Arlington, VA—November 20, 2009—The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning, announced that more than 2,000 science educators will convene in Phoenix, Ariz. for its 2009 Area Conference on Science Education. Held in conjunction with the Arizona Science Teachers Association (ASTA), the three-day conference will feature hundreds of workshops, presentations and seminars on a variety of topics, aimed at engaging science educators of all levels in the latest and most innovative teaching methods and new developments in science. The conference will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center and other local venues.
Conference keynote speaker Ira Flatow, host of NPR’s Science Friday, will address attendees on Thursday, December 3, at 9:00 a.m. in the convention center, ballroom 120A. A veteran science correspondent and award-winning TV journalist, Flatow will discuss the challenges of talking about science in a science-challenged world. Other noted speakers include Dr. Jo Ann Vasquez, vice president and program director for the Helios Education Foundation and a well-known educator in the Arizona State University and Mesa Public School system. Vasquez, a former member of the National Science Board and the only K–12 educator to be appointed, will present an overview of the challenges facing science educators and provide examples of quality science education initiatives. Dr. Vasquez’s presentation is scheduled for Thursday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the convention center, ballroom 120B. Additionally, session presenter Matthew Kaplan, associate staff scientist and project lead, Human Origins Genotyping Laboratory, Arizona Research Laboratories, Division of Biotechnology at the University of Arizona, will discuss DNA testing for genealogical reconstruction and anthropological testing. Kaplan will present on Friday, December 4 at 9:30 a.m. at the convention center in room 120B.
Another conference highlight is NSTA’s Exhibition of Science and Teaching Materials. One prominent exhibitor, SeaWorld Busch Gardens Adventure Camps, will be sharing some of the animals from the camp for attendees to experience and will be discussing programs for students and opportunities SeaWorld has for educational learning trips that are fun and informative. Attendees will also be able to explore, examine and learn about the latest science education materials, laboratory equipment and computer hardware and software available.
On Saturday, December 5 from 9–11 a.m., NSTA and ASSET/Eight Arizona Public Television are hosting a free community science event, featuring special guest Bill Nye the Science Guy, for elementary teachers, parents, school officials and community members. At the Science Matters Community Event participants will engage in exciting hands-on activities, such as building a watershed model and learning principles behind water flowing through watersheds, presented by a variety of science and education organizations. The Science Matters Community Event will be held in the exhibition hall.
The NSTA Phoenix Area Conference on Science Education begins on Thursday, December 3, at 8: 00 a.m. and will conclude at noon on Saturday, December 5. Teachers interested in attending the conference can register online at www.nsta.org/conferences.
About NSTA
The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), www.nsta.org, is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA’s current membership includes more than 60,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.
Note to Reporters: National and regional education leaders will be available to discuss the latest issues in science education. Those wishing to attend the conference can receive complimentary press passes by contacting Tanya Radford at tradford@nsta.org or 202-271-3948.
Contact
Tanya Radford, NSTA
(703) 312-9398
tradford@nsta.org