The Quinnipiac University School of Education’s Science Teaching and Learning Center (QUeST-LC) will host a best practices “UnConference” from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, on the North Haven Campus, 370 Bassett Road.
An UnConference is a loosely structured conference emphasizing the informal exchange of information and ideas among the science educators attending, rather than following a predetermined program of events.
Cindy Kern, assistant teaching professor of education, said the event will include teachers from Bridgeport, CREC, Danbury, Guilford, Meriden, Milford, New Haven, Notre Dame-West Haven, Stratford, Tolland, the University of Connecticut and West Haven.
“The Next Generation Science Standards have been adopted and/or adapted by 43 states,” said Kern, who also serves as director of Quinnipiac’s Science Teaching and Learning Center. “The work to implement NGSS is a national endeavor that is dependent upon the innovation, creativity and leadership of classroom teachers. The UnConference provides time, space and strategies for teachers to work as a community of educators to better serve Connecticut students.”
In addition, QUeST-LC will present a science, education and social media networking workshop with expert Lisa Lundgren from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18.
The workshop is aimed at educators who want to use social media for professional development, community building and enhancing students’ learning.
Lundgren is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Connecticut in the Neag School of Education. Her work focuses broadly on the ways people learn about science in schools and informal environments such as social media and museums. She is also an expert on distilling scientific research for social media environments.
Both events are free for teachers. Click here to register.
QUeST-LC is committed to creating an inclusive, excellence-driven community in partnership with K-16 science educators across Connecticut to ensure, through research-based teaching practices, a rich and meaningful educational experience for all students. Its goal is to be a true partner to regional science educators as they negotiate the ever-changing landscape of K-16 education. QUeST-LC strives to learn mutually and in concert with QU alumni, partner Institutes of Higher Education, state representatives, district leadership, K-16 teachers and students. QUeST-LC is responsive to the needs of Quinnipiac alumni as they navigate the college to career transition.