Big Changes Are Coming to Science Classrooms: Prepare for 2025 with Activate Learning
Future-Proof Your Classroom with the Activate Learning Team at These Fall 2024 Science Education Events! 🚀
As 2025 approaches, the science education landscape is shifting rapidly and is on the brink of significant change. As we’ve covered in previous blog posts, emerging technologies like generative AI, new standards, and new pedagogical approaches are reshaping how we teach and learn science.
This fall, we’re bringing our future-ready curricula, tools, and strategies to science education conferences across the country. From the East Coast to the West, the Activate Learning team will be on hand to guide teachers through choosing and implementing innovative, NGSS-aligned curricula that engage all students. We can't wait to meet educators gearing up for the mind-blowing changes ahead!
You’ll have the opportunity to participate in our interactive workshop sessions that will offer you hands-on experience with our K-12 programs including PRIME K-5, IQWST, and OpenSciEd middle school and high school. These sessions will demonstrate how our unique storyline approach and phenomena-based learning keep students engaged and will give you practical strategies you can use in your classroom immediately.
But that’s not all! Visit our booth to test-drive the Activate Learning Digital Platform and our brand-new Insights Assessments tool. These cutting-edge resources are designed to help you adapt to the changing educational landscape and provide the tools you need to engage all learners.
Whether you’re curious about integrating NGSS-aligned techniques into your teaching, exploring our curricula, or looking for ways to make your science classroom more inclusive and engaging, our team will be at every event to answer your questions. We understand that big changes are on the horizon, and we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way!
Don’t miss this chance to get ahead of the curve and prepare for the 2025 school year and beyond. More event details will be announced soon, so subscribe to our email list and stay tuned for updates. 🚀
Fall 2024 Science Education Conference Schedule 📅
RISTA 2024 Conference
October 5 | Kingston, RI
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The Rhode Island Science Teachers Association (RISTA) will host its 2024 Conference with the theme "Making Science Phenomenal!" at the University of Rhode Island's Kingston Campus.
This exciting event brings together educators, researchers, and professionals dedicated to advancing science education. Attendees will hear from keynote speaker Jim Short, program director of Carnegie Corporation's Education program, and participate in four blocks of workshop presentations covering various levels and disciplines. The conference promises to offer engaging activities, new teaching methods, and valuable resources for all attendees.
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Activate Learning Session:
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Using Phenomena, Coherence, and Modeling in Science Classrooms to Meet NGSS
Date/Time: Saturday, October 5th, 12:55PM-1:45PM
Location: Room 130
An Introduction to OpenSciEd an HQIMMaking the pedagogical shifts to meet NGSS can be challenging and confusing. Terms like 3-dimensional teaching, anchoring phenomenon, and modeling leave many teachers unsure of what instruction is supposed to look like and what exactly is being asked of them. Teachers find the use of a high-quality instructional program helpful in making the shifts to meet the NGSS while ensuring success on the state test. Learn how we support teachers and students in the use of our HQIM, OpenSciEd.
WASTA 2024 Conference
October 12 | Liberty Lake, WA
The Washington State Science Teachers Association (WASTA) will host its 2024 Conference, the state's premier science and environmental education. This hybrid event, held at Ridgeline High School in Liberty Lake, offers both in-person and virtual attendance options.
Featuring keynote speaker Hazen Audel, the conference promises exciting presentations, outdoor learning adventures, and networking opportunities. The event focuses on three key strands: Three-Dimensional Science, Student Learning and Inclusion, and Place-Based Learning. Attendees can expect high-quality professional development, STEM clock hours, and access to vendors showcasing the latest in science education resources, ensuring that your time and effort will be well spent. With pre-events on October 11th and a new virtual format, WASTA 2024 is set to deliver valuable learning experiences for science educators across Washington and beyond.
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Activate Learning Session:
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Transitioning to a Phenomenon-based Learning Space with OpenSciEd High School
Date/Time: Saturday, October 12th, 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Location: Room 10
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Deep learning is achieved when students are presented with phenomenon they can’t initially explain. By employing science practices students develop an explanation for phenomenon through investigations and evidence-based argumentation. This session highlights the transition of high school science courses to phenomenon-based instruction that focus on student sensemaking.
ISTA 2024 Annual Conference
October 14 | Naperville, IL
The Illinois Science Teaching Association (ISTA) will host its 2024 Annual Conference at the NIU Naperville Campus, focusing on preparing students to analyze and interpret data for informed decision-making. This one-day event is structured around three key threads: Planning Purposefully, Making Methods Meaningful, and Situating Science in the Classroom.
