2016 Theme
3rd Life Discovery – Doing Science Education Conference
March 18-19, 2016
Conference Center at the Maritime Institute (CCMIT)
Baltimore, MD
Conference Theme
Creating Connections – Biology in Action
The theme for the 3rd Life Discovery – Doing Science Conference (LDC) focuses on stimulating approaches to Life Science instruction that:
- Connect learning to life science careers in research and practice: What is it like to be a Biologist?
- Connect learning to current events: What is the relevance of Biology?
- Connect learning across institutions and settings: How do we build bridges across education settings?
Thematic Tracks
Connect learning to life science careers in research and practice (What is it like to be a Biologist?)
Sessions on this track focus on ideas that help students discover what it is like to be a Biologist. We welcome teaching ideas that help students think like a Biologist and develop those skills that are essential in Biology research and practice. Of particular interest are ideas that help build those core science competencies such as those identified in the National Research Council’s Framework for K-12 Science Education, K-12 Next Generation Science Standards and Vision and Change for Undergraduate Biology Education. We strongly encourage proposals that present tested learning modules or projects that:
- connect students to the broad range of life science careers
- connect students with research / scientist mentors through effective local or remote strategies
- connect with parents and build their understanding of science
Connect learning to current events (What is the relevance of Biology?)
Sessions on this track emphasize ideas that help students reflect on what they are learning and how science is connected to the real world. We welcome presentations on learning modules and projects that successfully:
- incorporate the social context in the study of core biology concepts
- provide opportunities for exploring applications across the boundaries of a rapidly changing biology
- demonstrate how biology can respond to changes and challenges that threaten or sustain life’s support systems
Connect learning across institutions and settings (How do we build bridges across education settings?)
Sessions on this track address effective strategies that help educators in both formal and informal settings reinforce biology education at all levels. We are interested in sustainable and replicable projects that have gone beyond institutional boundaries to forge robust educational bridges for teaching and learning. We seek creative ideas that connect students, faculty and scientists between:
- high school and higher education institutions
- between 2-yr and 4-yr institutions
- between formal and informal education settings. Informal settings include nature centers, youth centers, museums etc.
Proposals should align with the objectives of both the K12 Next Generation Science Standards and the Vision and Change for Undergraduate Biology Education with an emphasis on the Practice of Science. The practices involve how scientists investigate and build models and theories in the life sciences. We welcome ideas that have proved to help parents understand careers in the life sciences. We are especially interested in demonstrated effective strategies of building networks with scientists – remotely and locally.
Proposals should also identify one or more relevant Pedagogical Track/s and Disciplinary topic/s.
Learn more about the Scope and Objectives of the Conference.
Questions? Please contact LDC@nullesa.org.