By Melissa Marcucci, CASE President-Elect

The recent California Science Education Conference held in Sacramento was an exhilarating and highly anticipated event, marking a triumphant return to the city after years of virtual or hybrid formats. 

The conference brought together science educators from across the state, and the turnout was outstanding, with many first-time attendees eager to connect, learn, and share their passion for science education. The energy in the air was palpable as members of the California Association of Science Educators (CASE) gathered to engage in professional development, explore new resources, and collaborate with colleagues. Faces lit up with joy as old friends reunited and new connections were made. The enthusiasm was contagious, and it was evident that everyone was thrilled to be back in Sacramento.

It was inspiring to witness so many faces—old friends reconnecting, new colleagues forming connections—come together with a shared mission to continue to shape the future of science education in California.

For me personally, the joy of seeing everyone engage in this powerful exchange of ideas was truly uplifting. The conference theme—Ignite Curiosity, Inspire Discovery, Illuminate Minds—was evident throughout the event, from the vibrant discussions in the halls to the inspiring keynotes and hands-on sessions. It was a moment of collective energy, a reminder of why we, as educators, are so committed to fostering curiosity in our students and creating environments where they can discover, explore, and ultimately illuminate their own paths.

The CASE booth was a center of activity throughout the conference. Members eagerly gathered to pick up pins, stickers, and promotional materials, while many took the opportunity to join committees or sign up for CASE membership. The booth was also a great place to discuss ways to get colleagues involved and continue growing our community. It was heartening to see so many passionate educators eager to contribute to the shared goal of equitable science education in California.
 

The opening keynote by Dr. Victor Minces, who shared the Physics of Sound, was an exciting start to the event. His combination of theoretical concepts and interactive, hands-on activities brought the science of acoustics to life in a way that was both engaging and educational. When he said, “Some of you tell people, ‘I can’t sing’...but you're wrong. We can all sing. We can all produce art. And we can all be scientists.” Minces' inventive demonstrations gave attendees the tools to better understand sound waves, frequency, and the science behind everyday objects—from musical instruments to the physics of the human ear. His approach not only sparked curiosity but also ignited a sense of wonder that carried through the entire conference.

Dr. Victor Minces

Making Music

Making Music

The closing keynote by Dr. Christopher Emdin was inspiring, as he shared his groundbreaking research on culturally relevant pedagogy and how it shapes science education. Dr. Emdin’s work advocates for rethinking traditional teaching methods to better engage students from diverse and underserved communities. His research emphasizes creating spaces where students’ cultural identities are celebrated and where they see science as something that connects to their lives. The powerful message of inclusivity and empowerment resonated deeply with all who attended, reinforcing the collective responsibility we have as educators to ensure that every student feels represented and capable of success in the sciences.

San Joaquin COE poses with keynote speaker Dr. Christopher Emdin after his inspiring presentation.

Dr. Christopher Emdin energizes the audience, walking through the crowd during his keynote.

The presenters throughout the conference brought fresh, innovative ideas to the table, especially in their hands-on workshops. These inventive activities—many of which attendees could immediately apply in their classrooms—set the conference apart from others and showed the true depth of ingenuity and passion in California’s science education community.

Reflecting on the conference, I feel immense pride in the work we are doing together to advance science education in our state. The connections made, the knowledge shared, and the commitment to equity in education are powerful forces that will continue to shape the future of science education in California. I left the conference feeling inspired, energized, and more certain than ever that we are on the right path to igniting curiosity, inspiring discovery, and illuminating minds across the state.

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