Attendees can expect workshops and sessions that explore designing embedded three-dimensional assessments, implementing effective science pedagogy, and integrating science with other disciplines like ELA, mathematics, and computer science. With opportunities for educators to present sessions and engage with exhibitors, ISTA 2024 promises to be a collaborative and enriching experience for science teachers across Illinois.
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Activate Learning Sessions:
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- An Engaging OpenSciEd Interactive Digital Platform
Date/Time:TBA
Location: TBA
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Activate Learning partners with OpenSciEd to create a digital learning platform where students benefit from an interactive, engaging online experience. Our fully aligned platform supports students’ sensemaking as well as the teacher workflow. Experience firsthand how to enhance OSE using digital.
. - Storylines and the OpenSciEd Instructional Model
Date/Time:TBA
Location: TBA
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In OpenSciEd students encounter puzzling phenomena that elicit a variety of questions to motivate learning. Storylines helps teachers and students advance through a unit using five routines—activities that play specific roles in supporting the students’ sensemaking. Experience the routines with us.
- An Engaging OpenSciEd Interactive Digital Platform
NJSC 2024 Annual Conference
October 15-16 | Princeton, NJ
The 48th Annual New Jersey Science Convention (NJSC) returns with the theme "New Frontiers in Science and Technology," celebrating nearly five decades of service to science education. Held at the Princeton Marriott Forrestal, this two-day event caters to K-12 science educators from New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
The convention offers diverse sessions focusing on three-dimensional/NGSS lessons across all science disciplines, emphasizing integrating new technologies and promoting culturally responsive, equitable classrooms. Attendees will be able to hear from keynote speaker Dr. Heather Lynch, a renowned Quantitative Ecologist and National Geographic Explorer.
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Activate Learning Sessions:
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- The OpenSciEd Instructional Model: Routines for Advancing Students Through a Storyline (OpenSciEd Middle School)
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 15, 11:15AM-12:15PM
Location: Mercer
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Using a storyline approach we’ll navigate through the OpenSciEd model using five routines - activities that play specific roles in advancing the storyline with structures to help students through their sensemaking.
- The OpenSciEd Instructional Model: Routines for Advancing Students Through a Storyline (OpenSciEd Middle School)
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- Reach New Heights with the Activate Learning Interactive Digital Edition of OpenSciEd (OpenSciEd Grades 6 - 12)
Date/Time: Wednesday, October 16, 2:30PM-3:30PM
Location: Lowrie
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This engaging session introduces an interactive digital edition version of OpenSciEd. While engaged in an OSE lesson learn the different features students have available to use in their interactive student edition.
- Reach New Heights with the Activate Learning Interactive Digital Edition of OpenSciEd (OpenSciEd Grades 6 - 12)
NATS 2024 Fall Conference
October 17 - 19 | Kearney, NE
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Attention Nebraska science educators! Mark your calendars for the Fall Conference on October 17-19, 2024, at the UNK campus in Kearney, Nebraska. Join us for a day of learning, networking, and fun! Start planning your trip now and get ready for an unforgettable experience. We can't wait to see you there!
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Activate Learning Sessions:
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- More information coming soon!
TSTA 2024 Fall Conference
October 17 - 19 | Murfreesboro, TN
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The Tennessee Science Teachers Association (TSTA) will host its 2024 Fall Conference with the theme "Tennessee Science: There's More to Explore!" As the state's leading science and STEM organization for formal and non-formal educators, TSTA promises an enriching three-day event filled with workshops, exhibits, and networking opportunities.
The conference features three key strands: packing your "LUGGAGE" with teaching and assessment standards, stamping your "PASSPORT" with inclusive instructional practices, and booking your "TRANSPORTATION" to innovate and collaborate globally. Attendees will hear from keynote speaker Dr. Rosa Vasquez Espinoza, a National Geographic Explorer, during the opening session in addition to morning and afternoon workshops, an exhibit hall, and an evening reception.
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Activate Learning Sessions:
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- Enhancing Equitable Discussions Using Scientists Circles (OpenSciEd Middle School)
Date/Time: Friday, October 18th at 9:15 AM - 10:05 AM - Location: Cambridge B
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Learn how Scientists Circles support equitable and meaningful classroom discussions. Create opportunities in your lessons in which all students’ thinking, experiences, and ideas for further exploration can be leveraged for building a culture where students are positioned as knowers and thinkers. While not required, participants may want to bring a device to access the free resources for OpenSciEd.
