A program of:

Alaska Statewide Math and Science Conference

The Alaska Science Teachers Association (ASTA) and the Alaska Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ACTM) are hosting the 6th Alaska Statewide Math and Science Conference here in Juneau from Wednesday through Saturday, October 14 - 17, 2009. Each day is filled with nationally recognized keynote and guest speakers, engaging break-out sessions, opportunities to network with educators from across the state and outside of Alaska, and time set aside to attend the Alaska State Museum's permanent exhibit, Science on a Sphere.

The conference kicks off on Wednesday evening, October 14, with a keynote address by Dr. Stephen P. Maran of the American Astronomical Society. Maran's topic is Galileo to Hubble and Beyond, and his address will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the JDHS Auditorium.

Click here to register or to view the full conference schedule.

In conjunction with this conference, SpringBoard is hosting a work session to bring together groups and individuals interested in moving STEM education forward in Alaska. This work session will be held in the Treadwell Room at the Baranof Hotel on Friday, October 16 from 4:30 - 6:30 pm. If you are interested in committing time, energy or resources to advance great education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in Alaska, you are invited to join this important conversation. For more information, contact Mary Hakala at 523-2336, mhakala@jedc.org.

JEDC's STEM team will be involved in the following presentations:

The Cryosphere: A Hands On Approach

Thursday, October 15, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m., JDHS Room 122

This session will introduce hands-on activities that provide differentiated instruction about the Cryosphere. These lessons are inquiry based and can be easily adapted for different grade levels.

SEAPerch

Thursday, October 15, 1:00 - 4:15 p.m., Room 216

An introduction to building a simple, remotely operated underwater vehicle, or ROV. SEAPerch in the classroom gives students the opportunity to explore robotics, engineering, marine science and more through fun, hands-on inquiry.

FIRST LEGO® League - Elementary & Middle School Robotics

Thursday, October 15, 2:45 - 4:15 p.m., Room 219

Love playing with LEGOs? Enjoy hands-on practice building and programming with LEGO-based robots! The FIRST LEGO® League introduces younger students to real-world engineering challenges by building robots to complete tasks. FLL teams, guided by their imaginations and adult coaches, discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society.

A Model of Inquiry - Force and Motion

Friday, October 16, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m., JDHS Room 227

My simple model of inquiry will be applied to Force and Motion. Acceleration, force, and circular motion will be investigated. Participants will learn strategies to turn almost any lesson into an inquiry-based lesson. Stu Schultz, Physics Pharm Consulting.