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2010 NATS FALL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
September 23- 25, 2010NATS celebrated 50 years of promoting science and science education in the state of Nebraska. NATS is dedicated to the advancement, stimulation, growth, improvement, and coordination of science teaching in all fields of science and at all education levels. In order to celebrate this milestone the Thursday night program was spent in celebration of the 50 year anniversary with a video of past conferences, past presidents’ memories of NATS, and presidential award presentations.
Friday afternoon the NATS Fall Conference was honored to have Clayton Anderson, NASA astronaut, talk about his space walks and life in space. Anderson’s latest trip to space was in April 2010 with the crew of STS – 131. He shared fun facts about living in space, and a video filmed on the space station which was enjoyed by all. For more information about Anderson or his space flights including lots of pictures, check out the Mueller Planetarium website link to our own Nebraska astronaut, Clayton Anderson. http://www.spacelaser.com/anderson.html
Two years of Presidential Award finalists (PAWS) were recognized at the 2010 Fall Conference. Pictured above are the secondary awardees. Brenda Zabel, Omaha Westside High School was a national PAEST awardee for 2009 and Nebraska State winners for 2009 were Joan Christen, Beatrice High School; and Alan Dappen, Omaha North Magnet High School.
PAWS elementary finalists for 2010 are pictured above. Winners were announced just prior to the conference. Finalists pictured are Laura Callahan, Omaha Bancroft Elementary; Karen Humphrey, Omaha Adams Elementary; and Sheryl Uehling, Logan View Public Schools.
Following the 50 year celebration past NATS Presidents gathered for a picture. Back row: Bob Feurer-1998, Kim Soper-1999, Julia Polak-2002, Pat Crum-2003, Wanda Clarke-2004, John Niemoth-2005, Sheree Person-Pandil-2006, Sally Harms-2007, Dan Sitzman-2009, Joan Christen-2010. Front Row: Joe Dappen-1975, Jim Landon-1979, Jim McGahan-1989, Ed Brogie-1987, Jim Woodland-1984, Jim Rynearson-1992, Mark Brogie-1993, and Lois Mayo-1995.
Friday evening the NSTA President, Dr. Alan McCormack presented the Maiben lecture on “Building Imagination Through Scientific Illusions, Storylines, and Historical Events.” McCormick incorporated a number of magic tricks to illustrate his points and engage the audience. He wanted us to realize science is fun to experience as both the teachers and the student. McCormick is currently a professor of science education at San Diego State University in San Diego, CA. McCormack has been a committed teacher, educator, and member of the science education community for more than 40 years. He is a lifelong member of NSTA and a former district director. McCormack has served on the board of directors for AAAS and was president of the National Association of Biology Teachers. He was instrumental in the development of the Full-Option Science System and was director of the Foss Leadership Training Center for several years. McCormack holds an undergraduate degree from SUNY, M.S. in natural sciences from Harvard University, and a Ph. D. in science education from the University of Northern Colorado.
Friday night was also Catalyst Awards and special awards night. The Catalyst Award is the highest honor NATS presents. Generally two awards are presented, one for formal educators and another award for informal education. Susan Hester and the Henry Doorly Zoo were the 2010 Catalyst Award winners.
Susan Hester has been active in NATS for several years. She is a teacher at Bellevue Public Schools and has been very active in the Science Olympiad program. Under her supervision, Bellevue Mission Middle School students have competed at the national Science Olympiad the past two years.
The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo is very active in both informal education and research. Joan Christen is presenting the award to Dennis Pate, CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Elizabeth Mulkerrin, Education Director at the Zoo.
Nebraska Scientific 20 year membership pins were also presented Friday evening. Karen and Charlie Messenger were among those who received their pins; however both have been members for over 40 years.
Gary Brown presented a 1940’s era microscope and award plaque to out-going NATS President Dan Sitzman in recognition of Dan’s efforts in science to NATS and the state of Nebraska. This is the second annual Pinnacle Award sponsored by Gary Brown.
New officers were announced Friday night and Jon Pederson is the new President Elect. Other new officers will be LeeAnn Vaughn, treasurer, and Tammy Blobaum and Teresa Bender, board members at large. Retiring members are Elizabeth Mulkerrin, Mary Jensen, and Andrew Wood.
The Friday night program concluded with the raffle where over $800 was raised. Jay Kuecker did a great job of soliciting donations for the raffle which was greatly appreciated.
Following the raffle there was one big prize left to award. Jon Pederson and UNL have a research project which includes a lengthy survey. NATS conference attendees were encouraged to complete the survey and a drawing using the completed surveys was conducted. The I Pad winner was Karen Langhorn.
Saturday morning marked the last meeting of the KICKS 2010 participants. Sheree Person-Pandil has been in charge of the KICKS grant and education program for the last three years. Her recognition program Saturday morning was patterned after the Oscars and enjoyed by all.
An Annual Conference is held by the NATS organization during September or October. The conference consists of a series of workshops, field trips, multi-media presentations, computer simulations, and numerous motivational activities, with concurrent sessions specifically designed for teachers of physical (physics and chemistry), earth, biological, and elementary sciences.
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