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- Enhancing Equitable Discussions Using Scientists Circles (OpenSciEd Middle School)
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- An Engaging Introduction into OpenSciEd for High School
Date/Time: Friday, October 18th at 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
Location: Cambridge B
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Learn about transitioning HS science courses to phenomenon-based instruction putting students at the center of the learning process. See how students develop explanations for phenomena by doing the science! Experience how OpenSciEd can be used to achieve the goal of moving to 3-dimensional instruction.
- An Engaging Introduction into OpenSciEd for High School
NMSTA 2024 Fall Conference
October 19 | Albuquerque, NM
The New Mexico Science Teachers Association (NMSTA) will host its 2024 Fall Conference at the Dominici Center on the University of New Mexico campus. This three-day event kicks off on Friday evening with registration and possible workshops, followed by a full day of activities on Saturday, including a keynote address by William Penuel.
The conference will feature a diverse program of traditional presentations, interactive sessions, share fairs, and exhibitor displays. Attendees will have ample opportunities for social networking and can participate in morning field trips on Sunday. NMSTA 2024 will offer educational sessions, hands-on activities, and exploration opportunities.
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Activate Learning Session:
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- Enhancing Equitable Discussions Using Scientists Circles (OpenSciEd Middle School)
Date/Time: TBA
Location: TBA
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Learn how Scientists Circles support equitable and meaningful classroom discussions. Create opportunities in your lessons in which all students’ thinking, experiences, and ideas for further exploration can be leveraged for building a culture where students are positioned as knowers and thinkers. While not required, participants may want to bring a device to access the free resources for OpenSciEd.
- Enhancing Equitable Discussions Using Scientists Circles (OpenSciEd Middle School)
MSELA 2024 Fall Conference
October 25 | Marlborough, MA
Leading the Learning: Engaging Young Citizens Through Science
When: Friday, October 25, 2024
Where: Courtyard Marriott, 75 Felton Street, Marlborough, MA
Visit the Activate Learning booth to learn more about the Activate Learning Certified Version of OpenSciEd Middle School and High School science kits, print and digital curriculum content, and professional learning services!
MnCOSE 2024 Conference on Science Education
November 1 | St. Cloud, MN
The Minnesota Science Teachers Association (MnSTA) will celebrate its 60th Anniversary with the 2024 Conference on Science Education (MnCOSE24) at Saint Cloud State University. This three-day event kicks off with a Halloween welcome reception on Thursday evening, followed by two full days of sessions and workshops.
MnCOSE24 features a mix of longer workshops and shorter presentation sessions, with six sessions on Friday and three on Saturday morning, catering to diverse learning preferences. Educators will have the opportunity to explore the implementation of Minnesota's 2019 science standards, with dedicated sessions for sharing experiences by grade and content area. The event also includes an exhibit hall featuring both commercial and non-profit educational resources (visit the Activate Learning booth!). Friday night will feature a special 60th Anniversary celebration in the Underground at SCSU!
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Activate Learning Session:
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- An Engaging Introduction into OpenSciEd for High School
Date/Time: Friday, November 1st, 10:20 AM - 11:10 AM
Location: TBA
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Learn about transitioning HS science courses to phenomenon-based instruction putting students at the center of the learning process. See how students develop explanations for phenomena by doing the science! Experience how OSE can be used to achieve the goal of moving to 3-dimensional instruction. Participants will investigate a 3-dimensional high school biology lesson from the OpenSciEd curriculum to try to figure out big ideas about ecosystem energy flow, carrying capacity, and interactions.
- An Engaging Introduction into OpenSciEd for High School
OSTA 2024 Annual Conference
November 2 | Eugene, OR
The Oregon Science Teachers Association (OSTA) will host its 62nd Annual Conference on Science Education at Roosevelt Middle School in Eugene, centered on the theme "Uniquely Oregon." This one-day event celebrates the state's diverse geography, cultures, and scientific endeavors through three main threads inspired by Oregon Public Broadcasting programs: "Oregon Field Guide," "Oregon Experience," and "All Science, No Fiction."
Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of sessions, covering everything from local natural phenomena and outdoor education to the integration of Oregon's rich history in science classrooms and the latest research happening across the state.
