McGraw-Hill Experts Discuss Future of Science Education at National Science Teachers Association Conference

NEW YORK, March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- What does the science classroom of the future look like? This is one of many questions that McGraw-Hill Education's science leaders and authors will address at the National Science Teachers Association's (NSTA) 58th National Conference on Science Education in Philadelphia, March 18-21, 2010. In keeping with the conference theme, "Connecting Science Past with Science Future." McGraw-Hill will host six interactive educational workshops for science educators from across the country to share the latest technologies, products and instructional strategies in science education.

The four-day event brings together the nation's top science educators interested in professional development and the most current thought leadership in science education. The conference's sessions and workshops are designed to provide educators with strategies, skills and best practices they can implement to enhance science instruction and outcomes when they return to their schools and districts.

"We are proud to be a part of NSTA's annual conference and have the opportunity to collaborate and share our knowledge with other leaders in science education," said Arthur Block, senior vice president of McGraw-Hill School Education Group's STEM Learning Solutions Center. "The theme of connecting science past with science future is very relevant to today's classroom. We must provide students with strong STEM education to prepare them to compete in the global, knowledge-based economy of the 21st century – a fact which the Obama administration is championing and McGraw-Hill has long supported."

At the conference, two of the McGraw-Hill School Education Group's (K-12) Learning Solutions Centers – STEM and Intervention & Special Needs – as well as the company's Higher Education and Professional groups will exhibit at booth No. 531. The booth will feature interactive whiteboard demonstrations of McGraw-Hill's science products including virtual dissection labs, as well as the fully searchable AccessScience® online platform. In addition, the exhibit will feature a technology kiosk where educators can complete a survey about the role of technology in the science classroom; videotaped Q&A sessions with educators who will provide their thoughts on the future of science education; and an interactive mural showcasing science advances through the centuries. Throughout the conference, McGraw-Hill will offer prize giveaways, including a raffle to win a digital microscope provided by Science Kit® and Boreal Laboratories®.

Additionally, McGraw-Hill will present on new technologies and developments in science education and how to help educators engage students with age-appropriate activities, visuals and other collateral, especially for children in Grades K-2. Featured workshops include:

• Knowing How; Knowing What; Knowing Why (grades K-8): Dr. Jo Anne Vasquez, author, former NSTA president and Helios Education Foundation founder, and McGraw-Hill's Michael Comer will discuss the tools and traits of highly effective science teachers.
  • When: March 18, 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
  • Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 111 A/B

• Literacy Strategies in the Sciences (grades 6-12): McGraw-Hill editorial director Mitch Rosin will discuss new science textbooks and literacy strategies that can be used to enhance reading comprehension and content acquisition in every science classroom.
  • When: March 18, 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
  • Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 105 A/B

• I See What You Mean: Developing Visual Literacy (grades K-8): Dr. Jo Anne Vasquez and Michael Comer will discuss strategies for interpreting and understanding visuals and illustrations found in the science textbook.
  • When: March 18, 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
  • Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 111 A/B

• A to Z Science Activities for the Primary Classroom (grades K-2): McGraw-Hill author Frankie Troutman will discuss integrating inquiry science activities into the primary curriculum.
  • When: March 19, 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
  • Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 111 A/B

• Teaching Inquiry Science with Toys and Treats (grades 3-12): Dr. Ralph Feather, author and assistant professor at Bloomsburg University, will discuss fun, practical and engaging hands-on inquiry teaching ideas using toys and treats.
  • When: March 19, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 111 A/B

• Teaching Science with Foldables (grades 3-12): Dinah Zike, founder of Dinah-Might Adventures, LP, will discuss techniques to improve students' reading and study skills with Foldables® (interactive, hands-on graphic organizers).
  • When: March 19, 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
  • Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 111 A/B

The National Conference on Science Education will also include general sessions, symposia and courses on topics including urban and rural science educators; closing the digital generation gap between teachers and students; increasing teacher retention and renewal in the field of science education; and continuing professional development. Bill Nye the Science Guy and Michael Lach, special assistant for STEM Education in the U.S. Department of Education, are among the featured speakers.

Additional insights and updates from the conference from McGraw-Hill Education (@MHEducation) about issues in science education can be found online over the next several days at http://twitter.com/MHEducation and by following the #nstaphi hashtag.

About the McGraw-Hill STEM Learning Solutions Center

The McGraw-Hill Education STEM Learning Solutions Center helps students master essential math skills, develop competence with technology, understand science and math concepts, and learn critical thinking and analysis. McGraw-Hill's PreK-12 programs and digital platforms prepare students for jobs in today's global economy.

About McGraw-Hill School Education Group

The McGraw-Hill School Education Group, a unit of McGraw-Hill Education, is a leading innovator in developing 21st century teaching and learning solutions for K-12 education markets, offering traditional and digital instructional, assessment, and reference content and tools for teachers and students. The School Education Group addresses critical areas in primary and secondary education through Learning Solutions Centers focused on improving student learning outcomes and promoting digital innovation in literacy, STEM, college and career readiness, and intervention and special needs education. McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 65 languages. Additional information is available at http://www.mheducation.com.

SOURCE McGraw-Hill Education