ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thousands of teachers will explore science and science education at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Area Conference on Science Education in Charlotte, taking place Nov. 7-9. Held in conjunction with the North Carolina Science Teachers Association, the conference features hundreds of workshops, presentations, and seminars focused on helping science teachers sharpen their teaching skills. Participants from across North Carolina and neighboring states will discuss the hottest topics in science education, including the Next Generation Science Standards, implementing engineering practices into the science classroom, Common Core State Standards, real-world application of STEM concepts, and how to enhance science instruction through the use of technology. The conference will be held at the Charlotte Convention and other local venues.
The three-day conference offers educators an invaluable opportunity to participate in professional development activities, the cornerstone of quality teaching. Science educators will take part in a variety of short courses to sharpen their teaching skills, learn about the latest breakthroughs in science, examine the newest science teaching materials available, and network with fellow science education professionals.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear thought-provoking presentations from nationally renowned speakers in science and education. Top speakers include:
- Danny Forster, TV host of the Science Channel series Build It Bigger and chief architecture and engineering expert for Discovery Education, will share his experience traveling the world in search of incredible feats of architecture and engineering;
- Stephen L. Pruitt from Achieve, Inc., will give an update on adoption and implementation efforts of the Next Generation Science Standards and address the shifts needed for science instruction; and
- David Warlick, an early adopter and promoter of technology in the classroom, will share his enthusiasm and contagious passion for helping people discover a brand-new world of teaching and learning in the science classroom.
Another highlight of the conference will be a featured panel on “How to Get Your Students to Think, Problem Solve, and Achieve Using STEM.” The panel—comprised of local North Carolina STEM education and engineering experts—includes:
- Donald Blackmon, Freshman Lecturer, Academic Advisor, and Director of the Leadership Academy in the Lee College of Engineering at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte;
- Laura Bottomley, Director of the Women in Engineering and K-12 Outreach in the College of Engineering at the University of North Carolina-Raleigh;
- Greg Tucker, Engineering Teacher, Charlotte Catholic High School, Charlotte, N.C.; and
- Terence (Terry) D. Jordan (moderator), Director of Industrial Solutions Lab in the College of Engineering at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
When not attending back-to-back sessions and workshops, attendees can browse NSTA’s popular Exhibit Hall where more than 100 companies and organizations will be exhibiting state-of-the-art science materials and products. Attendees will be able to learn about the latest science education materials, laboratory equipment and computer hardware and software available.
The NSTA Charlotte Area Conference on Science Education will begin with concurrent sessions on Thursday, November 7 at 8 a.m. and will conclude at noon on Saturday, November 9, with the closing of the exhibits. Teachers interested in attending the conference can register onsite at the convention center. For updated information about the conference, visit http://www.nsta.org/conferences/area2.aspx.
About NSTA
The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), www.nsta.org, is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes more than 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.
