Special Programs
NSTA’s Exemplary Science Program
NSTA’s Exemplary Science Program (ESP) was initiated to highlight programs that meet NSES goals and produce superior student learning. Under the guidance of Robert E. Yager, 1982–1983 NSTA President, five monographs have been produced thus far: PreK–4, 5–8, 9–12, informal education, and best practices in professional development—each detailing exemplary programs selected by a national advisory board of NSES and NSTA leaders.
Authors of ESP monographs will showcase these exemplary programs and teachers at special symposia during NSTA conferences. Four ESP symposia will be held at the New Orleans conference, the discussants drawing from chapters in several monographs in the series. Discussion will center on how NSES More Emphasis suggestions have guided instruction.
NSTA International Science Education Day Conference
Growing Professionally Through International Opportunities: Field Experiences, Collaborations, and Investigations
Thursday, March 19, 8:30 AM–2:00 PM
Napoleon Ballroom, Hilton New Orleans Riverside
All registered attendees are invited to the fourth annual International Science Education Day conference at no cost. Explore international opportunities in science education and network with science educators from cultures around the world.
Activities begin on Wednesday, March 18, with the President’s International Reception for international visitors and invited guests. The conference commences on Thursday with an orientation and a plenary presentation by an international scholar/organization with extensive experience in providing teachers and/or students with international opportunities related to science. Other activities include concurrent sessions, a poster session, and a concluding panel discussion regarding common issues that cut across grade levels. A continental breakfast and buffet lunch will be provided.
Click here (PDF) for a complete agenda and descriptions of International Science Education Day presentations. For more information on NSTA’s commitment to international science education, visit our web page.
Teacher Researcher Day
Friday, March 20, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Acadia, New Orleans Marriott
Teacher researchers are curious about their students’ learning and ask questions to try to better understand what is happening in their classrooms. They collect data such as videotapes of instruction, copies of student work, and their own written reflections. They then try to make sense out of what they see in the data and use this knowledge to improve their teaching, sharing their findings with colleagues in their schools and elsewhere.
Teacher Researcher Day is for both new and experienced teacher researchers. The full day of activities includes a poster session, an invited speaker, a workshop, presentations on topical issues, and a closing session to make plans for teacher researcher collaborations.
Click here for complete descriptions and scheduling information for Teacher Researcher Day presentations.
Informal Science Day
Friday, March 20, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Carondelet, New Orleans Marriott
Packed with exciting informal science presentations and activities, Informal Science Day is intended to build awareness of the abundance of existing high-quality informal science education methods, resources, and opportunities available to enhance science teaching and learning. It is designed to offer a “town square” at which both informal and formal science educators can meet and interact to share best practices in informal science, learn about exciting collaborations happening among informal and formal science organizations, network with colleagues, and dialogue around ideas and innovations. Informal organizations represented include museums, media, after-school programs, university outreach, and others that provide and/or support out-of-school science education.
Click here for complete descriptions and scheduling information for Informal Science Day presentations.
Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE) Program
Saturday, March 21, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Regent, New Orleans Marriott
Since 2002, the Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE) have worked to increase understanding of the oceans and their relevance to society. Primarily funded through the National Science Foundation, the COSEE network promotes partnerships between research scientists and educators, disseminates high-quality ocean sciences education resources, and promotes ocean science as a charismatic vehicle for learning at any age.
COSEE sessions will highlight activities and products designed for classroom science teachers. Walk away with links to real-time data, relevant scientific resources, lesson plans, information on regional programs, and connections to a nationwide network of scientists and educators who are dedicated to improving ocean literacy.
Click here for complete descriptions and scheduling information for COSEE presentations.
NESTA Earth and Space Science Resource Day
Saturday, March 21, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM
Bissonet Room, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA) will host a full suite of events at the NSTA conference in New Orleans. On Saturday, March 21, NESTA offers Earth and Space Science Resource Day. This jam-packed day of professional development starts with a ticketed breakfast and speaker and includes a share-a-thon, three Advances in Earth and Space Science lectures, and our world-famous rock and mineral raffle. The day concludes with the NESTA Annual Membership meeting. These events are in addition to NESTA's three share-a-thons and Friends of Earth Science Reception on Friday, March 20. For more information about NESTA events at the New Orleans NSTA conference, please visit the NESTA website.
Click here (PDF) for a complete list of events for NESTA Earth and Space Science Resource Day.