by Laura Henriques

More than 1,300 educators from across California came together in San Jose for three days of outstanding professional development. The general consensus is in – the 2012 California Science Education Conference was a big success!

The conference included more than 200 workshops of all science topics for grades preK-12! The ten focus speakers were invited to address issues of interest to the membership, and talked about the latest scientific research and science pedagogy in life, earth, and physical sciences. Short courses and field trips were also available to attendees. The short courses were 3- or 6-hour workshops on specific topics, including a new short course on primary science offered for the first time this year. It was particularly well received and is likely something that will continue in the future! There were three field trips this year: one to J. Lohr Winery for tasting and networking, one to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Reserve, and one to iFLY. Attendees came back from the iFly field trip ready to try skydiving for real! They learned about flight and terminal velocity along with two “flights” in the wind tunnel. (more…)

by Rick Pomeroy

12. Everyone who teaches is involved in science education. What better place to get up-to-date, California-focused information, than the California Science Education Conference?

11. There are great room rates at local hotels.

10. There will be a special short course and workshops devoted expressly to teaching science in primary grades (short course requires a ticket).

9. It’s fun.

8. Focus speakers will provide great insights into the science of our everyday lives.

7. Get the most current information about the Next Generation Science Standards.

6. Schmooze and shop with over 70 exhibitors and vendors for the newest cool science stuff.

5. Experience the thrill of sky diving without ever getting into an airplane. (Field course, requires a ticket) (more…)

by Lisa Hegdahl

Over the past few months, you’ve been kept up to date about the ongoing planning for the 2012 California Science Education Conference that will be held in San Jose on October 19-21.  So far, we’ve shared registration information, an online brochure, and online scheduling.  Information about all of these can be found on the CSTA website.

Did you know that you can also view a map of the Conference Exhibit Hall and get information about vendors who have already booked booths? It’s easy! Just go the CSTA website, click on the 2012 Conference link, then Exhibit Hall, then Current Floor Plan. When you hover your mouse over booths marked in orange, the name of the organization that has purchased that booth will appear. Click on the booth to get more information such as links to the organization’s website and e-mail address.  (more…)

by Lisa Hegdahl

By the time the California Science Education Conference is held in San Jose, October 19-21, the Next Generation of Science Standards (NGSS) will be nearing its final draft.  In anticipation of the interest science educators will have regarding the standards, the California Science Teachers Association will provide an NGSS strand during their annual conference.

Helen Quinn Photo Credit: Dan Quinn

The opening keynote speaker will be Helen Quinn, Emerita Professor of Physics at Stanford Linear Accelerator Center.  Helen Quinn assisted in the development of the California State Science Standards and was the chair of the National Academy of Sciences’ Committee on a Conceptual Framework for New K-12 Science Education Standards, the committee that authored A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas. Dr. Quinn is an authority on the Framework, the document that is guiding the development of the NGSS.

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by Lisa Hegdahl
Planning for the 2012 California Science Education Conference, to be held October 19-21, 2012 in San Jose is well under way. Reviews of Short Course proposals, communications with prospective guest speakers, and contracts with host hotels are all near completion.  Now it is your turn to get involved in the planning.

Instead of simply attending the California Science Education Conference, why not present a workshop?  It’s easy!  Think of all the amazing teaching that happens daily in your classroom, then share just one grade level specific lesson or strategy with fellow educators. Teachers, informal educators, university professors, professional developers, and other members of the science education community are invited to submit workshop proposals.

Not only do workshop presenters receive the fulfillment that comes from inspiring classroom teachers, CSTA provides one complimentary conference registration to the lead presenter of a workshop who is a member in good standing of CSTA through November 1, 2012. (See the CSTA website for information regarding non-CSTA members and co-presenters). The CSTA website also contains details regarding the workshop proposal review process, tips for writing a successful proposal, and information on how workshop presenters will be notified. But don’t wait – workshop proposals are due March 6.  To submit a proposal, log on to the CSTA website here. (more…)