Jeannie Colton

With 25 years of experience as an educator and learning experience designer and evaluator, Ms. Colton brings a wealth of experience in understanding how people of all ages learn. She uses this to guide how she designs learning experiences in a variety of environments and content. As a Learning Scientist, she applies her knowledge, skills, and expertise to research, design and evaluate innovative solutions that enhance the outcomes of learners.

Prior to coming to ASU, Ms. Colton was Director of Youth Programs at Arizona Science Center where she led the education team who delivered programming within the center and out in the community.

Pre-Conference Half-Day AM Option: Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 9 AM-12 PM

(Registration for a half-day session is $75.00. Lunch is not included.)

Title: Explore STEM with Young Learners

Description: Quality STEM programming can be a challenge to develop or identify for many libraries. Early Childhood focused STEM can be even more difficult, especially for libraries or districts with limited exposure to best practices in STEM Learning for that age group. This workshop will focus on an early childhood STEM Learning series developed by Kalman Mannis of the Arizona Science Center and Jeannie Colton from ASU's Center for Innovation in Informal STEM Learning (CIISL) and funded by a grant from NASA's Science Activation 2.0 Broadening Participation with Ecosystems. The workshop will follow a book created by Kalman and Jeannie using six units that encourage youth to explore, question, and learn by doing. The workshop will provide an opportunity to delve into the materials, work collaboratively, and discuss how the activities can be integrated into current or planned programming. Additional resources will be shared from AZ Science Center and CIISL. One book per library with staff attending the workshop will be provided. Prepared kits developed for the activities will be provided as door prizes.