Are you an urban or rural educator seeking pearls of wisdom for engaging your students? Plan to attend the NSTA National Conference in Philadelphia. The conference will give you those “pearls” through a strand of sessions entitled Meeting the Unique Needs of Urban and Rural Learners.
High school teachers, pick up some classroom and field activities and see how you can help urban students make the connection between their local environment and weather conditions (Thursday, March 18). Teach chemistry? Learn how urban high school teachers used a Professional Learning Community (PLC) to boost students’ chemistry participation (also taking place on March 18).
Elementary teachers, have any budding engineers in your classroom? Come to Philly and hear about some strategies for integrating standards-based, interdisciplinary engineering activities your urban students will enjoy (Friday, March 19). Middle level educators, find out how to use interactive notebooks to inspire your urban and rural young scientists, and even create your own version (Saturday, March 20).
And don’t miss featured speaker Garland L. Thompson on Saturday. In his Shell Science Seminar, Talent Knows No Color Line, this noted television commentator, law professor, and reporter will share his experiences selecting STEM competition winners who have “scaled hurdles our society says are insurmountable.”