JoinCapitalizing on curiosity
By Claire Reinburg
Posted on 2011-03-12
Featured speaker Larry Lowery’s lively presentation at the San Francisco NSTA conference highlighted research findings about how children learn to inspire teachers to incorporate new practices in their classrooms. Lowery encouraged teachers to further expand students’ opportunities to learn and explore using their various senses. He showed a functional MRI image to illustrate the lit-up areas of the human brain that can follow from the simple sensory experience of touching an animal’s fur. When a student holds a classroom pet, examines a leaf through a hand lens, or hears a bird call, multiple areas and receptors in the brain are activated, providing a rich network of connections that deepen the learning experience. In an engaging illustration, Lowery suggested that viewing a single image of a single leaf doesn’t teach us anything. However, viewing two different leaves side-by-side invites comparisons that capitalize on our brain’s tendency to learn through examining differences and contrasts. Students who look closely enough at two different leaves to see varying edges and vein patterns may never again walk in the woods without noticing and appreciating nature’s wonderful array of leaves and trees. As Lowery said, “the beauty of the world is enhanced when you see the world the way a scientist sees.” Lowery is professor emeritus at the Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California at Berkeley, and is principal investigator for the Full-Option Science System (FOSS), the widely used K-8 science program funded by the National Science Foundation and developed at the university. Early in his distinguished career, Lowery studied with Richard Stebbins and was part of the team at Berkeley that developed the Animal Coloration program, a classic resource for activities on the evolution of concealment that NSTA Press published in an updated and revised edition. Lowery also edited the popular NSTA Pathways to the Standards Elementary Edition, which provides a wealth of inspiring classroom vignettes and tips for teachers who work with our youngest scientists.
Featured speaker Larry Lowery’s lively presentation at the San Francisco NSTA conference highlighted research findings about how children learn to inspire teachers to incorporate new practices in their classrooms.
Scorpions, free materials, and more
By Lynn Petrinjak
Posted on 2011-03-12
One thing about attending a NSTA conference, you get to try local cuisine, as well as an occasional unusual treat. I just spoke to this teacher from Pittsburgh who told me he sampled a scorpion in the exhibit hall. The chef didn’t recommend any sauces so as not overwhelm the scorpion’s natural flavor. It also sounds like the big ones can be juicy. But that was just one part of his NSTA experience!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnXJQNstDIg[/youtube]
One thing about attending a NSTA conference, you get to try local cuisine, as well as an occasional unusual treat. I just spoke to this teacher from Pittsburgh who told me he sampled a scorpion in the exhibit hall. The chef didn’t recommend any sauces so as not overwhelm the scorpion’s natural flavor. It also sounds like the big ones can be juicy. But that was just one part of his NSTA experience!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnXJQNstDIg[/youtube]
It's not just teachers…part 2
By Mary Bigelow
Posted on 2011-03-11
In addition to science educators, you also run into some interesting characters…
Some attendees have more than two legs
Johannes Kepler -- Up close and personal
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In addition to science educators, you also run into some interesting characters…
Some attendees have more than two legs
NSTA—it's not just teachers!
By Lynn Petrinjak
Posted on 2011-03-11
The name may be National Science Teachers Association, but our members—and conference presenters—are involved at all levels of education.
Improving STEM Teaching and Education: A Superintendent’s Symposium featured four Bay-area superintendents discussing how they support STEM education in their districts. It was interesting to hear them talk about creating partnerships with local businesses, keeping a clear focus on goals while pursuing grant opportunities, and more.
They suggested approaching companies that list education as a priority on their website and looking for partnerships with “resources not traditionally defined,” such as a waste management company. The panel also talked about the need to work with teachers on initiatives, noting many programs are “done to” teachers, not with them or led by them.
It was interesting to hear the superintendents talk about changing the conversation around STEM education.
The name may be National Science Teachers Association, but our members—and conference presenters—are involved at all levels of education.
Improving STEM Teaching and Education: A Superintendent’s Symposium featured four Bay-area superintendents discussing how they support STEM education in their districts. It was interesting to hear them talk about creating partnerships with local businesses, keeping a clear focus on goals while pursuing grant opportunities, and more.
Where else, indeed?
By Lynn Petrinjak
Posted on 2011-03-11
A sloth is just one of the unexpected sights in the NSTA exhibit hall!