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Activate Learning Session:
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- Transitioning to a Phenomenon-based Learning Space with OpenSciEd High School
Date/Time: TBA
Location: TBA
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Deep learning is achieved when students are presented with phenomenon they can’t initially explain. By employing science practices students develop an explanation for phenomenon through investigations and evidence-based argumentation. This session highlights the transition of high school science courses to phenomenon-based instruction that focus on student sensemaking.
- Transitioning to a Phenomenon-based Learning Space with OpenSciEd High School
ASTA 2024 Annual Conference
November 8 | Pheonix, AZ
The Arizona Science Teachers Association (ASTA) will celebrate its 70th anniversary with the 2024 conference themed "Voyages of Discovery: Charting the Uncharted in Science Education" at the Delta Hotel-Marriott.
This two-day event will bring together over 300 PreK through post-secondary educators, featuring professional development on three-dimensional science lessons, sessions on inclusive science instruction and technology integration, and a keynote address by the Amoeba Sisters on science misconceptions. The conference will also include an exhibit hall and recognition of outstanding science teachers!
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Activate Learning Session:
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- OpenSciEd Instructional Model: Routines for Advancing Students Through a Storyline
Date/Time: TBA
Location: TBA
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In OpenSciEd students are presented with puzzling phenomena to elicit questions that motivate the learning. To help teachers and students advance through a unit storyline, the instructional model takes advantage of five routines—activities that play specific roles in advancing the storyline with supports to help students with sensemaking.
- OpenSciEd Instructional Model: Routines for Advancing Students Through a Storyline
NSTA 2024 New Orleans
November 7-9 | New Orleans, LA
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The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) will host its Fall 2024 National Conference in New Orleans, focusing on sparking creativity in science and STEM education. This four-day event features five key strands: STEM Haven (transdisciplinary learning), Tech Tools (including AI in education), Students and Sensemaking, Curriculum & Assessment, and Research to Practice.
Attendees can look forward to a wide range of sessions blending professional growth with the unique energy and culture of New Orleans. The conference provides educators innovative strategies, cutting-edge tools, and research-based practices to enhance K-12 STEM education. Activate Learning will have plenty of workshop sessions, activities, and networking events, so stay tuned for updates!
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Activate Learning Sessions:
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- Creating a Driving Question Board that Supports Students’ Ongoing Sensemaking (OpenSciEd Middle School)
Date/Time: Thursday, November 7, 8:00AM - 9:00AM
Location: Room 252
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The Driving Question Board (DQB) is an essential tool used throughout OpenSciEd units to generate, keep track of, and revisit student questions around the anchoring and related phenomenon. Join the collaborative fun finding ideas for developing, maintaining, and revisiting this exciting representation of students’ learning.
. - Encouraging Equitable Participation During a Discussion in the OpenSciEd HS Classroom
Date/Time: Thursday, November 7, 10:50AM - 11:50AM
Location: Room 252
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Classroom communities make sense of what’s being investigated through discussions; it’s key to ensuring all students’ ideas are shared and valued. This session focuses on discussion types used to help draw out student ideas, negotiate and refine them, and support communicating in scientific ways.
. - Supporting Students’ Communication Using Differentiated Strategies (IQWST Middle School)
Date/Time: Thursday, November 7, 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Location: Room 252
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Learn how to enhance students’ overall communication in and out of the science classroom throughout their learning. Delve deeper into topics that include listening using classroom norms, strategies that help students with short response, and how to enhance students’ use of the Claim Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) framework.
. - EarthComm – A System Approach to Teaching Earth Science (High School)
Date/Time: Thursday, November 7, 2:20PM - 3:20PM
Location: Room 252
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Get a close look at the pedagogical strategies of a highly acclaimed Earth Science book. Developed by the American Geoscience Institute, this book relies on student-centered activities, students doing science! Take part in several activities and connect with other earth science teachers.
. - Enhancing Equitable Discussions Using Scientists Circles
Date/Time: Thursday, November 7, 3:40PM - 4:40PM
Location: Room 252
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Learn how Scientists Circles support equitable and meaningful classroom discussions. Create opportunities in your lessons in which all students’ thinking, experiences, and ideas for further exploration can be leveraged for building a culture where students are positioned as knowers and thinkers.
- Creating a Driving Question Board that Supports Students’ Ongoing Sensemaking (OpenSciEd Middle School)
KSTA 2024 Annual Conference
November 8-9 | Bowling Green, KY
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The Kentucky Science Teachers Association (KSTA) will host its 2024 Annual Conference at the Knicely Conference Center in Bowling Green. This two-day event, Kentucky's largest science education gathering, will offer over 40 sessions, an exhibit hall with 24+ exhibitors, and networking opportunities for P-20 educators.
