Fall Science Update celebrates past, present and future of science education

Educators from districts across Michigan will gather November 19 to expand their teaching knowledge and strategies surrounding K-12 sciences during the 30th annual Fall Science Update at Grand Valley State University.

The conference, sponsored by Grand Valley’s Regional Math and Science Center, takes place from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Eberhard Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

During the Fall Science Update, area K-12 teachers will experience multiple breakout sessions on various science topics and pedagogy. The sessions will provide information about teaching strategies for K-12 teachers in biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental science, geology, physical science and engineering. Some sessions will also feature best practices teaching techniques as well as technology tools for the classroom.

Larry Fegel, Fall Science Update keynote speaker and former affiliate professor of geology at Grand Valley, will focus his presentation on this year’s theme, “Celebrating Science Education: Past, Present, Future.” His session will explore the teaching of science over the past 40 years, while identifying the accepted “norms” for science education as well as recognizing quality teaching and learning.

Recently retired from Grand Valley’s Geology Department, Fegel’s career in K-16 education spanned more than 40 years. Graduating from Grand Valley in 1973 with degrees in earth science, biology and education, Fegel has also earned his Master of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife from Michigan State University. He spent subsequent years teaching in the GRPS system as an elementary and secondary teacher, director of Outdoor Education and Science Curriculum, and assistant superintendent for Teaching and Learning for West Ottawa Public School District.

Registration is required for the 2014 Fall Science Update. To register, visit http://gvsu.edu/s/KV.