Heading to NSTA’s National Conference on Science Education in Nashville, March 31–April 3? Are you looking for proven techniques to help ALL students be more successful in your science classroom? Check out these conference offerings that will help enhance the “bag of tricks” you bring to your inclusive science classroom.

Thursday, March 31

• Creation and Evaluation: Sharing STEM Tasks and Student Work. 8:00–8:30, Omni Nashville Hotel, Music Row 4
• Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities in the Middle School Science Classroom. 12:30–1:00, Omni Nashville Hotel, Broadway J

Friday, April 1

• Use Art to Increase Scientific Literacy in Elementary Students with Special Needs. 9:30–10:30, Music Center 106A
• Integrating STEM, STEAM, and Culturally Relevant Teaching into Teacher Preparation Programs to ELLs and Those with Disabilities, 3:30–4:30

Saturday, April 2

• Science Explorations with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students. 8:00–9:00, Omni Nashville Hotel, Legends G
• Adopting, Adapting, and Applying the 5E Instructional Model to Enhance Science Experiences for Students with Special Needs. 9:30–10:30, Music City Center, 106A
• Science for Everyone! Engaging Science Instruction for Students with Profound Disabilities. 12:30–1:30, Renaissance Nashville Hotel, Fisk One
• Creating a Professional Learning Community to Facilitate Collaboration in Science Inclusion Classrooms. 5:00–6:00, Omni Nashville Hotel, Electric

Coming to Nashville early? Science Education for Students with Disabilities, an associated group with NSTA, is conducting a pre-conference meeting on Wednesday, March 30, from 9:00 to 4:00. For more information contact, Rachel Zimmerman-Brachman at Rachel.zimmerman-brachman@jpl.nasa.gov.

Today’s guest blogger is Melissa Sleeper, NBCT, EA/Science, MAVEN Educator Ambassador, Eighth Grade Science Teacher

This blog is part of a series being published by NSTA’s Special Needs Advisory board, the charge of which is to “Advise NSTA standing committees and NSTA headquarters regarding support for members with special needs and for teachers of students with special needs; make recommendations to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors regarding issues and projects related to special education.” Teresa M. Fulk is the chair of NSTA’s Special Needs Advisory Board and can be contacted with questions about the work NSTA does with this community; e-mail Fulk at fulkt@gcsnc.com.

The mission of NSTA is to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.

Future NSTA Conferences

2016 National Conference

• Nashville, March 31–April 3

2016 STEM Forum & Expo

• Denver, July 27–30

2016 Area Conferences

• Minneapolis, Oct. 27-29
• Portland, Nov. 10-12
• Columbus, Dec. 1-3

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