2015 NSTA National Conference - Chicago

In just a little over one month we’ll be hitting the Windy City to exhibit our latest products at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) National Conference. NSTA has a strong focus on the professional development of teaching professionals as well as the integration of innovative learning techniques into K-12 curriculum. We’re excited to announce that we will be hosting not one, but THREE workshops throughout the four-day conference highlighting microscopy, astronomy, and ornithology.  

On Thursday, March 12, 2015, we’ll begin our workshop series with “Digital Microscopes 101: Teachers Share Classroom Experiences.” In this interactive workshop, David Eicher, editor-in-chief of Astronomy magazine, will interview a panel of teachers from across the country about their real-world experiences using Celestron digital microscopes in grades 4–12 classrooms. He will also share tips for using digital microscopes to study gems and minerals. Microscopes 101 will be held from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at McCormick Place in room W475a. 

For our second workshop, Celestron will partner with Fisher Science Education to bring you “Teaching Astronomy during the Day & Beyond the Classroom.” This astronomy-based workshop will be held on Friday, March 13, 2015 from 8 AM to 9:30 AM. In this exciting workshop, teachers will learn how to become masters at navigating the night sky and teaching about celestial objects! Former program developer for the Buhl Planetarium, Robert Marshall, and Astronomy editor-in-chief David Eicher team up to present hands-on activities teachers can take directly into their classrooms, and outside with observing projects and star parties. David Eicher will also present a fun space trivia game where teachers could win a Celestron telescope! This workshop will be hosted in McCormick Place, room W184a. 

To wrap up NSTA Chicago, we’re encouraging you to “Stretch Your Legs for Science,” with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.  On Saturday, March 14, 2015, we’ll be getting some post-lunch exercise as we explore the city via a bird walk! After a tutorial on bird identification, we’ll head outside with Celestron binoculars to experience first-hand how teachers can meet standards and engage students through bird watching! After the walk, Celestron will raffle binoculars to a few lucky attendees. We will begin this workshop in McCormick Place, room W475a, and venture out into the city shortly after. 

We’re looking forward to collaborating with the attending teachers in these workshops and at our booth. See you soon, Chicago!