Opening Performance:
The Amazing Junk Jam Assembly is a high energy, interactive, and educational performance featuring performers using found objects and homemade instruments to deliver messages of environmental awareness and social responsibility. Using recycled instruments, these dedicated artist/musicians also recycle sound itself with “looping” technology that allows the students to create songs during the program by layering sounds, one over the other. Learning that found objects can be used in so many different ways has never been such fun. Are you ready to jam?
Workshops
Morning Sessions (10:15-11:45am)
A. The Amazing Junk Jam Workshop
After a Junk Jam Band performance, musicians Josh Robinson andZach Green will present hands-on experience with recyclables and found objects made into instruments. In The Amazing Junk Jam Workshop, participants will have the opportunity to make music by engaging in a “junk jam” with the artists.
Josh Robinson, Young Audiences
Zach Green, Young Audiences
B. Teaching in Place: STEAM Outdoors
Teach STEAM Outside! Using New Jersey Audubon’s Bridges to the Natural World, we will explore ways in which the outdoors can be used to enhance your after school program. Learn how to reconnect children with nature and explore how science, technology, engineering, art and math activities can be cultivated into the outdoor classroom. Discover how nature-themed children’s books help inspire STEAM Outdoors. This jam-packed workshop offers hands-on-mind-on ideas, resources and playful learning. This program is great for outdoor spaces of any size or location.
Kelly Wenzel, NJ Audubon
C. iDiscover STEM
Discover innovative ways on how to reach students of all skill levels with something they can all relate to.....Technology! Participants will team up to create their own unique stories using two forms of technology "Coding and Stop-Motion photography". In this workshop you will learn how to incorporate student-friendly software and activities into your program that will inspire tomorrow's leaders to keep creating!
Chris Jorn, iDiscover
D.Getting Started with STEAM in Afterschool
Do you want to bring STEAM into your afterschool program but you’re not sure where to get started? Out of school time is the ideal time for kids to practice STEAM because of the informal nature of the programs and the ability to allow the kids to obtain hands on experience. You don’t have to have a math or science background to implement a successful STEAM program. This workshop will help you find resources and ideas for successfully incorporating STEAM in your afterschool program.
Shronda Boatwright, Challenge Island
Afternoon Sessions (1:00-2:30pm)
E.Teaching in Place: STEAM Outdoors
Teach STEAM Outside! Using New Jersey Audubon’s Bridges to the Natural World, we will explore ways in which the outdoors can be used to enhance your after school program. Learn how to reconnect children with nature and explore how science, technology, engineering, art and math activities can be cultivated into the outdoor classroom. Discover how nature-themed children’s books help inspire STEAM Outdoors. This jam-packed workshop offers hands-on-mind-on ideas, resources and playful learning. This program is great for outdoor spaces of any size or location.
Kelly Wenzel, NJ Audubon
F. iDiscover STEM
Discover innovative ways on how to reach students of all skill levels with something they can all relate to.....Technology! Participants will team up to create their own unique stories using two forms of technology "Coding and Stop-Motion photography". In this workshop you will learn how to incorporate student-friendly software and activities into your program that will inspire tomorrow's leaders to keep creating!
Chris Jorn, iDiscover
G. You Want Me to Do WHAT in Afterschool?
High quality STEM programming in afterschool programs is a challenge and a gift! Not only does afterschool offer the flexibility of schedule and setting for inquiry-based experiences, but afterschool offers the opportunity for students to experience co-inquiry—where students experience inquiry alongside informal educators. Participants will also leave with the understanding that afterschool staff do not have to be science experts to deliver high quality science experiences to students. Experience a fun, hands-on STEM activity that builds confidence in educators and curiosity in kids.
Maryann Stimmer, STEMeducators
H. Getting Started with STEAM in Afterschool
Do you want to bring STEAM into your afterschool program but you’re not sure where to get started? Out of school time is the ideal time for kids to practice STEAM because of the informal nature of the programs and the ability to allow the kids to obtain hands on experience. You don’t have to have a math or science background to implement a successful STEAM program. This workshop will help you find resources and ideas for successfully incorporating STEAM in your afterschool program.
Shronda Boatwright, Challenge Island