How One Conference Plans to Improve STEM Participation

The 2019-2020 academic year is in full swing, but a significant industry event will take place before schools pause for winter break.

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Conference of Science Education is scheduled for December 12-14 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, Wash.

Delivering the keynote address is Nalini M. Nadkarni, a professor in the Department of Biology and STEMAP Director at the University of Utah. The speech will take place on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 9:15 a.m. PT.

Professional development is a staple of any quality industry event, and this year’s conference will focus on three distinct strands for educators to pursue.

Providing STEM Pathways for the Future

Being a science organization’s conference, the emphasis in this strand is on broadening science opportunities for students from the beginning of their academic careers. Educators will learn through this strand how to better provide such opportunities for their pupils, even those just entering pre-K.

Building Partnerships for Effective Science Education

Collaboration is important in and profession and this skill starts in the classroom. This strand will help participants realize the importance of a team-oriented learning environment. In the science field, these partnerships are particularly important, but relationships with peers in other fields also spur growth in and out of the classroom or work world.

Finding Joy in Experiencing Science

Simply put, to encourage more participation in science and STEM fields, students must enjoy it. Opportunities to participate in science projects and courses is imperative to this enjoyment, but through this strand educators will become familiar with ways to engage in the science field and how to promote STEM learning.

Also at this year’s event is an opportunity to earn one or two graduate-level credits in professional development. Dominican University of California will credit the course #9039. More details can be found on the event’s website here.