Professional Development
Earn CPE credit while exploring new ways to integrate science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) concepts into your classroom or library.
EdExchange
EdExchange empowers educators to use technology and innovative practices in diverse learning environments to inspire students in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
This program develops educators’ capacity to deliver and support high-quality, STEAM-based, and technology-centered educational experiences for underserved youth to equip and inspire them to become the next generation of creative problem solvers.
Educators in the EdExchange program will experience hands-on professional development workshops at Thinkery, where they collaborate with museum staff, subject matter experts, and each other. Thinkery then provides the opportunity for 6–8 weeks of on-campus collaboration to support educators as they implement STEAM-based activities and lessons with their students. At the end of the EdExchange program, educators convene at a showcase to “exchange” ideas, share lessons, and learn from one another.
Recommended for educators working with elementary-age students, this application-based program is offered at no cost to participants, with preference given to educators serving in Title I schools or low-income communities. It is a multi-month to year-long commitment.
Fall 2023 EdExchange
This program includes:
- 12 hours of professional development at Thinkery
- Opportunity for Thinkery visits to your campus in Spring 2023 (Contingent on capacity and location)
- One-on-one planning sessions with Thinkery STEAM Learning Institute team
- Invitation to EdExchange showcases, meetups, & networking events…and all at no cost to you
- Refreshments and parking validation
- A stipend of $250
EdExchange Program is currently in session
Mark your calendars:
Come play, learn, and collaborate with other educators to refine your teaching practice and implement creative teaching methods to support ALL learners.
Fall Workshop Topics
Workshops occur on Wednesday from 5 to 7 PM at Thinkery.
- October 4 – EdExchange Kickoff
- October 11 – Play, Program, Create
- October 25 – Electricity & Circuits
- November 1 – Storytelling for All
- November 8 – Design Thinking & Engineering Challenges
- November 15 – How to Have an Idea
FAQ
Is there specific criteria for participating in EdExchange?
All program participants must:
- Instruct students in K–5th grade (preferred)
- Demonstrate a desire to advance their experience teaching STEAM concepts and technology
- Express an interest in supporting student learning through project-based learning and hands-on activities
- Be able to attend professional development workshops at Thinkery and invite Thinkery staff to your campus
- Be employed at an educational nonprofit organization or campus within a 10-mile radius of Thinkery
What skills will my students build?
Students who participate in EdExchange will strengthen Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills and 21st-century learning skills through STEAM-focused experiences.
- Information, Media and Technology
- EdExchange students move beyond media consumption by creating projects that integrate technology, making, and academic content.
- Communication and Collaboration
- Student projects are complex systems typically created by teams of individuals. Participants can speak to the benefits of working with others.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- EdExchange educators often challenge their students to complete projects intended to serve a need or solve a challenge.
- Creativity and Innovation
- During EdExchange programming, many students first engage with a new concept by learning through exploration and an iterative design process.
Can I earn CPE credit through EdExchange?
Yes! EdExchange participants do earn continuing professional education (CPE) credit through the program.
Do you offer additional workshops for educators?
We do! Thinkery offers Educator Workshops and custom professional development opportunities throughout the year. Read about our educator workshops below!
Watch EdExchange in action in the classrooms!
Thinkery’s EdExchange program is generously supported by:
Educator Workshops
From maker education to play-based techniques to integrating STEAM into early childhood, these workshops are chock-full of ideas and resources to implement with your students. Workshops are structured to provide time for movement, exploration, and creation as staff model playful learning and invite teachers to play like a kid again while learning new skills. Thinkery offers a variety of topics and can customize a workshop to meet specific needs. Each workshop runs 2-4 hours and includes time in museum galleries.
Early Learners Workshops (0-4 years)
Object Play: Enriching Early Learner Environments
Object-rich environments provide meaningful, open-ended learning that is an effective way to help children develop their creativity, curiosity, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This workshop is designed to inspire confidence and make connections to STEAM learning through object play.
Early STEAM Matters
Providing high-quality STEAM experiences for young learners creates strong beliefs and attitudes towards learning as they grow. This workshop will highlight the connections and implications that supportive and responsive adults have in fostering this in early childhood environments.
STEAM Integration: Early Learner Environments
Young children are naturally driven to explore, play, and wonder about how and why things work. Play is their way of conducting research. This workshop is designed to inspire confidence in exploring STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) topics in early childhood settings.
1st – 5th Grade Workshops
Power of Play
Play supports all areas of development in children. Adults who also play are exercising their creativity and problem-solving while supporting their own physical and mental health. This workshop provides a better understanding of the types of play and the benefits it brings to both children and adults.
Storytelling for All
From storyboards to stop-motion videos to coding & robotics, explore a variety of storytelling tools and ways to integrate them into your learning environment. Stories help us teach and learn — come experience their power! Explore, brainstorm, and plan activities that best suit your classrooms & libraries.
Ready, Set, Code!
Learn to code AND code to learn! This workshop highlights some favorite “unplugged” and technology-focused activities and resources for young programmers. Build confidence while building a computational thinking skillset for you and your students.
Interested in an educator workshop or custom workshop for your group? We’d love to work with you! Click below to fill out our inquiry form, and our staff will contact you to discuss your request.
Educator Workshop Inquiry Form
Special Events
Sometimes, we host special events that take place —where else?— at Thinkery! Check out our calendar to stay up-to-date with Thinkery events, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Thinkery Educator Resources
Earn CPE credit, network with other educators and bring Thinkery into your classroom! We offer a variety of classroom resources and professional development opportunities for educators of all kinds!