I have to echo Mary’s post. Where else can you see robots roaming, penguins flapping, and educators making their own butterfly chrysalis necklaces? Not to mention electric hybrid cars, a sloth, and pi earrings? The exhibit hall is truly fascinating. (I’ve put more pictures from the exhibit hall up on Flikr, just search for NSTA 2011 exhibit hall.)
This is my third national conference with NSTA and the sheer number and variety of sessions still surprises me. Just a little while ago I was listening to a doctoral candidate discuss his research into equitable assessment of English language learners (ELLs). At the same time, other sessions were delving into technology issues, the use of science notebooks, maximizing the educational impact of field trips, strategies for teaching photo synthesis, and a whole lot more. Then there are the featured speakers, exhibitor workshops, and exhibits.
I’m on the verge of information overload.
A sloth is just one of the unexpected sights in the NSTA exhibit hall!
Where else?
By Mary Bigelow
Posted on 2011-03-11
I had an email from a former colleague who said that the conference must be a science teacher’s paradise. She’s right. Where else can you
- update your content knowledge
- get new teaching ideas and interact with the presenters
- meet thousands of science teachers
- have your picture taken with Bill Nye
- get the latest information on lab equipment and technology
- gather lots of classroom materials
- get free shipping on books
And where else can you wear a t-shirt with the word “mycology” on it and have people know what the word means!
I had an email from a former colleague who said that the conference must be a science teacher’s paradise. She’s right. Where else can you
More of what attendees are saying
By Lynn Petrinjak
Posted on 2011-03-11
I have talked to conference attendees and presenters who have come to San Francisco from all over the country. California, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and everywhere in between. Some are here for their first conference, others are attending their first conference in several years. But they all seem eager to get the most out of the experience!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00r07cJXibs[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYjr37ZHT00[/youtube]
I have talked to conference attendees and presenters who have come to San Francisco from all over the country. California, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and everywhere in between. Some are here for their first conference, others are attending their first conference in several years. But they all seem eager to get the most out of the experience!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00r07cJXibs[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYjr37ZHT00[/youtube]
Getting an early start
By Lynn Petrinjak
Posted on 2011-03-11
It’s not quite 7 a.m. here in San Francisco, but it looks like a number of people are getting an early start. When I arrived at the conference center a few minutes ago, I saw several people headed in, apparently on their way to some early sessions—many with coffee in hand. Talk about dedication!
It’s not quite 7 a.m. here in San Francisco, but it looks like a number of people are getting an early start. When I arrived at the conference center a few minutes ago, I saw several people headed in, apparently on their way to some early sessions—many with coffee in hand. Talk about dedication!
Conference first-timers
By Mary Bigelow
Posted on 2011-03-10
I went to a session this morning for conference first-timers, as a veteran conference-attender. NSTA staff and office holders welcomed the “newbies” and guided them through a discussion of the many options for sessions and events. Each table had a conference veteran to offer advice and answer questions. At my table, there were teachers from Delaware, Tennessee, New York, and Ghana!
The first-timers were treated to refreshments and door prizes, including NSTA books, gift certificates to the NSTA store, vendor coupons, and NSTA shirts and mugs. Welcome to all!
I went to a session this morning for conference first-timers, as a veteran conference-attender. NSTA staff and office holders welcomed the “newbies” and guided them through a discussion of the many options for sessions and events. Each table had a conference veteran to offer advice and answer questions.
Discussing standards
By Lynn Petrinjak
Posted on 2011-03-10
A panel discussion on the Next Generation of Science Education Standards with NSTA executive director Francis Eberle; Helen Quinn, chair of the board on Science Education, The National Academies in Menlo Park, California; and Stephen Pruitt, vice president, Achieve, Inc., wrapped up a few minutes ago.
The trio shared an overview of how the draft framework was created and talked about the next steps.
Interest was evident—the room was full with many people standing around the periphery and several sitting on the floor. When microphone was opened for questions, several people quickly lined up.
The framework is expected to service as the basis for new K–12 science education standards.
A panel discussion on the Next Generation of Science Education Standards with NSTA executive director Francis Eberle; Helen Quinn, chair of the board on Science Education, The National Academies in Menlo Park, California; and Stephen Pruitt, vice president, Achieve, Inc., wrapped up a few minutes ago.
The trio shared an overview of how the draft framework was created and talked about the next steps.