Leap Into Science

Leap  into Science integrates open-ended science activities with children’s books, designed to be delivered in accessible and familiar settings to children ages 3-10 and their families. The program empowers educators to offer curricula in community settings like libraries, museums, and afterschool programs. You can visit the Leap Into Science website to learn more.   

 

Partner organizations will receive: 

  • Three  free virtual trainings on high-quality science and literacy facilitation strategies for three unique children’s STEM curricula (Light and Shadow, Wind, and Balance)

  • Three  free  activity materials kits, one for each curriculum  

  • Ongoing support as part of a Leap into Science National Network and access to Leap into Science’s online resources  

The four curricula offered are as follows: 

Light & Shadow – September 17th - recording available, watch now

  • Learn to teach Light & Shadow concepts like reflectiveness, opaqueness, and transparency using flashlights and objects that have these properties  

    • Youth will make shadow puppets and trace shadows they make using different objects like blocks and figurines

Wind – November 19th  - recording available, watch now

  • Teach youth how objects can be moved using the power of the wind 

    • Youth develop and experiment with their own wind detectors that they make themselves 

Balance – January 21st  - recording available, watch now

  • Teach youth about balance using toys designed to help them learn this concept 

    • Youth make their own balancing objects and experiment with teeter totters 

Closing Session – March 18th  - recording available, watch now

  • Receive support on the implementation of curricula and submitting of workshop reports 

There are two different types of trainings available for these curricula: Family format and School Age format. 

Family Format 

  • Designed for educators working with youth (ages 3-10) and their parents to engage in this fun workshop together 

  • Parents participate in the lessons with youth 

  • Ideal for libraries, museums, family nights and events, and community centers where parents are present 

  • Activities are done in a station format 

  • Training at 9:00 AM AKST on September 17, November 19 January 21, March 18

  • Registration is limited to 20 Family programs. Email Lily Tegner at ltegner@alaskachildrenstrust.org to inquire about registration.

Elementary Format 

  • Designed for educators working with youth (ages 5-10)  

  • Youth are able to engage in curriculum independently 

  • Ideal for afterschool programs and summer programs 

  • Youth move through the activities sequentially as a group 

  • Training at 12:00 PM AKST on September 17, November 19 January 21, March 18 

  • Registration is limited to 20 Elementary Programs. Email Lily Tegner at ltegner@alaskachildrenstrust.org to inquire about registration.

 As a Leap into Science partner organization, you will be required to:  

  • Lead three (3) Leap into Science workshops for children and families by next spring  

  • Post workshops in The Connectory, a searchable directory for STEM programs across the country  

  • Report participant attendance  

  • Lead Leap into Science activities during National Leap into Science Week, the last week of February  

Interested Partner Organizations Must: 

  • Complete Letter of Intent (limited to 20 Family programs and 20 Elementary programs)  by September 10 and email it to Lily Tegner at ltegner@alaskachildrenstrust.org

  • Register for and attend 4 mandatory training sessions for either the Elementary Curriculum or Family Curriculum training.

For more information or questions, please contact Lily Tegner, Afterschool STEM Expansion VISTA, at ltegner@alaskachildrenstrust.org