Workshop: Exploring Science Through Stories

Elevate Your Science Teaching with Interactive Read Alouds!

When: Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 1 to 4 pm
Where: Live On Zoom
Tickets: FREE! RSVP required.

RSVP for Feb. 1!

How can you use interactive read-alouds to enhance your science teaching? In this hands-on virtual workshop, educators will learn how to combine literacy and science in the elementary classroom using tried-and-true methods to foster deep learning and excitement for STEM in elementary-aged students. Discover how nonfiction and fiction books can be leveraged to support high-quality science instruction in any learning space. With experienced educators Kathy Renfrew and Juliette Guarino Berg, you’ll learn to connect stories and science as you teach learners to observe and explore a scientific phenomenon, use models to communicate their thinking, and engage in engineering design challenges. Join us for this unique professional development experience and elevate your science teaching with your library!

Live registration is limited to 40 participants. A recording and digital written resource will be provided to all registrants whether they attend live or want to review the information independently. Those participating live will receive a certificate of participation from Science Friday and a kit of free materials to participate in professional development experience. The kit contains: How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom, What Magnets Can Do by Allan Fowler, and a Floating Ring Magnet Set. We will use these items during the workshop to develop lesson plans and model activities for learners. You will be asked for shipping information after RSVPing for the event.

About Our Facilitators

Juliette Guarino Berg

Juliette has served as a STEM educator, curriculum developer, and professional development leader in New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area for almost two decades. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Science Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Juliette received her B.A. in Biological Sciences and Comparative Literature from Binghamton University in 2008 and her M.S. in Childhood Education from Hunter College in 2012. She holds New York State Professional Certificates in both Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Adolescent Biology Education (Grades 7-12). Juliette is an active member of the nonprofit organization STEMteachersNYC and is currently serving as the chair of its Board of Directors. Additionally, she is a member of the Review Panel for the National Science Teaching Association’s peer-reviewed journal Science and Children.

Kathy Renfrew

Kathy is a retired but still working elementary educator/learner who has been privileged to hold many roles in her career. She was a classroom teacher first and was then hired by the Vermont Agency of Education as the Elementary Science Assessment Coordinator where she was instrumental in drafting, adopting, and implementing The Next Generation Science Standards in Vermont. Currently, Kathy is working as an education specialist for the Wade Institute for Science Education and a virtual coach for Sibme. She is an active member of NSTA, NCTE, and ASCD and serves as a board member of Massachusetts Science Education Leaders Association and a member of the MA District Science Leaders Network. Kathy attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst for her undergraduate degree in Human Development. She followed that with a M.Ed in Professional Teaching and a second M. Ed in K-8 Science Education. Kathy was a National Board Certified Teacher as well as a Presidential Awardee in Elementary Science.

STEMteachersNYC

STEMteachersNYC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting a community of STEM teachers across the NYC region. Their mission is to cultivate excellence in STEM teaching and to promote deep understanding and success for students through innovative, teacher-led professional development.