CALIFORNIA SCIENCE EDUCATION CONFERENCE
OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 2, 2008
SAN JOSE CONVENTION CENTER

LUNCHEON SPEAKERS

Each of the conference luncheons is a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow conference-goers, hear a fantastic speaker, and enjoy a delicious three-course meal. We strongly recommend that you pre-purchase luncheon tickets when you register, as it is unlikely that they will be available for purchase on-site. Luncheon tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, but they are fully transferable.

New this year! When available, click on the "Learn More" button to learn more about the presenter by visiting their web site.

Awards Luncheon ~ Friday, October 31, 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Fairmont San Jose Hotel

Why Science Education Is More Important than Most People Think

Bruce Alberts,Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics, UC San Francisco, Former President, National Acadamies of Sciences

The values of rationality, tolerance, and skepticism can be transmitted through high quality science education beginning at age five. How can teachers take that message and drive it home to those outside of the science education community--to parents and community leaders--to gather support for more effective science instruction? Dr. Bruce Alberts, a respected biochemist,former president of the National Academy of Sciences, and Editor-In-Chief of the journal Science, has a strong commitment to the improvement of science and mathematics education. Join him for lunch as he delves into this crucial and current topic. Seating is limited for this engaging program, and tickets will not be available at the conference. Be sure to purchase your ticket early (available in May). $41

Sponsored by Boeing.

Closing Luncheon ~ Sunday, November 2, 12:15 - 2:00 pm

Fairmont San Jose Hotel

How We Know What We Know About Dinosaurs

Mary Schweitzer, Professor, Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University

How many times have you seen a documentary on TV about dinosaurs, or a movie like Jurassic Park, and wondered how much science is behind the scenes? How much can we really say about animals that no human has ever seen? This presentation discusses how much we know, or don't know, about these long-extinct creatures, and how the process of historical inference can be used to understand extinct ecosystems, based upon studies of living examples. $44