Highlights include a keynote address by astronaut John Shoffner, featured sessions by author Dr. Patrick Brown, and an evening social with Kimball Green from the General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant. The conference will culminate in an awards reception at the National Corvette Museum, providing attendees with a mix of professional development, cutting-edge resources, and unique local experiences.
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Activate Learning Session:
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- The OpenSciEd Instructional Model: Routines for Advancing Students Through a Storyline
Date/Time: Friday November 8th, 10:25 AM - 11:40 AM
Location: TBA
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In the OpenSciEd Instructional Model students are presented with puzzling phenomena that elicit a variety of questions that motivate the learning in the unit. These anchoring phenomena draw students into the storyline by presenting the natural challenge of explaining something or solving a problem. Other phenomena may be introduced at key points in a storyline to maintain interest or push students to delve more deeply.
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To help teachers and students advance through a unit storyline, the instructional model takes advantage of five routines—activities that play specific roles in advancing the storyline with supports to help students achieve the objectives of those activities. The routines typically follow a pattern as students kick off a unit of study, surface and investigate different questions they have, put the pieces together from those investigations, and then problematize the next set of questions to investigate.
- The OpenSciEd Instructional Model: Routines for Advancing Students Through a Storyline
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- Reach New Heights with the Activate Learning Interactive Digital Edition of OpenSciEd
Date/Time: Saturday, November 9th, 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Location: TBA
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Activate Learning has partnered with OpenSciEd to create a digital learning platform where students can benefit from an interactive, engaging online experience when using the OpenSciEd curriculum. Students can record their observations and reasoning and receive feedback from teachers. Students benefit from modeling supports like drawing tools and stamps, as well as writing supports with sentence starters and reading supports through recorded audio, highlighting, and annotations. The OSE lessons are designed and aligned to the Framework and the NGSS/Kentucky Academic Standards for Science. They are based on research regarding how students learn, what motivates learning, and the implications for teaching. Throughout the session we will explore the explicit connections to the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science. so participants walk away feeling confident to explore an open resource available to them, even if they don’t use the Activate Learning IDE.
- Reach New Heights with the Activate Learning Interactive Digital Edition of OpenSciEd
CASE 2024 Annual Conference
November 8-10 | Sacramento, CA
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The California Association of Science Educators (CASE) will host its 2024 Science Education Conference in Sacramento, marking a return to Northern California. This three-day event promises a rich program of dynamic workshops, engaging presentations, and networking opportunities for science educators across the state.
Attendees can expect to explore cutting-edge teaching strategies, participate in hands-on activities, and collaborate with peers to shape the future of science education. With early bird registration available until September 23 and special discounts for CASE members, the conference aims to be an inspiring professional development opportunity for California's science education community.
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Activate Learning Sessions:
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- Encouraging Equitable Participation During a Discussion in the HS Classroom
Date/Time: Friday, November 8th, 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Location: Room B5, Sacramento Convention Center
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Classroom communities make sense of investigations through discussions; it’s key to ensuring all ideas are shared and valued. This session focuses on discussion types used to help draw out ideas, negotiate and refine them, and support communicating in scientific ways.
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- Encouraging Equitable Participation During a Discussion in the HS Classroom
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- Enhancing Equitable Discussions Using Scientists Circles
Date/Time: Saturday, November 9th, 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Location: Room B5, Sacramento Convention Center
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Learn how Scientists Circles support equitable and meaningful classroom discussions. Create opportunities in lessons in which all students’ thinking, experiences, and ideas for further exploration can be leveraged for building a culture where students are positioned as knowers and thinkers.
- Enhancing Equitable Discussions Using Scientists Circles
CAST 2024 Annual Conference
November 14 - 16 | San Antonio, CA
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It's time to connect with new ideas, innovative teaching strategies and resources, and science educators from all corners of Texas. Experience the energy of CAST24 this November 14–16 in San Antonio. Presented by the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT), the in-person 3-day professional learning conference showcases hundreds of educational sessions, a massive exhibit hall, and countless opportunities for connection.
Visit the Activate Learning booth in the exhibit hall to explore our TEKS Standards-Aligned Texas Integrated Physics and Chemistry curriculum, certified OpenSciEd materials for Middle School & High School, and ask about the our coveted "Deep in the Heart of Science" t-shirts!
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