Keynote: Science Education in an "Age of Engagement"
Thursday, March 24, 7:00 - 8:30 P.M.
In a quickly changing technological and media landscape, universities and colleges have a responsibility to prepare students to be active participants in societal decisions involving science, culture, and values. Dr. Nisbet will identify challenges and questions shaping the future of science education, spotlighting curriculum initiatives and innovations that promote dimensions of "civic science" knowledge and civic participation, media literacy, and communication skills among students.

Matthew C. Nisbet, Associate Professor, School of Communication, American University
(Posted on Wed, 27 04 2011 01:41:33)

Plenary: Examining the Intersections of Race, Gender, Science, Society, and Politics in the United States
Friday, March 25, 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
What roles do identity, culture, and politics play in the study of science, technology, engineering, and math on today's campuses? How do historical contexts and current campus climates influence hiring and support of faculty, student success, and production of knowledge in STEM fields? Reflections on these larger contexts and share findings and promising practices for creating campus cultures that support and advance faculty innovation and student success in STEM.

Kelly Mack, Orlando Taylor
(Posted on Wed, 27 04 2011 01:44:40)

Luncheon and PKAL Workshop: Connecting Scientific Trends and Student Learning
Friday, March 25, 12:15 - 2:00 p.m.
How are current trends in scientific research connected to student learning in and out of the classroom? Connecting the curriculum and cocurriculum to the latest discoveries in science is critical to effectively preparing students for work and life in this complex, technology-driven world. Participants will discuss how the latest advances in STEM can enhance undergraduate student learning and then develop a plan to connect their conference experiences to improving STEM education on their campuses.

Susan Elrod, Executive Director, PKAL, AAC&U; and James M. Gentile, President, Research Corporation for Science Advancement
(Posted on Wed, 27 04 2011 01:49:02)

Plenary: STEM and the Liberated Mind
Saturday, March 26, 11:00 a.m. - noon
From pandemics to pollution, many of the great problems facing us today emerge out of the complex and often competing demands of society, technology, and the natural world. Innovations in STEM, in particular, can both contribute to and help to solve these problems--and innovative solutions can sometimes lead to greater problems in the long run. In this plenary address, Dr. Duncan argues that a foundational understanding of science and mathematics embedded within a robust liberal education is essential to grapple with both the promise and the potential downsides of STEM innovation in the world. He discusses opportunities and consequences for STEM education in shifting away from traditional discipline-based instruction toward a revised set of expected learning outcomes and an integrative, "across the disciplines" curricular approach.

Lewis Duncan, President, Rollins College
(Posted on Wed, 27 04 2011 02:24:17)