As I reflect on the opporchancities*, projects and adventures of 2023, I’m kicking off 2024 at the Association for Science Education (ASE) conference this week.
This year, the ASE conference is being held at The University of Northampton and tickets are still available here. The ASE conference is a jam-packed conference for primary, secondary, and post 16 teachers, technicians and those involved in teacher training and development.
As well as investing in my own development and attending a bumper 3 days of CPD and networking opportunities in science education, I’m also presenting a few sessions. This is where you will find me during the conference:
- Supporting various Futures sessions as a member of the Futures committee, supporting teacher developers 4th-6th January
- at ASE members, PSQM, Explorify and CSciTeach events 4th-6th January
- Purposeful Practical Primary Science with Dr Jo, LH231 (Learning Hub level 2) Friday 5th January, 8:45-9:35am
- Not THAT type of doctor, LH229 (Learning Hub Level 2) Friday 5th January, 1:15-2:05pm
- Primary swap shop pop-up, LH013 & LH014 (learning Hub Ground floor) Friday 5th January, 2:15-3:05pm
- Engaging children in practical work with purpose – using GSSfS and EngEd, LH231 (learning Hub Level 2)
The ASE Conference is welcoming and inclusive, with a commitment to embracing diverse perspectives. Educators from various levels, ranging from primary schools to universities, come together to exchange ideas and experiences. The conference features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops that cover a wide array of topics, including curriculum development, pedagogical strategies, and the integration of technology in science education.
One of the unique aspects of the ASE Conference is its emphasis on practical applications in science education. Workshops are a key component of the event, providing participants with hands-on experiences that they can directly implement in their classrooms. My session on purposeful practical primary science is just one of many hands-on sessions with direct practical relevance that teachers can reflect on and use in their practice.
My session, Not THAT type of doctor, focuses on diverse science careers and linking real-life science to classroom learning, raising children’s science capital through a new book designed to showcase the amazing array of STEM opportunities available to young people.
With primary, secondary, post-16, technician and teacher developer strands, with multiple sessions in each slot, there is so much choice at #ASEConf2024 that there’s not only something for everyone, but you won’t be able to attend everything you want to. My advice? Go with a colleague, divide and conquer and share your learning!
I hope to see you there!
*opporchancity = a word borrowed from Professor Leigh Hoath describing the culmination of seizing opportunity and chance!