Science teachers gather for conference

INDIANAPOLIS -- February 4-6, 2009 The Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, Incorporated (HASTI), the professional organization in Indiana promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching, will be meeting in Indianapolis February 4-6, 2009 for its 39th State Conference on Science Education.

At this year's conference, teachers, administrators, and students of education, from across Indiana and surrounding states will learn about the latest in science content, teaching strategy and research, network with fellow education professionals, and hear thought-provoking presentations from world-renowned scientists and educators.

The conference will be held at the Indiana Convention Center and nearby hotels in Indianapolis.

The three-day conference will feature over 250 hands-on workshops, presentations about the latest breakthroughs in science and science education, and demonstrations covering every discipline, grade level with a teaching focus. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from world-renowned speakers in education and science. Top speakers include:

Ann Cutler -- "The Science of Flames and Explosions"

Brian "Fox" Ellis -- "Charles Darwin and the Voyage of the Beagle"

Dr. Compton Tucker III -- "Observing Climate with Satellites -- Are We on Thin Ice?"

Dr. Page Keeley -- Author, Current President of NSTA, and Assessment Specialist

The HASTI Conference also features extended workshops and fieldtrips to science related locations. Attendees can choose to learn about science notebooks, rockets, teaching methods, DNA lessons, computer-assisted learning, a Barbieā Bungee jumping lab, and science activities using Legosā, and more.

Attendees could take a trip through the Indiana State Police Indianapolis Regional Laboratory, Indiana State Department of Health Laboratory, the Indiana State Department of Toxicology, the Children's Museum, or the IU School of Medicine.

On Thursday and Friday attendees will be able to browse an exhibit hall with 100 exhibitors from companies across the country displaying state-of-the-art science and education productions and materials.

The HASTI Conference begins at 8:00 A.M. on Wednesday, February 4 with extended workshops, fieldtrips, a board meeting, and the first general session with Ann Cutler. A highlight after a full day of attending workshops Thursday will be the social from 5:30 - 7:30 at the Indiana State Museum. The conference will conclude Friday afternoon. Teachers interested in attending the conference can register onsite starting Wednesday at 11:00 A.M.. You can find out more information about the conference at http://www.hasti.org/