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NSTA Hosts Nation's Largest Gathering of Science Teachers April 6-9 in Anaheim, California

Posted on: Monday, 3 April 2006, 09:00 CDT

ARLINGTON, Va., April 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The largest gathering of science teachers in the country will occur this week in Anaheim at the National Science Teachers Association's (NSTA) 54th National Conference on Science Education to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center, April 6-9. Approximately 12,000 teachers will tackle important issues in science education, including the teaching of evolution, science and math education and the current and future workforce, and preparation for the upcoming NCLB testing requirements in science. They will also share ideas about best teaching practices and hear from world-renowned leaders in the profession.

Following are highlights of the event: * Jean-Michel Cousteau: Son of famous ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau will kick-off the conference as the General Session speaker (Thurs., Apr. 6, 11-12:30). * Kitzmiller v. Dover: The Trial of "Intelligent Design": Key advisors and players in the trial, including Eugenie Scott from the National Center for Science Education; biology textbook author Ken Miller; and ACLU legal director Vic Walczak, and others, will recount the challenges, stakes, strategy, and outcome of this important trial (Thurs., Apr. 6, 2-3:30 p.m.). * Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, co-hosts of Discovery Channel's popular MythBusters will demonstrate their unique style of discovering what's fact and what's fiction (Sat., April 8, 8 p.m.). * NSTA Exhibition Hall: From rockets and butterfly houses to portable planetariums, thousands of teachers will see and explore the latest laboratory equipment, innovative education materials, toys, textbooks, and more at this one-of-a-kind interactive exhibit. Hours: Thurs., Apr. 6: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thurs., Apr. 6: 5-7 p.m. (special ceremony and reception) Fri., Apr. 7: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., Apr. 8: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. * K-12 Science and the Current and Future Workforce: Local, state, and national leaders in science education and members of the business community will address science education in the context of current and future workforce needs. Presenters: Bonnie Brunkhorst (California State University); Brenda Evans (North Carolina Department of Public Instruction); Terri Bowman (Alabama Governor's Summit on Science and Math Education); Michael Klentschy (El Centro School District, El Centro, CA); Dean C. Gilbert (Los Angeles County Office of Education); and Lori Thompson (CAPSI, Arcadia, CA). (Fri., April 7, 2-3 p.m.) * America's Pressing Challenge-Building a Stronger Foundation: Report to the Nation on the State of K-12 Education from the National Science Board: JoAnne Vasquez, a member of the National Science Board and former NSTA President will discuss how the future of the nation resides in and depends greatly upon teachers and the quality of learning. With demands made upon teachers and administrators to raise test scores in reading and mathematics, science has been pushed to the backburner for years; however, the No Child Left Behind Act is now calling for science testing to begin. (Fri., Apr. 7, 3:30-4:30 p.m.) * Other top speakers include Stanley Goldenberg, from the Hurricane Research Division of NOAA who will present Hurricanes: Lessons Learned (Fri., Apr. 7, 1:30-3 p.m.); Jose Borrero, from the University of Southern California, who will present A Decade of Tsunami Research and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami (Sat., Apr. 8, 1:30-3 p.m.); and Bill Nye, on-air host of Noggin Television (Sat., Apr. 8, 9:30-11:30 a.m.).

In addition, the following special events are planned in conjunction with the NSTA Conference:

* Professional Development Institutes: NSTA will hold the popular Professional Development Institutes that will bring together leading science education experts, including BSCS; Concord Consortium, Lawrence Hall of Science, and many others. (Wed., Apr. 5, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.) * Research Dissemination Conference: Nationally known experts will share their National Science Foundation-funded research on the multiple forms, roles, and contexts for student assessment in science. (Thurs., Apr. 6, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.) * Science for Young Learners Day: NSTA will hold a special day of events to provide PreK-2 teachers with hands-on science workshops, speakers, and other activities designed to help bring the joys of science to young students. (Sat., Apr. 8, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)

The Arlington, Va.-based National Science Teachers Association 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.

National Science Teachers Association

CONTACT: Cindy Workosky of NSTA, +1-703-312-9248 (office), or +1-703-798-8744 (cell), or cworkosky@nsta.org, or On-site press room beginning Apr. 6,+1-714-765-2028

Web Site: http://www.nsta.org/main/pressreg

Source: PRNewswire

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