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National Science Teacher Association Area Conference

December 7, 2016

National Science Teacher Association Area Conference

Teacher inspects the growth and size of plants

On Thursday December 1, CAPS and ABRC hosted the teacher workshop, Sowing the Seeds of Science: Using Plants as a Model to Teach Science Concepts, during the National Science Teacher Association Area Conference in Columbus. Seventeen teachers, from 4th - 12th grade, attended the workshop designed for educators interested in bringing plants into their science curriculum. During their visit, the teachers toured CAPS and ABRC facilities, learned about the mission of the two Centers, and previewed two of the education modules available through ABRC.  Staff also facilitated 3 short activities for teachers to conduct in school to spark student interest in plant science. 

Courtney Price had the opportunity to serve on the Informal Science Education Professionals for the Community. The goal of this panel was to raise awareness of resources available to teachers in central Ohio. There were representatives from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Cosi, Stratford Ecological Center, Metro Parks, Ohio Environmental Education Fund, and others. 

In addition, ABRC held a booth in the conference exhibit hall. It is estimated that approximately 600-750 teachers stopped in the booth and worked with staff members. They were able to talk with teachers about resources provided through the ABRC educational outreach programs. They also held 3 demonstrations of available modules. Teachers were also given seeds to teach in class curriculum on Arabidopsis. All of this was done in an attempt to promote science education in K-12 curriculum.