Thursday, October 30 4:45–9:30 PM

M-1: SCarowinds’ Halloween Haunt at Carowinds

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Ticketed Event: $40 advance; $45 on-site

Purchase M-1 tickets when you register online or on the Charlotte Advance Registration Form.

Note: Participants must exchange their M-1 vouchers for Carowinds Park admission tickets at the Ticket Sales Counter in the NSTA Registration Area BEFORE 3:30 PM Thursday.

Join your fellow educators for a night of fright! Oozing with chilling thrills and unspeakable horrors, SCarowinds’ Halloween Haunt at Carowinds features seven horrific haunted mazes and nearly 300 of the most gruesome and grotesque creatures ever seen lurking around every dark and gloomy corner. And, as always, SCarowinds presents the most twisted and terrifying rides on the planet, daring you to climb aboard in total darkness!

5:30–6:30 PM—First on our spooky agenda is a pre-haunt dinner complete with scary character appearances. Enjoy fried chicken, pulled pork, smoked Italian sausage, baked beans, cole slaw, dessert, and beverages. (Note: Meal entrees are subject to change.) Beer and wine are available at an additional cost.

6:30–7:00 PM—Enjoy a private tour of two of the haunted mazes.

After 7:00 PM—You’re on your own! Explore all the horrifying attractions SCarowinds has to offer. Enjoy the mazes, go on a ride in the dark, or visit the scare zones and spooky shows. Some SCarowinds attractions may not be fully ADA accessible as they involve natural terrain trails and require varying degrees of mobility.

This event will be held rain or shine, with no refunds. It is not recommended for children under age 13.

Buses will depart at 4:45 PM from the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard entrance of the Charlotte Convention Center. Continuous shuttles will then run between SCarowinds and the conference hotels. The last bus will depart SCarowinds at 9:30 PM.

FORMAT: Social

Friday, October 31 7:00–9:00 AM

M-2: Council for Elementary Science International (CESI) Breakfast

Hilton Charlotte Center, Walker

Ticketed Event: $21 advance; $26 on-site

Purchase tickets when you register online or on the Charlotte Advance Registration Form.

Discrepant Events and Science from Junk: Discontinued Materials and the Inquiry Continuum

Start your day with a delicious breakfast and a motivating presentation by Timothy Cooney, professor of earth science and science education at the University of Northern Iowa. Using easily obtained and discarded materials, Tim will engage audience members in activities modeling directed, guided, and open inquiry. The materials are taken from curriculum projects Dr. Cooney has worked with in the United States and in Chile. Handouts will be available for each activity.

Presenter(s): Timothy M. Cooney (Professor of Earth Science and Science Education, Dept. of Earth Science, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls)

Bio: Tim Cooney has taught all levels from fourth grade through graduate school. He has served on the Board of Directors of NSTA and CESI, as well as on numerous committees for both organizations. Dr. Cooney has been the recipient of a number of awards including the Award for Faculty Excellence given by the Board of Regents, which oversees Iowa’s public universities.

FORMAT: Social
GRADE LEVEL: Elementary

Friday, October 31 7:00–9:00 AM

NCSTA Past President's and Founders Breakfast

Westin Charlotte, Queens

By Invitation Only

FORMAT: Social

Friday, October 31 12:00–1:30 PM

M-3: Preservice and New Teachers Luncheon

Westin Charlotte, Grand Ballroom A

Ticketed Event: $10 advance; $12 on-site

Purchase tickets when you register online or on the Charlotte Advance Registration Form.

New to the profession? Join us for this lively and interactive function where you’ll learn about all the NSTA resources at your fingertips for your science classroom, your career, and your own content knowledge. Enjoy a complete lunch (generously sponsored by Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co) while networking with other teachers new to the profession. Ticket required.

Tickets, if still available, must be purchased at the Ticket Sales Counter in the NSTA Registration Area before 3:00 PM on Thursday.

Tickets will be provided only to preservice teachers or teachers with up to five years of teaching experience.

FORMAT: Social
EVENT SPONSOR: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

Friday, October 31 12:00–2:00 PM

NSELA ExploreLearning Luncheon

Westin Charlotte, Tryon

By Invitation Only

The National Science Education Leadership Association invites its members for a review of current research on using electronic supplements for science education. Receive extensive handouts.

FORMAT: Social

Friday, October 31 3:30–5:00 PM

NMLSTA Ice Cream Social

Hilton Charlotte, Gwynn

Come join your middle level colleagues and enjoy a delicious ice cream sundae while you learn about the National Middle Level Science Teachers Association and share ideas. Visit www.nmlsta.org for more information.

FORMAT: Social

Friday, October 31 5:00–6:30 PM

Student Chapter and Student Members Reception

Westin Charlotte, Providence I

By Invitation Only

This reception for NSTA student members has been created to recognize and honor your hard work and enthusiasm as you begin what is hopefully a long and fruitful career toiling in the vineyards of education. Bring examples of the work of your school's NSTA Student Chapter, as well as best practices and stories to share. If your school does not yet have an NSTA Student Chapter, come hear your future colleagues' best practices and learn about starting and running a successful chapter at your school. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served as you network with your peers. You'll also get to hear from and share your insights with key NSTA leadership, including NSTA President Page Keeley!

FORMAT: Social

Friday, October 31 5:15–6:00 PM

NCSTA President's Reception

Westin Charlotte, Grand Ballroom A, B, C

For NCSTA Members Only

All members of NCSTA are welcome to this yearly event. Fisher Science Education is the main sponsor of this opportunity for the NCSTA membership to network, interconnect, and share with each other. Meet science educators from across the state and have a great time! Membership numbers and identification will be checked at the door.

FORMAT: Social

Friday, October 31 6:00–7:00 PM

NCSTA Awards Ceremony

Westin Charlotte, Grand Ballroom A, B, C

Everyone is welcome to attend this event where science educators across North Carolina will be recognized for their contributions during the past year. Science teachers from all eight of the NCSTA Districts will receive awards, as well as science educators (statewide) at the elementary, middle school, high school, and higher education levels. Additional awards and/or prizes will be given in the areas of Earth Science, Biology, and Nontraditional Science Education. Don't miss this opportunity to thank those who have contributed so much. Tremendous door prizes will also be given.

FORMAT: Social