Conference Strands
To help you make the most of the professional development opportunities available at the Atlanta conference, the Conference Committee has planned the conference around three strands that explore topics of current significance, enabling you to focus on a specific area of interest or need.
As educators, we must prepare all learners for future careers that we can only imagine. This strand focuses on the imperative to meet the needs of all learners and to provide access for science success. Research-based instructional practices that integrate STEM concepts effectively and equitably need to be employed in order to meet the needs of all learners, particularly English language learners, learners with special needs, and those from urban, rural, and low socioeconomic backgrounds.
Creating a scientifically literate citizenry is the foundation for global competitiveness in an increasingly complex science and technologically based world. All K–8 students need effective, meaningful, and thoughtfully planned science instruction that includes hands-on active learning, inquiry, integration of disciplines and content areas, and multisensory methods. This strand will provide K–8 teachers with effective and engaging classroom-ready science lessons that build a foundation to scaffold future science learning.
Environmental literacy is a key component of students becoming informed consumers of materials and energy for a sustainable future. In order for students to effectively process the barrage of environmental evidence, they need quality environmental science instruction in authentic settings. For example, the No Child Left Inside® movement supports environmental education and compels educators to utilize the school yard and the community as a context for learning. This strand will improve participants' understanding of environmental science content, share best practices for instruction, and provide effective resources for lessons.
For a list of sessions for each strand, click on the links above.