I   Science: Igniting the Passion

At times, a teacher’s passion can be overwhelmed by frustration, fatigue, and cynicism.  Teachers are lifelong learners that inspire a passion for learning in their students and who inspire children to do great things.  It is important for teachers to not only know what they are doing in their classrooms but also to know why they do it to fuel their passion.  Our passion is what fuels our journey and makes it worthwhile and enjoyable.  This year’s conference is designed to recapture the passion that motivated us to become teachers and to inspire, rekindle, and build the capacity of teachers and educators as we stop and reflect while listening to the stories, insights, and reflections of our fellow educators, experts, and ourselves.  Conference sessions this year will focus on sharing best practices, resources, and ideas based on the following strands:

•  Strand 1: Passionate About Literacy to Fuel Deeper Scientific Understanding: A passion for reading and writing builds a strong foundation and love of scientific thinking and discovery.  This strand encompasses best practices in the integration of literacy within the context of the Georgia Standards of Excellence in Science designed to improve the student’s understanding and skills.  Sessions will focus on how literacy strategies can be used to increase the depth and breadth of the student’s scientific understanding and critical thinking skills.  

• Strand 2:  Passionate About Real-World Relevance of Science Through STEM/STEAM: Integration of STEM/STEAM in the science classroom connects scientific concepts and skills to the student’s world and brings relevance across the curriculum.  Sessions will focus on how STEM/STEAM can be integrated into lessons and activities that promote real-world problem-based learning that provide the student with a context for learning and achieving the goals of the Georgia Standards of Excellence in Science.  Best practices on how mathematics, technology, and engineering can be integrated into science lessons will be highlighted as a context for deeper scientific understanding.
  
   
• Strand 3:  Passionate About Three-Dimensional Science Practices:  Students achieve a stronger understanding of science when disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and cross-cutting concepts are woven together within student learning opportunities that explore real-world phenomena and allow students to solve authentic problems.  Sessions will focus on engaging teachers in exploring how to use a three-dimensional approach to teaching the Georgia Standards of Excellence in Science that results in authentic student products.

Submission Details:

The 2019 annual conference will be held February 14-16, in Columbus.  Session proposals will be accepted through November 9, 2018.  Members or nonmembers may submit a maximum of 3 session proposals.  All presenters must register and pay for the conference, which includes one year of GSTA membership, upon acceptance of the session proposal.  If you are a current GSTA member, then please log into your account before submitting your proposal.