JoinLearning in the Exhibit Hall
By Mary Bigelow
Posted on 2012-03-30
Asking questions
When my district sent teachers to conferences, we were expected to submit a list of sessions we attended. NSTA has a great transcript feature for this documentation, producing a professional-looking document. But I never thought of including the time I spent in the exhibit hall (which you can do with the transcript tool).
A mini-seminar
After walking around today, I realize that was probably a mistake. Many of the vendors have set up seminar areas with seats or tables and offer brief mini-classes and demonstrations. Afterwards, they often give “door prizes” to participants.
One-on-one tutorial
I also saw teachers having intense one-on-one conversations with vendors, asking questions or getting personalized information about science-related products and services.
So how would you document these informal sessions? With a camera, of course! I saw several teachers snapping photos with their cell phones, tablets, or digital cameras. (One even asked if a passer-by could take the photo of her with a consultant. You could even photograph a display of all of the posters, books, and other supplies that you collect in the exhibit hall, illustrating the report submitted to the principal.
Hands-on collaboration
Cameras are becoming indispensable tools at conferences–capturing screens at a presentation, products at the exhibit hall, documentation of events, and especially the memories of new-found friends and colleagues.
Asking questions
Long day, but they're still at it
By Lynn Petrinjak
Posted on 2012-03-30
A hands-on experience with a walking stick
It’s been a long day, but there are still sessions going on. The exhibit hall is still a popular spot with many folks checking out the latest texts, software, and other “interactives” like the walking stick pictured here!
A hands-on experience with a walking stick
Why they come, part 2
By Lynn Petrinjak
Posted on 2012-03-30
Indianapolis chemistry teacher Georgia Watson was enthusiastic about her experience today at the NSTA national conference. Not only did she present on her project-based forensic science program, but she also visited the exhibit hall, where she collected resources—including several free ones!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfSFubDjm3g[/youtube]
Deanna, in town from Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been attending sessions this morning, focusing on hands-on learning opportunities for her fifth- and sixth-grade students.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgMa_KG2_uY[/youtube]
Indianapolis chemistry teacher Georgia Watson was enthusiastic about her experience today at the NSTA national conference. Not only did she present on her project-based forensic science program, but she also visited the exhibit hall, where she collected resources—including several free ones!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfSFubDjm3g[/youtube]
Deanna, in town from Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been attending sessions this morning, focusing on hands-on learning opportunities for her fifth- and sixth-grade students.
Educators want to know more about the NGSS Framework
By Lynn Petrinjak
Posted on 2012-03-30
Hundreds of teachers were eager to hear more about the Framework for the Next Generation Science Standards from NSTA Executive Director Francis Eberle and Stephen Pruitt of Achieve, Inc.
This morning’s session on the Framework for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) drew quite a crowd. In addition to the people sitting and standing around the periphery, I saw a number of educators standing in the hallway just outside the door.
Some attendees posed questions, ranging from the inclusion of controversial topics in the NGSS to how assessment of students and states’ adoption of the standards will be conducted to coordination between the NGSS and the framework for technology and engineering.
Stephen Pruitt, vice president for content, research, and development at Achieve, Inc., encouraged audience members to participate in the public review of the standards’ draft, expected to be released in late April or May. Read more about the NGSS and the framework.
Elementary educators' early morning
By Lynn Petrinjak
Posted on 2012-03-30
Elementary educators turned out in force for this special event just for them!
The Elementary Extravaganza opened this morning at 8 am. When I stopped by a little later, the room was packed (I heard an estimate of approximately 500 attendees). Teachers were testing out a variety of activities—I saw balloons, balls, and other objects flying around several tables. I also saw Page Keeley, former NSTA president and author of the Uncovering Student Ideas in Science series, discussing assessment.
The Extravaganza included many door prizes. I wonder who won the iPad?
Elementary educators turned out in force for this special event just for them!
Session sampler
By Mary Bigelow
Posted on 2012-03-29
Chris Triola "Put things in the hands of kids and watch what happens."
Whether attendees use the print catalog or the online scheduler, browsing through the session descriptions at this year’s conference is tantalizing. From large keynote sessions by Bill Nye and Jeff Goldstein to more intimate ones presented by teachers, university professors, or consultants, I wish I could be in two (or more) places at once.
The program reflects an emphasis on STEM topics. For example, Chris Triola from the General McLane School District (Edinboro, PA) showed how fifth-graders could be engaged in A Full Year of STEM with problem-solving and design projects, from turbines to robots to roller coasters. He described four interconnected “requirements” for their program: strong scientific procedures, accuracy in application, insight and inspiration, and incorporation of technology. The last thing we want, he noted, is for students to think of STEM class as a “game.” It seemed evident that his students were learning and enjoying the challenge.
Abigail James (L) shares ideas.
