GEEKS UNITE- Joint Math & Science Conference

This session will explore a variety of issues related to the relationships between language, inquiry and science in elementary classrooms.  This session will examine topics specifically related to reading and writing and discourse as we explore the role of each in science teaching.  When students read and write and talk about science, teachers are able to understand their beginning ideas and reasoning. Teachers will come away with practical activities and strategies to engage students in reading, writing and productive discourse activities that elevate understanding of science concepts and support inquiry-based science learning.

Many aspects of basic astronomy are in the curriculum, and it is an appealing topic that can promote interest in science. The high quality freeware astronomy program Stellarium gives simulations of the sky that can teach many concepts in a stimulating way that relates to reality. Basic concepts will be illustrated with demos that can be used in class or assigned as homework.

Annual General Meeting

Argumentation has been of increasing interest as a means of developing children’s reasoning. Based on a case study from Grade 2-3 science classrooms, this study discusses how the process of collective argumentation emerges from classroom interactions and dialogue between children as they attempt to solve their classroom problems.

Come join Ian Doktor as he shares his passion for constructing Science. Explore different ways to build science demos and experiments in your garage or around your house. Learn to build your very own photospectroscope, telescope, Van de Graff Generator and much more! Ian will also discuss different ways he has incorporated these tools in his classroom including calculating the efficiency of a Trebuchet or using a cell phone to determine the muzzle velocity of a potato gun.

“Good morning, Earth!” That is how Colonel Chris Hadfield—writing on Twitter—woke up the world every day while living for five months aboard the International Space Station. Through his 21-years as an astronaut, three spaceflights and 2600 orbits of Earth, Colonel Hadfield has become a worldwide sensation, harnessing the power of social media to make outer space accessible to millions and infusing a sense of wonder into our collective consciousness not felt since humanity first walked on the Moon. Called “the most famous astronaut since Neil Armstrong,” Colonel Hadfield continues to bring the marvels of science and space travel to everyone he encounters.

Colonel Hadfield is a pioneer of many historic “firsts”. In 1992, he was selected by the Canadian Space Agency as a NASA Mission Specialist—Canada’s first fully-qualified Space Shuttle crew member. Three years later, aboard Shuttle Atlantis, he was the first Canadian to operate the Canadarm in space, and the first Canadian to board a Russian spacecraft as he helped build space station “Mir.” In 2001, aboard Shuttle Endeavour, Colonel Hadfield performed two spacewalks—the first Canadian to do so—and, in 2013, he was Commander of the International Space Station—the first and only Canadian to ever command a spaceship—so far.

During his multi-faceted career Hadfield has intercepted Soviet bombers in Canadian airspace, lived on the ocean floor, been NASA’s Director of Operations in Russia, and recorded science and music videos seen by hundreds of millions.

A heavily decorated astronaut, engineer, and pilot, Colonel Hadfield’s many awards include receiving the Order of Canada, the Meritorious Service Cross, and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. He was named the Top Test Pilot in both the US Air Force and the US Navy, and has been inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame. He is the author of two internationally bestselling books, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth and You Are Here, and has been commemorated on Canadian postage stamps, Royal Canadian Mint coins, and on Canada’s newest five dollar bill (along with fellow astronauts Steve MacLean and Dave Williams).