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