|
|
CALIFORNIA
SCIENCE EDUCATION CONFERENCE
OCTOBER 22-25, 2009
PALM SPRINGS, CA
FOCUS SPEAKERS
Focus Speakers are highly regarded scientists and education
experts who present one-hour, in-depth sessions on subjects
relevant to science teaching. The Focus Speaker series
allows you to expand your understanding in a wide range
of critical topics. Focus Speaker sessions are included
with your conference registration.
Learn More: When
available, click on the "Learn More" button
to learn more about the presenter by visiting their
web site. |
Last Updated:
5/1/2009
Professional Development Icons:
= NCLB/TITLE II =
New Teacher
= Preservice Teacher
|
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
|
| |
|