2017 Annual Report

Outreach & Equity

BRINGING TOGETHER STEM RESEARCH TEACHERS

In its third year, the Research Teachers Conference once again brought together 200 teachers fromacross the country— fromveteran research teachers hoping to share their knowledge and seeking reinvigoration to novice teachers aspiring to help students see science in its truest form—authentic science research. A total of 500 teachers fromclose to 500 high schools have now attended the confer- ence, andmany have returned home to inspire change in their school districts. Teachers indicated that their experience at the conference will improve their research classes or programs, lead them to start mentoring students with projects, or connect themwith other teachers who can help to sustain their programs throughout the year. This year’s conference highlighted the use of big data in student research projects, and keynote speaker Ruth Krumhansl, of the Oceans of Data Institute, shared how her organization

is working to develop curricula and improve educator access to data sets. NarasimBanavara of Mercy College hosted a session showing how he uses TSA and NYPD data for his students’ research projects. Veteran Research Teachers presented on topics such as “Supporting Science Research in Rural Areas” and “Inspiring Student Research with Science News .”

High school teachers share best practices for supporting students in independent science research.

Teachers gather inWashington, D.C., to connect with a network of their peers.

2017 ANNUAL REPORT | SOCIETY FOR SCIENCE & THE PUBLIC | 39