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Last Updated: 5/1/2009

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How the Brain Learns: Merging Science, Mathematics, and Literacy

Kenneth Wesson, Educational Consultant, Neuroscience; Vice President, Delta Education International and Western Divisions

It has been said that by the year 2020, the sum total of humankind’s knowledge will double every 73 days. What is the value of memorizing factual information that becomes obsolete almost as quickly as it is learned? The principles of human learning grounded in the cognitive neurosciences will survive this information explosion only if educators soften the borders between the disciplines of science, mathematics, and literacy. Treating each as parts of the same whole will foster deep and long-lasting learning. This presentation will highlight those brain-considerate principles and how they can be applied within the framework of the contemporary classroom.

Friday, October 23, 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

When Your World Rocks

Cynthia Pridmore, Engineering Geologist, California Geological Survey

From the quake to the shake, we'll take a look at how energy is released from an earthquake, how it travels through the ground, and how it affects the ground we live upon. Among one of the most multidisciplinary categories of research and application, this area of earth science includes the cooperative efforts of seismologists, geologists, and engineers, as well as professionals in many other fields of study. We'll take a behind-the-scene look at what information goes into earthquake forecasting, how earthquake hazards are evaluated, and how this information is ultimately used in our (and our students') day-to-day lives.

Friday, October 23, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Urbanization of the California Desert: Where Is the Water Going To Come From?

Peter Martin, Program Chief for Desert and Eastern Sierra, U.S. Geological Survey

The population in the California desert has increased by three times since the 1970s. With limited rainfall and surface water, the region relies heavily on groundwater to meet demands. Much of the water that fills the desert basins was recharged many thousands of years ago when the climate was wetter and cooler. Local imbalances between recharge and discharge have resulted in water-level declines of more than 200 feet in some areas since the 1940s. To mitigate the effects of groundwater overdraft, many water districts are using imported water for direct use and/or for artificial recharge. However, imported water is in great demand, and droughts, environmental requirements, and potential climate-change effects could reduce the availability of this source of water.

Friday, October 23, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Extraordinary Habitat of Ocean Energy Structures

Ann Bull, Marine Ecologist/Biologist, U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service

Rising hundreds of feet from the sea floor to the ocean surface, offshore oil platforms along California provide an extraordinary habitat for marine life. Using underwater images from actual Scuba and submersible surveys, this presentation documents the body of research that describes the ecological role platforms have in providing food, shelter, and nursery areas for a diverse array of fish and invertebrates. Knowledge gained from studying offshore oil platforms will help predict possible effects that future offshore renewable energy projects may have on marine life off the Pacific Coast.

Saturday, October 24, 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Can We Prevent Wildfires?

Richard Halsey, California Chaparral Institute

Wildfires have dramatically increased in California over the past five years, causing tremendous concern and confusion over how such events will impact both our communities and the natural environment. Inevitably, after every large wildfire, there are demands that something be done about the "evil bush." While an easy target, the question remains: are California's native shrublands really the problem? Can we learn to safely adapt to the fire-prone environments in which we live, instead of trying to force nature to adapt to us? Join Richard Halsey as he dispels the myths about wildfire, explains the importance of shrubland ecosystems, and reveals why the chaparral defines California like no other native plant community.

Saturday, October 24, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Vertebrate Paleontology: Recent Advances and Its Utility in Science Education

Stuart Sumida, Professor of Biology, California State University, San Bernardino

Although all of the biological sciences are important, vertebrate paleontology (VP) remains one of the most useful of biological sub-disciplines for engaging and entertaining students and potential future scientists. Through the popularity of dinosaurs and other extinct animals, VP provides a means of discussion for understanding the critical issues of evolution, climate change, extinction, biomechanics, and even human anatomy and animation. Examples will be provided as VP is explored as a useful "hook" for science educators.

Saturday, October 24, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Green Chemistry: Challenges and Opportunities in the Rejuvenation of a Maturing Science

Miguel Garcia-Garibay, Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles

Traditional chemistry has been very successful in improving the quality of our lives. However, many of the products we use every day, as well as most life-saving medicines, are made with non-renewable resources and at a very high cost, in order to contain pollution. Fortunately, recent scientific advances are giving a new generation of chemists the power to design ambitious "green" strategies to produce better and safer products while taking advantage of renewable resources. Join Miguel Garcia-Garibay as he explores the potential of green chemistry and the need for talented students to enter this challenging new field.

Saturday, October 24, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Climate Disturbance in Joshua Tree National Park and Our Desert

Luke Sabala, Physical Scientist, National Park Service, Joshua Tree National Park

The California desert is changing very quickly. Some want a simple way to describe the problems and ascribe blame, while others want a a solution with a quick fix. The reality is that what is happening in the desert is not simple but very complex. It involves looking at a variety of factors that are affecting the desert climate and succession of an ecosystem, and includes issues such as fire, air, water, and soil, to mention just a few. Get a comprehensive overview of these issues from the Joshua Tree National Park's physical scientist.

Saturday, October 24, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM