I am so looking forward to the NSTA national conference in Indianapolis in March 2012! It’s not that I’m tired of my everyday life and teaching work—it’s that I’m eager to be back from the conference with fresh ideas and new connections to create in the curriculum. NSTA conferences are joyful events, populated with educators doing what they love best.
I want to:
- learn more about the Next Generation Science Standards and the Framework from which they are being written, (Friday March 30, 9:30-10:30 AM, Featured Panel: Next Generation Science Standards, Indiana Convention Center, Sagamore Ballroom and Saturday, March 31, 2:00–3:00 PM, Exploring the Science Framework, JW Marriott Indianapolis, JW Grand Ballroom 3),
- learn more about Developing Early Childhood Learners’ Inquiry Skills through Play-based Nature Study Activities (Thursday March 29, 9:30–10:30 AM, 235, Indiana Convention Center) and,
share my ideas on making connections between indoor and outdoor activities to draw students and teachers outdoors (Friday March 30, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM, Outdoor–Indoor Connections to Beguile Your Students into a Love of Nature, Chamber, Westin Indianapolis).
All of us who count astronauts as role-models can look forward to hearing NASA’s Associate Administrator for Education, Leland Melvin, speak on “Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders” (Thursday March 29, 9-10am, Indiana Convention Center, Sagamore Ballroom).
The NSTA Learning Center has a Professional Development Community Forum discussion going on with tips for attending conferences. Here are some of the ideas contributed by veteran conference-goers:
Tina Harris: Take your own flat-rate postal boxes and tape with you so you can pack and ship as you accumulate give-aways and purchases. 3 flat rate boxes = $50 extra suitcase and you don’t have to lug it through an airport! We here in Indy are also offering some wonderful field trips (check the conference schedule).
Carolyn Mohr: The exhibitors’ hall is not ‘doable’ in one day. Some socials provide free treats and beverages and you get a chance to mingle with like-minded teachers.
Susanne Hokkanen: I recommend at least two workshops at each time slot, because sometimes workshops fill up fast, and your first choice may not be available or open or may be too far away to reach in time. And try to leave a time slot open just for “absorb it all” time.
Laura Jones: I also would recommend the most comfortable shoes you have.
Ms. Mentor suggests visiting the Conference Newcomers’ Page. She made some recommendations for the 2011 conference which apply to area and national conferences in any year, such as, Introduce yourself to teachers at the sessions or events. You’ll meet lots of interesting people and make many new personal connections.
I hope to meet some of you in Indianapolis or at another conference. You can register online now, and the early bird price is good through February 3. My wishful-thinking schedule has three (gulp!) sessions for each time slot—guess I’d better re-evaluate the list and look for a slot to “absorb it all”—wait, isn’t that what the plane trip home is for!?
Peggy
Related posts:
6 Comments
Your presentation sounds inspiring and useful, Peggy. I wish I could be there. I’m looking forward to your conference reports.
I am so glad NSTA will hold their national conference in the same state that just passed legislation to include non-scientific teachings in the classroom. (See the NSTA news bulletin link: http://www.indystar.com/article/20120201/NEWS05/202010320/Indiana-Senate-passes-bill-teaching-creationism?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews
Let us hope that common sense will prevail in this state, and that we as scientists do not allow NON-SCIENTIFIC teachings into our science classrooms. I have no problem with people teaching their religious faith and beliefs in Sunday school, but please, DO NOT CALL IT SCIENCE! Science is reserved for observable, repeatable, peer-reviewed, evidence based phenomena. If we allow creationism to be taught in science, where will we draw the line, and when do we start calling it “mythology” or “religious studies” instead of science. Scientists / science teachers – we need to hold strong to our ideals of science being supported by evidence!!!
I’m looking forward to attending conference sessions by, or alongside, members of the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, Inc. Thank you HASTI for your work!
Peggy
If I can swing another day away from school and family, I will sign up for the Pre-Conference Session on Wednesday, March 28, 2012, from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM on Engineering: It’s Elementary presented by The Council for Elementary Science International. It’s only $75, including lunch and a sample Engineering is Elementary literature book and the complete Family Engineering activity guide.
CESI asks,
Are you looking for ways to add enthusiasm and motivation to your science classes? This CESI session will help you get hands-on with two NEW elementary engineering programs. Join us in a day filled with exciting engineering investigations you can take right back to your classroom. Come learn about the latest in STEM initiatives:
Engineering is Elementary (EiE) is a project from the Boston Museum of Science. EiE lessons not only promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning but also connects with literacy and social studies. Unit storybooks feature characters from around the world and encourage children to delve into an engineering design challenge.
Family Engineering is an after-school program modeled after the successful Family Math and Family Science programs. These innovative, hands-on lessons help teachers facilitate informal events where families can explore engineering skills while they engage in inquiry, creativity, and problem-solving activities together.
Our goal is to send you home ready to teach an EiE lesson and to lead an evening of informal engineering experiences for your students and their families. You will leave with free instructional materials – to include a sample EiE literature book and the complete Family Engineering activity guide ($45 value). Registration includes lunch. Cost: $75
Register Online (pay by credit card)
http://www.cesiscience.org
The program will be held in the Marriott Ballroom 1, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown.
Peggy
Hey I am looking forward to attend your conference in March 2012
Quite excited and thanks Peggy!
Mr. Chase: The legislation you refer to was never passed.