Thousands of educators are in Indianapolis for the National Science Teachers Association spring conference.
Executive Director Dr. Francis Eberle says they’ll be sharing ideas and learning new things about the best way to teach their students. He says it will be a dynamic experience for those attending.
"What teachers always say is: I didn't know there were so many people so excited about what they do. Being able to come here and interact with each other is really a terrific energizer for teachers who are really working hard."
He says many professors and students from Indiana’s colleges and universities are attending the conference this year. There is a specific science leadership summit being held through the Indiana Science Initiative.
Eberle says there will be some fun as well, including Bill Nye the Science Guy and actress Mayim Bialik from the TV show “The Big Bang Theory,” who has a PhD in neuroscience.
"She'll be talking a little bit about her experience, but also why she did the science that she is doing. It kind of merges the popular view of adding some humor to science. Even though, perhaps, 'The Big Bang Theory' has maybe not the best image for some scientists, but it has some humor."
Astronaut Leland Melvin is giving the keynote address. The veteran of two space flights is now NASA’s associate administrator for the Office of Education.
Session topics include electronic fieldtrips from Purdue, enhancing microscope labs, and service-learning based lesson development.
As many as 10,000 people could attend this year’s National Science Teachers Association event at the Indiana Convention Center. The conference runs through Saturday.