ARLINGTON, Va., December 2012— Thousands of science educators from across the country will convene in Phoenix, December 6–8, for its last of three annual fall area conferences. Held in conjunction with the Arizona Science Teachers Association (ASTA), the conference features hundreds of workshops, presentations and seminars on a variety of topics, all aimed at engaging science educators of all levels to impart the enthusiasm and cutting-edge knowledge of the natural world. The conference will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center and other local venues.
Centered on the theme, Honor the Past; Prepare the Future, the conference focuses on three science education topics of current significance:
- Communicating and Understanding Science;
- The STEM Puzzle—Putting it Together; and
- Sustainability: Growing, Nurturing, and Ensuring our Future.
The three-day conference offers educators an invaluable opportunity to participate in professional development activities, the cornerstone of quality teaching. Science educators will take part in a variety of short courses to sharpen their teaching skills, learn about the latest breakthroughs in science, examine the newest science teaching materials available, and network with fellow science education professionals.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear thought-provoking presentations from nationally renowned speakers in science and education. Top speakers include:
- Keynote Speaker Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot and command an American spacecraft;
- Stephen L. Pruitt, vice president for content, research, and development, Achieve, Inc.;
- Diandra L. Leslie-Pelecky, professor of physics, West Virginia University, Morgantown; and
- Jo Anne Vasquez, 1996–1997 NSTA president, and vice president and program director, Arizona Transition Years, Teacher and Curriculum STEM Initiatives, Helios Education Foundation.
When not attending back-to-back sessions and workshops, attendees can browse NSTA’s popular Exhibit Hall where more than 100 companies and organizations will be exhibiting state-of-the-art science materials and products. Attendees will be able to learn about the latest science education materials, laboratory equipment and computer hardware and software available.
The NSTA Phoenix Area Conference on Science Education will begin with concurrent sessions on Thursday, December 6 at 8 a.m. and will conclude at noon on Saturday, December 8, with the closing of the exhibits. Teachers interested in attending the conference can register onsite at the convention center. For updated information about the conference, visit http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2012pho/.
About NSTA
The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (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 approximately 60,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.
Note to Reporters: Members of the working press who wish to attend the conference will be given complimentary conference badges. To register, email Kate Falk at kfalk@nsta.org. Reporters can also register onsite at the NSTA press registration counter, located in Hall 5 in the exhibitor registration area at the Phoenix Convention Center (Hours: December 6, 9–5 p.m.; December 7, 9–5 p.m.; and December 8, 9–10:30 a.m.).