Southeastern Regional Robert Noyce Conference 2024

Most educators have a favorite teacher who impacted their education and desire to be in the field.  In this icebreaker session, we will explore a teaching legacy through the lens of our favorite educators. Who were they?  What did they do to inspire us?  How much of their teaching legacy in our teaching legacy? We will identify new ways to assess your success and impact.  We will also explore the educational experiences that have shaped the type of educator that we do not want to be. We will meet conference attendees and lay the foundation for a great conference experience.

Keynote: Weather in Your Face!
Meteorology is the one subject that crosses all disciplines from science to math to art to history to economics and sociology. Weather controls our moods and comfort. Weather is often the starting topic of a conversation between strangers. Regardless of age, income, ethnicity, gender or zip code, we all share a universal relationship with the elements and the sights they create. Weather in Your Face, presented by meteorologist and educator Alan Sealls, shows all the things that surround us daily that provide a lesson in the sky and for the classroom to entertain and enrich the lives of all.

The author will participate in a book signing directly after the breakfast and keynote.

How did the country that gave the world some of the most impactful inventions fall behind in innovations? The STEM Crisis we are experiencing today was forecasted decades ago yet we ignored the warnings. Let's talk about what we need to do

Keynote: “For such a time as this…”: Freedom Dreaming in Science Teacher Education 

In 2002, Robin D.G. Kelley published the book "Freedom Dreams," posing and answering the following questions by studying social movements: 1. “How do we produce a vision that enables us to see beyond our immediate ordeals?” 2. “How do we transcend bitterness and cynicism and embrace love, hope, and an all-encompassing dream of freedom, especially in these rough times?” I will offer responses to these questions specifically for science teachers and science teacher educators.

Keynote: How Far Do You Believe They Can Go?

As educators, it is important for us to understand the communities that our students are from. This keynote will be given by a pastor in the community whose church has a daycare, provides scholarships, and has a thriving youth department. He will provide personal and leader perspectives of student expectations and the role of the educator. This lecture will link the educator's belief that each child can achieve to the success of all students.

The lecture on dynamic learning will delve into the multifaceted nature of the learning process, emphasizing its cognitive, social, and psychological dimensions. To foster a genuine love for science among students, it is imperative to employ teaching methods that align with these aspects of learning. Cognitively, students should engage actively in explaining, analyzing, and contrasting concepts, which necessitates an environment where they feel comfortable making mistakes as part of their journey toward understanding. Socially, learning is enhanced when students collaborate, benefiting from the collective effort and diverse perspectives of their peers. Psychologically, it is crucial that students believe in their ability to learn science, as this self-belief drives their motivation and resilience. This lecture will explore strategies to create a dynamic learning environment that nurtures these cognitive, social, and psychological elements, ultimately fostering a deeper and more enthusiastic engagement with science.

“My eyes! My eyes!” Phoebe and Rachel said it best, but what does this quote have to do with teaching and learning mathematics? Join Dr. Barlow as she reveals this connection, drawing on classroom stories and engaging problems. Spoiler Alert: It isn’t really about un-seeing – it’s about un-understanding.

Join Dr. Susan Ferguson and Dr. Branda Brand as they host the Voices from the Field panel, featuring: Gladys Murage, Morghan Graper, Ramsey Willis, Daquion Mack-Williams, Maura Smolinksi, Meagan Naraine and Valena Spencer, Thomas Lewis, Emma White, Ethan Senator, and Sophia Zeldin.