What If Play Was the Curriculum? The Case for Movement-Based Learning

What if we reimagined STEM education—not as something students sit through, but something they move through? In this engaging session, we’ll explore how movement-based learning can transform STEM classrooms by boosting engagement, deepening conceptual understanding, and fostering collaborative problem-solving. Drawing on the latest research and real classroom examples, we'll make the case for integrating physical play into the curriculum as a powerful strategy to improve outcomes in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Participants will experience hands-on activities and leave with practical strategies for incorporating movement into lessons—no gym required. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, curriculum leader, or district decision-maker, you’ll walk away energized and equipped to bring more joy, connection, and motion into STEM learning.

James Sanders is dedicated to transforming STEM education through innovative, movement-based learning approaches. With a passion for making education both engaging and effective, James has led numerous workshops and webinars focusing on integrating physical play into the curriculum to enhance student outcomes in science, technology, engineering, and math. He believes in reimagining learning as an active experience, not just a passive one. Previously, James has had roles in integrating technology in schools, at The White House, Breakout EDU, Google, and KIPP Schools.