children have a good knowledge and understanding of the properties of fire, developing a deep respect, not fear, of fire as they explore in a supervised environment.


Includes: A large Dragon Sneeze fire steel, vaseline & cottonwool wipes in a separate firelighting bag, a stainless steel bowl, strainers and popcorn to get started with. All contained in own bag.`

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Water Laboratory Kit

A$44.45

Everything you need to set up water laboratory in a handy bucket to which you can add further resources. Included are comprehensive educator notes with


  • many ideas on how to present these resources to the children,
  • what else to add to extend scientific thinking and
  • identifying possible learning and development ideas as well as the science behind it.


Comes with two large transparent plastic tubes of different length and diameter, an assortment of diverse funnels, objects to start your experimentation and reusable cable ties to attach and remove the pipes to allow for a larger range of experiments than static pipes would.


Contents may vary due to the nature of the resource. Contains small parts. Active supervision may be needed.

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Magnetic Laboratory

A$24.95

Magnetism is like magic whether you are an adult or a child, things 'stick' together or get pushed away seemingly randomly. Magnetic materials are always made of metal, but not all metals are magnetic. This resource includes educator notes with:


  • suggestions for open ended questions to stimulate higher order thinking
  • suggestions for other loose parts to add to extend exploration
  • the learning and development that may be observed


Contains:

2 magnetic sheets stuck to a board to offer rigidity

2 magnetic frames,

2 screw top tins with an assortment of shiny metal objects that may or may not be magnetic


Due to the size of the resources, loose part play may be limited to a designated area which takes away some of the ‘looseness’ of the resources.


Contains small parts, active supervision may be required.

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Using Real Tools in Early Childhood. View in your own time!

A$15.00

We will look at: 

  • simple real tools suitable for young children
  • the learning and development using real tools bring to children
  • using real tools as a motivational resource to strengthen hands, wrists and fingers to support handwriting
  • including children in assessing risk and the appropriate use of tools
  • control measures to keep children as safe as necessary
  • completing a benefit risk assessment of tools 
  • other tools when looking at progression from the simple tools


Length: 45minutes


PLEASE NOTE, PRICES ARE PER PERSON.

Please order multiples if more than one will be viewing the presentation. Discount for a group of 5 or more viewers

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The Joy of STUFF, Loose Parts Play. View in your own time!

A$25.00
  • the definition of loose parts as defined by Nicholson.
  • a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of modern toys and loose parts
  • the stages of play with objects in the early years
  • the range and value of Loose parts
  • the concept of play affordance of resources
  • practical examples setting up spaces using loose parts
  • cleaning and disinfecting loose parts during the Covid-19 pandemic


PLEASE NOTE, PRICES ARE PER PERSON.

Please order multiples if more than one will be viewing the presentation. Discount for a group of 5 or more viewers

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Schematic Play Patterns of behaviour driving learning and development. View in your own time .

A$25.00

We will look at: 

·      schema as patterns of behaviour which can be repeated, generalized and used in different situations 

·      assimilation, accommodation and equilibration  

·      recognition of schema as accessing child’s emotional experiences and intellectual development

·      a number of schema commonly seen in children

·      resources we can provide to extend on a range of schema stages of development

·      the value of loose parts in supporting schema exploration


PLEASE NOTE, PRICES ARE PER PERSON. Please order multiples if more than one will be viewing the presentation. Discount for a group of 5 or more viewers

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STEM Play in the Early Years. View in your own time!

A$25.00

We will looked at: 

·      the difference between academic and intellectual learning

·      what STEM looks like in the Early Years

·      nurturing STEM thinking skills in children

·      the secret to ‘teaching’ STEM concepts through natural curiosity

·      supporting scientific thinking in young children

·      environments and opportunities to create a STEM rich environment

·      the importance of process and not end product 


Length: 1 hour, 6 minutes


PLEASE NOTE, PRICES ARE PER PERSON.

Please order multiples if more than one will be viewing the presentation. Discount for a group of 5 or more viewers

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Bamboo Pestle and Mortar Set

A$17.95

A beautiful rustic, sturdy pestle and mortar set made of bamboo. This tool should always be available for children's use as part of the continuous provision resources available to use as and when they are needed. Crushing, squashing, mashing and mixing.


FUN, science, maths, technology, experimenting, mixing, creativity, imagination, gross and fine motor development are a few of the benefits this tool will bring to children.


Height 110mm, diameter 85mm. This is a natural material and minor cracks may be present but does not affect the functionality of the mortar.

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Nature Challenge Cards set of 25

A$24.95

A set of 25 cards printed on high quality wipe clean card. These can be used by children as provocations for creativity and by adults to mentor and support children.


Each challenge includes:

  • a high quality photograph,
  • list of possible resources needed,
  • suggested use of the resources to create motivational and inspiring outcomes (24 challenges),
  • suggested questions to stimulate higher order thinking
  • possible learning and development


Size 120cm x100cm

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Making and Use of Fire in Early Childhood. View in your own time

A$25.00

We will look at:

·      the natural element of fire as part of celebrations    

·      our duty to help children develop the knowledge and understanding of fire through respect rather than fear in an actively supervised space

·      comprehensive benefit risk assessments to evidence duty of care and all reasonable precautions taken to keep children as safe as necessary without removing benefits  

·      introducing fire and fire safety and creating a fire laboratory where children are able to experiment and explore 

·      strategies to keep children safe around a fire laboratory and around a larger fire


Length: 55 minutes


PLEASE NOTE, PRICES ARE PER PERSON. 

Please order multiples if more than one will be viewing the presentation. Discount for a group of 5 or more viewers

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Popcorn Cooking Strainers - class size

A$12.00

Larger class size stainless steel strainers for popcorn cooking on a fire pit. One set of 2 strainers connected by a metal ring, each strainer 18cm in diameter, 35cm in length.


For bigger fires we recommend attaching the strainers to a stick to allow safe distancing from the heat. Remember to keep shaking those kernels in the heat and hear, see and smell the popcorn popping. Children say this is the best popcorn ever - no salt, sugar or butter needed :-)


Metal conducts heat and will get hot.

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Large Metal Pulley 1

A$9.50

Perfect to use with our rope sets, solid, metal and sold individually. Perfect for STEM investigations as children explore the movement of objects through a rope and pulley system.

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Recommended Reading for Educators

Maths is All Around -Developing maths concepts in early years

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A Sense of Wonder - science in early childhood

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Creating Wonder Using Natural and Recycled Materials to

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Adventurous Play - developmentally appropriate play, challenging and stimulating play

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STEM Detectives - Lots of innovative, practical ideas. identifying the STEM in play

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Dirty Teaching A Beginner's Guide to Learning Outdoors

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Messy Maths - A playful, outdoor approach for early years

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Action Stations - Investigations that build a community of young learners

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Developing Early Maths through Story - Using storytelling as a springboard for maths activities

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Playing and Exploring in the Early Years - Focuses on teaching and learning and its practical implications for early years practice

A$44.95 A$32.95
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  • Home
  • About Us
  • STORE
    • Professional Learning Events
    • Online E-Courses
    • Webinars
    • Books
    • Children's Tools
    • STEM
    • Creative Loose Parts
  • Professional Learning
    • Online Webinars
    • Conferences & Study Tours
    • PD Courses available
    • Consultation & Mentoring
    • Gallery
  • Blog
  • Celebrations
  • Contact
  • Research & Articles
  • Webinars Nature