Community :: Classroom Science

Community

Dec 12, 2018
admin

As I write this, CSTA’s 2018 California Science Education Conference has just come to a close. More than 3,000 educators joined together as a community in Pasadena, CA. I am always humbled to see the grand effort it takes to make this happen. We are always thankful to our sponsors. I also wanted to take the opportunity to thank the enthusiastic participants, presenters, exhibitors, volunteers, committee members, board members, and staff – an entire community gathering together to inspire and move us forward together.

Pictures say what words often cannot, so I offer a small photo journal of some of the behind the scenes moments to say thank you to all of you for making this community so wonderful!

CSTA runs on volunteer power and our conference committee is a prime example. They spend over a year planning and developing the conference and adding in a special local flavor. They spend countless hours during the conference welcoming speakers, changing signs, helping with registration – you name it!

Conference committee planning meeting

Conference committee members developing the first draft of conference sessions.

In addition to committee members, countless others volunteer to help out where needed making things run as smoothly as possible:

Volunteers checking in pre-conference day participants.

Volunteers moderating panel discussions.

Volunteers ready to check in attendees.

To the teams of educators who come out in full force to provide partner strands to support educators. This is a big lift for these teams to coordinate such an effort and we are so grateful. Here are photos from just a few of them:

California Science Project partner strand leaders

CANGSS K-8 Early Implementation Initiative Partner Strand (and thanks to Discovery Education for making it extra Jawsome).

Monterey Bay Aquarium partner strand

Pasadena Unified School District partner strand

To the teams who made the exciting field courses happen – from volunteer coordinators to host locations, we thank you for helping participants see some of the great science happening in our local communities:

Participants excited to visit JPL

The team that brought you the Science in your Beer

To those that step in when asked to help support our educators. From panelists, pre-conference presenters, to focus speakers:

Focus speaker, Dr. Mike Gunson of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Panelists from local industry sharing insights for college and career readiness

Marian Murphy-Shaw, coordinator of the Coaches/TOSA pre-conference event and Dawn O’Connor, presenter.

To the enthusiastic presenters and participants who make this conference so enriching!

Dr. Stephen Pruitt inspiring science leadership at the Coaches/TOSAs pre-conference event.

Dr. Jane Terranes of Scripps Institution of Oceanography helping to provide foundational content to Climate Summit Attendees.

To the exhibitors who work hard to support your work:

California Geological Survey

Exploratorium

I would be remiss not to give a nod to our gracious keynotes. Dr. Oreskes and Dr. Ram. Not only took time to carefully craft their message for the science education community, but they also challenge us to change our thinking and believe in the power of the work that we do.

Opening Keynote, Dr. Naomi Oreskes of Harvard University

Naomi Oreskes answering questions

Photo opportunity with Dr. Ram

Closing Keynote, Dr. V Ramanathan of Scripps Institution of Oceanography

This collection reminds me that we are a community, have much to learn from each other, and together – scientists and educators working side by side – can make a profound difference in the lives of students and in our world.

Thanks for making this a such a rewarding community to be a part of!

For more, check out this Twitter Moments Page

https://twitter.com/i/moments/1070074065728106496?from_editor=true

Can’t wait to see you all in San Jose in 2019!