Multiple Liberty Science Center team members were in attendance at this year's National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conference in Baltimore, Maryland! Over the course of the conference, our staff shared their excitement for STEM in the classroom with approximately 50 science teachers, supervisors, and school administrators through four, interactive conference presentations.

Here's what our team was up to and the different types of programs they presented:

Lauren Morse, a Teacher Programs Developer, demonstrated ways to develop evidence-based explanations and promote critical analysis of authentic data. Using real earthquake data from free online maps and hands-on modeling, Lauren highlighted methods that teachers could use to enhance their instruction of earth systems and human activity.

Sophie Wakita, representing Liberty Science Center’s MakerLab and Innovation Lab, demonstrated the variety of ways middle school teachers could integrate technology into their Next Generation Science Standard (NGSS) Engineering Design Performance Expectations using 3D printed materials as well as electronic components.

Reaching out to the high school science teachers and administrators in attendance, Molly Wilson, a STEM Enrichment Specialist, presented on Liberty Science center’s Live From Surgery program which offers students and teachers the ability to observe surgical procedures in real time. Teachers learned how this program covers NGSS Life Science Performance expectations, highlights careers in the medical field, and provides students an invaluable opportunity to ask questions of medical staff during the procedures.

Finally, STEM Enrichment Specialist Kengo Yamada reached out to early childhood educators through his presentation "Starting STEM Early," where he provided activities and insight on ways to embed STEM into an early childhood curriculum. From teaching concepts of matter to providing simple engineering design challenges, teachers walked away with an understanding of how STEM can occur every day in the classroom.

Our LSC team members were honored to share their passion for STEM at this year's NSTA conference and enjoyed being surrounded by such like-minded, spirited educators. We look forward to participating again next year!