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Promoting play, defending childhood, and empowering caregivers.
Explorations Early Learning
01/21/2025 | Simple Machines In The Preschool Classroom
This session looks at supporting play and STEM learning with the six classic simple machines (ramps, wedges, levers, screws, pulleys, and the wheel and axle). We’ll provide an overview of these machines, offer ideas for supporting play with them in your preschool classroom, and discuss why kids should have hands-on, self-directed experiences.
$20.00
- All sessions take place at 7:00pm Central Time, USA. (Eastern 8:00pm | Mountain 6:00pm | Pacific 5:00pm )
- If you cannot attend the live event but still want the information and a professional development certificate, you can register and access the session recording afterward. The recording is posted to the session’s landing page by noon the following day. I’ve confirmed that I can issue valid professional development training certificates for IL, MI, NE, and WI participants and that watching the recording is unacceptable for MO and OK participants. Beyond that, you’ll have to check into what counts and does not count as professional development in your corner of the world.
- Contact me at any time if you have questions or need help.
- After registering, you will receive an email with session details. If you’re new to our site, you will receive a separate email with your username and a link to set a password. You must log in with your username and password to attend the training.
- This training takes place live at explorationsearlylearning.com via the Zoom meeting platform.
- To receive a valid Certificate Of Completion, you must attend the entire event with your video on, sign in via the chat area, participate, and submit an evaluation after the session.
- Trainings are recorded for archival purposes.
- Browse our training FAQs.
Recorded trainings are available for those interested in the topic but who do not need a training certificate. These recordings of past live online training events also include access to a resource page full of useful related links.
Description
This session looks at supporting play and STEM learning with the six classic simple machines (ramps, wedges, levers, screws, pulleys, and the wheel and axle). We’ll provide an overview of these machines, offer ideas for supporting play with them in your preschool classroom, and discuss why kids should have hands-on, self-directed experiences.
Outcomes / Goals
Attendees will:
- Learn about the six classic simple machines
- Understand that STEM experiences should be hands-on and child-led
- Acquire ideas for supporting play with the six classic simple machines
Competency Area
- Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
- Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
- Michigan | Teaching And Learning
- Missouri | Use A Broad Repertoire Of Teaching Skills And Strategies For Learning
- Nebraska | Planning Learning Experiences And Curriculum
- Oklahoma | Learning Environments And Curriculum
- South Dakota | Learning Environments
- Wisconsin | Learning Experiences, Strategies, And Curriculum
- CDA | Advancing Children’s Physical And Intellectual Development
Clock Hours
Available in 60 and 90-minute formats
Agenda
This is the breakdown for the 60-minute version of the session:
| Topic | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 05 minutes | Monologue |
| STEM Play | 10 minutes | Discussion |
| The Six Classic Simple Machines | 40 minutes | Discussion / Demonstration |
| Conclusion | 05 minutes | Monologue |
Related Resources
This session is based in part on content from my books:
- Let Them Play
- Let’s Play
- Let’s All Play
Content Level
Beginner / Intermediate
Age Group Focus
- Toddlers (12 months to 36 months)
- Preschool (36 months to 5 years)
- School Age (5 years to 12 years)
- Adults
Target Audience
- Family Child Care Providers
- Child Care Center Teachers
- Child Care Center Directors
- Head Start Teachers
- Head Start Administrators
- Early Head Start Teachers
- Service Coordination Staff
- Technical Assistance Specialists
- Home Visitors
- Parents
