They come to conferences for intensive professional learning, nationally renowned speakers, and exhibit hall swag… but what science teachers really come to NSTA for are the moments you wouldn’t get anywhere else!

#1 …today I lassoed a beetle

#wcedchat #NSTA15 #carolinaredcarpet Today I lassoed a beetle and it pulled things.Who doesn’t like science again?? pic.twitter.com/fYJ33al24f

— Kayla Howard (@kaycards) December 3, 2015

#2 … the moment when you buy pangea cookie cutters from a Super Bowl champ

The moment when you buy a pangea cookie cutters from a Super Bowl champ. #NSTA15 pic.twitter.com/wM1gz2Zadk

— Kara Luce (@karalu79) December 4, 2015

#3 …I’m learning about the zombie apocalypse

While I’m not with my kids today I’m learning about the zombie apocalypse at #NSTA15 #12daystwitter pic.twitter.com/Y86MtYgiR7

— Candace Johnson (@MsJ_Tigers) December 4, 2015

#4 …it’s a spleen!

Hey #RoomE102…look what I brought home from #nsta15 today! IT’S A SPLEEN! #SmileWhenYouSayThat pic.twitter.com/XAeCZj9Cvu

— Eric Magette (@mistermagette) December 4, 2015

#5 …are you just bartling puzballs?

Do you REALLY understand the concept or are you just “bartling puzballs”? https://t.co/X4oZjB2xc4 @CTSKeeley #NSTA15 pic.twitter.com/X9lMw1OjcG

— Ryan Lacson (@noscals) December 3, 2015

#6 …I made a butterfly necklace today!

I made a butterfly necklace today! #NSTA15 pic.twitter.com/dfJn5TK5Fd

— Bonnie Stafford (@6thScienceTeach) December 3, 2015

#7 …STEMstars are popping up everywhere

#STEMstars are popping up everywhere here at #NSTA15 KC! pic.twitter.com/CX0WXsAnDj

— NatSciTeachAssoc (@NSTA) December 3, 2015

#8 …received 2 dogfish sharks

Received 2 dogfish sharks at #NSTA15 conv @madjane100 guess what we get to do #emwolves pic.twitter.com/WMTdpcOPJE

— Lorie Sliefert (@lsliefert) December 3, 2015

#9 …just made poop!

#NSTA15 thanks @NSTA for teaching us about the digestive system pic.twitter.com/38FSuwEbx2

— Christi Schumaker (@cschumaker1) December 3, 2015

#10 …your phone lets you see infrared

Selfie mode on your phone lets you see infrared! #nsta15 pic.twitter.com/GEaJYmWNI0

— Ms West (@MsWest415) December 4, 2015

#11 …I constructed a wind turbine

Coach Hall and I constructed a wind turbine & made electricity while representing @CotterWarriors at #NSTA15! pic.twitter.com/yE9ucA3e8P

— LaDonna Mendleski (@LDM_Teach) December 3, 2015

#12 …so many people who love science

Great to hang out with so many people who love science! Thanks @cindymagnifico for setting this up! #NSTA15 pic.twitter.com/3Dsa0SYPgk

— Dave Nowak (@dnowak77) December 3, 2015

#13 …wouldn’t be an NSTA conference without a shelfie

Wouldn’t be an NSTA conference without a shellfie. Yes. That was intentional. #NSTA15 pic.twitter.com/ho5cOX4ggT

— Robert Starr (@A_smarter_Starr) December 4, 2015

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#14 …ask the local police department for electronic balances they have from drug busts

#NSTA15 learning to ask the local police department for electronic balances they have from drug busts #sciencerocks pic.twitter.com/OwDRd9OaSf

— Mrs. Wangeman (@ChemLes) December 4, 2015

#15 …the spaghetti marshmallow challenge is on!

The #SpaghettiMarshmallowChallenge is on! @AAPTHQ #NSTA15 #STEM #engineering pic.twitter.com/tAbaplnb9k

— Steve Maier (@SteveMaier_) December 4, 2015

#16 …we are superheroes

We are superheroes! #NSTA15 #FischerScientific #LHS #IrishPride pic.twitter.com/ZBY2cm7BAr

— Elizabeth J Jones (@Elisamaj) December 4, 2015

#17 …first session this morning gave me a lesson idea for Monday!

First session this morning gave me a lesson idea for Monday! Cant wait! #NSTA15

— Sarah Samuelson (@SciSarahSam) December 5, 2015