University News
Kellogg Science Education Center to Host 25th PreK-8 Science Update Conference April 15
April 6, 2011
MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University's Maurice G. Kellogg Science Education Center will host the 25th Annual PreK-8 Science Update Conference Friday, April 15 on the WIU-Macomb campus. According to Don Powers, director of the Kellogg Science Center and professor of curriculum and instruction at WIU, the focus of this year's conference is "Science Matters with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)."
"More than a dozen sessions focusing on the teaching of science will be offered, presented by science educators from throughout the state of Illinois during a three-hour block," Powers noted.
According to Powers, some of the 50-minute presentations include: "Forensics Science Investigations"; "Discover Engineering: Test Your Design Skills"; "Hop to It… Fun and Easy Integrated Science and Mathematics"; "Junk Box Wars"; and "Pop-Up Books to Demonstrate Connections to Science, Technology and Society." Following the 50-minute sessions, there will be a series of mini-sessions during which conference attendees will be able to actively participate in a variety of inquiry science activities.
Powers added that during the conference, participants can visit a number of commercial exhibits and vendors that will be displaying an array of science-related materials. Various state-based agencies and organizations will also have displays and representatives at the conference, he said.
In addition, the WIU Children's Literature Examination Center (CLEC) will have more than 2,000 children and young-adult literature titles on display for examination at the PreK-8 Science Conference. (The CLEC will be hosting an open house on Friday, April 15; see wiu.edu/news/newsrelease.php?release_id=8845 for more information.) According to Powers, many of these titles are recently published and include award-winning books, as well as books recognized as "Outstanding Science Trade Books" by the National Science Teachers Association. Usborne Publishers will also be on site during the conference, and participants will be able to purchase a number of their publications.
"Following the end of the mini-sessions, a networking luncheon will be held, which will enable participants to continue to share classroom ideas and strategies with other science educators," Powers said. "Recognition of outstanding science educators will also take place, and the 25th Annual PreK-8 Science Update Conference will close with the annual awarding of numerous door prizes."
For more information about the conference schedule and/or to access the conference registration forms, visit www.wiu.edu/users/sced/update.html. Questions about the conference may be directed to Powers at (309) 298-1258 or via email at DT-Powers@wiu.edu.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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