Abigail James from the University of Virginia (and author of Teaching the Female Brain) addressed the topic of Girls and STEM: How to Get Them Involved. On why girls don’t seem to like STEM subjects, she noted that “Recent research says it is not due to stereotype threat, but due to the way that science and math are taught.” She then shared suggestions for capitalizing on the skills girls bring to class and for strategies such as encouraging schools to have students work with women scientists and engineers in the classroom or their places of work. She also advised attendees to “Get girls to solve their own problems; keep your hands in your pockets” rather than doing things for them.
Chris Triola "Put things in the hands of kids and watch what happens."
Why they come
By Lynn Petrinjak
Posted on 2012-03-29
I talked to a couple science educators earlier today about why they came to the NSTA National Conference in Indianapolis. Indiana resident John Sellers was looking for ideas to add to his curriculum. Peter Garik, who presented a session on science and engineering, wanted to share information on his program at Boston University and gather feedback from educators. Here’s what they had to say!
I talked to a couple science educators earlier today about why they came to the NSTA National Conference in Indianapolis. Indiana resident John Sellers was looking for ideas to add to his curriculum. Peter Garik, who presented a session on science and engineering, wanted to share information on his program at Boston University and gather feedback from educators. Here’s what they had to say!
Meeting attendees
By Lynn Petrinjak
Posted on 2012-03-29
I’ve met conference attendees from all over—including Washington, Tennessee, North Carolina, as well as many from Indiana. But not all the attendees I’ve met have been of the human variety. In the exhibit hall, a possum, a pair of penguins, a snake, and a screech owl were attracting a lot of attention.
I’ve met conference attendees from all over—including Washington, Tennessee, North Carolina, as well as many from Indiana. But not all the attendees I’ve met have been of the human variety. In the exhibit hall, a possum, a pair of penguins, a snake, and a screech owl were attracting a lot of attention.
Familiar sights in new places
By Lynn Petrinjak
Posted on 2012-03-29
Every NSTA conference has some things in common—particularly the crowd of people gathered outside the exhibit hall prior to the official opening. Regardless of whether we’re in Boston, New Orleans, or Indianapolis, there is always a crowd eager to get in the hall and see the latest and greatest from the vendors displaying and demonstrating their wares. The faces change, but there’s always a crowd!
I also talked to a Seattle, Washington, science educator this morning about what she’s looking forward to experiencing at the Crossroads of Science Education. Click to hear Katie Morrison share her expectations for the conference.
Lynn
Every NSTA conference has some things in common—particularly the crowd of people gathered outside the exhibit hall prior to the official opening.
At the 2012 national conference
By Peggy Ashbrook
Posted on 2012-03-29
Yesterday at the NSTA national conference was my treat for myself—the CESI Engineering Is Elementary Day. My father was a metallurgist, and later a ceramist. He was good at figuring out ways to fix things and understanding the properties of materials. I looked forward to learning more about his field in a way that I can use in mine, early childhood education, and I was not disappointed!
We were given a guided tour of what engineers do by doing engineering ourselves under the guidance of Sharlene Yang, professional development director and Katy Laguzza, senior curriculum/research assistant of Engineering Is Elementary at the Boston Museum of Science, and Family Engineering founders Mia Jackson and David Heil. And 
we met a real, live engineer who gave an inspiring talk about how to grow up to be an engineer, NASA engineer Heather Paul who is the lead engineer for the future spacesuit life support system design. (As part of her work Heather got to meet LeVar Burton of Star Trek and Reading Rainbow fame so you know I’m jealous.) If you are an elementary teacher these programs are designed for your students and their families. If you are a birth-to-preK teacher, get their materials for your own education and look for materials for the very young children coming from Family Engineering at some time in the future.
As I look over the sessions for the NSTA 2012 national conference, I see that I will have to revise my thinking about sessions labeled General Science Elementary or K-8. For a while I found that what was being presented was more appropriately called “Grades 3-5 and you can adjust it for younger students” but now I’m finding them more appropriate to early childhood than previously. Take a look at this session: the presenter has uploaded activity plans for preK- grade 5. Thank you Sharon Anibal for including preK!
Thursday, March 29 8:00–9:00 AM Indiana Convention Center, 212
Everybody Loves I.N.D.Y.C.A.R.S. (Incredible New Discoveries You Can Achieve Really Simply)!
Are you tired of driving in circles with the same old boring lessons? Zoom ahead of the pack and take the lead with these proven K–5 inquiry-based lessons. Presenter(s): Sharon R. Anibal (Missouri Botanical Garden: St. Louis, MO)
Where will you be today and tomorrow? If you’re at the conference, let other early childhood teachers know about sessions appropriate for this level.
Peggy
Yesterday at the NSTA national conference was my treat for myself—the CESI Engineering Is Elementary Day. My father was a metallurgist, and later a ceramist.