Science Teachers From Across the Country Convene in San Francisco for NSTA’s 59th National Conference on Science Education

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning, will meet in San Francisco March 10–13 for its 59^th National Conference on Science Education. At this year’s conference, participants from across the country will learn about the latest in science content, teaching strategy and research; network with fellow education professionals; and hear thought-provoking presentations from world-renowned scientists and educators. The conference will be held at the Moscone Center and nearby hotels.

“Science—It’s Not a Book of Knowledge…It’s a Journey.”

Designed to enhance and expand science educators’ professional growth, the four-day conference will feature thousands of hands-on workshops, presentations about the latest breakthroughs in science, and demonstrations covering every discipline, grade level and teaching focus. Teachers will discuss popular topics, including the next generation of science education standards; how to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning; evolution; and much more.

Kicking off the conference is the Science Matters National Town Hall Meeting, sponsored by Northrop Grumman. During this special interactive forum, speakers including; Helen Quinn, Chair of the Board on Science Education at The National Academies; Dennis Bartels, Executive Director of the Exploratorium; Rick Pomeroy, President of the California Science Teachers Association (CSTA); and Ted Imes, Director of Corporate Citizenship for Northrop Grumman; will discuss science education in California and compare its present state to trends nationwide.

On Thursday, March 10, representatives from the National Research Council, Achieve and NSTA will join together in a featured panel—Next Generation of Science Education Standards—to update educators on the efforts to create a framework for the new K-12 science education standards, including a timeline for the remaining work, and how science teachers are involved in the process.

At the Improving STEM Teaching and Education—Superintendents’ Symposium, taking place Friday, March 11, an expert panel of California school superintendents will discuss and recommend ways to improve STEM teaching and learning. Panelists including; Carlos Garcia, Superintendent, San Francisco Unified School District; San Francisco, Calif.; William M. Habermehl, Superintendent, Orange County Dept. of Education: Costa Mesa, Calif.; Kevin Harrigan, Superintendent, Newark Unified School District: Newark, Calif.; and Steve Stavis, Superintendent, Santa Clara Unified School District: Santa Clara, Calif.; will also talk about some of the challenges associated with STEM education in the U.S.

The keynote conference speaker is Jeff Goldstein, astrophysicist and director of the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE), who will present, “Science—It’s Not a Book of Knowledge…It’s a Journey.” Other prominent speakers include Dr. Bernard Harris, NASA Astronaut and President of the Harris Foundation, who will lead attendees in a dynamic discussion about his touring Educational Forum series, Listening to America. Evolution Expert Eugenie C. Scott, Executive Director at the National Center for Science Education, Inc., will give a presentation about what teachers should do when students, parents, or administrators make claims that evolution is not scientific.

In addition, more than 400 companies and organizations from across the country will display the latest, state-of-the-art science education materials, tools, products, and services available in NSTA’s Exhibition of Science Teaching Materials.

The NSTA National Conference on Science Education begins on Thursday, March 10 at 8 a.m. and will conclude at noon on Sunday, March 13. Teachers interested in attending the conference can register onsite at the Moscone Center. For updated information about the conference, visit http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2011san/?lid=tnav.

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 approximately 60,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.

Note to Reporters: Members of the working press who wish to attend the conference will be given complimentary conference badges. To register, email Kate Falk at kfalk@nsta.org. Reporters can also register onsite at the NSTA press registration counter, located in the attendee registration area at the Moscone Center (Hours: March 10, 8-5 p.m.; March 11, 8-5 p.m.; and March 12, 8-5 p.m.)