The National Academies of Science has some ideas for “Igniting a Passion for Science” in your students. The session this morning featured forensic anthropologist Diane France. Before France spoke, attendees were encouraged to think about why they would integrate scientists into their teaching. The benefits mentioned included exposing students to alternative careers, making science ‘real’ and [...]
There are many sessions devoted to technology applications. Two that I attended on Friday afternoon were presented by dynamic teachers from New Jersey and Texas. In “Lights! Action! Science!” Barbara DeSantis showed examples of her students’ work using applications such as Voicethread, Animoto, and xtranormal (no, I hadn’t heard of these, either). She shared her [...]
While waiting to catch a shuttle bus, I chatted with Amanda Jeffers and Melissa Kidder from Sunset, Louisiana. “I think the conference is going so well,” said Amanda. “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for people to meet and discuss different science topics that they’re having in different states. We’re just all having a really great time.” [...]
The NSTA Bookstore is a popular place. For those of us who like to pick up and page through a book before making a purchase, this is the place to be. There are even tables and chairs (coffee is available in the lobby). Other NSTA merchandise is for sale here, too. And some authors are [...]
NASA is hoping to get a better look at the history of universe as they expand the capabilities of the Hubble telescope. Michael Weiss, deputy program manager of the Hubble Space Telescope Program at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, talked about how the new equipment will provide images from the ultraviolet, infrared, and near-infrared spectrums. The [...]
NSTA Informal Science Day offered a wide variety of networking opportunities and presentations. From noon to 2, attendees had a chance to have lunch while listening to Andrew Shouse and Philip Bell and their colleagues from the National Research Council address the topic How Students Learn Science When They Are Not in School. Bell and Shouse [...]
I just have to say a quick “Wow!” I was walking by the ballroom and could hear music, shouting and laughing. I couldn’t resist looking in to see what was causing such a commotion. It was Grand Master Hank’s science lab. The presentation, for students (and their teachers), really had the audience excited—dancing, calling encouragement [...]
With thousands of people here, you’re certain to see someone you know. I ran into my grad school advisor, several people I had met before (virtually) on the NSTA listserves, and a vendor I had met in a previous life. I saw Bill Nye speedwalking through the lobby. And this lucky teacher is chatting with [...]
The Louisiana Science Teachers Association has a welcome booth here, with friendly faces and suggestions for sightseeing and learning more about this great city and state. And on the Exhibit floor there is a booth with information on next year’s conference in Philadelphia. Mark your calendars for March 18-21, 2010.
