This event focuses on the importance of a strong and early start in science learning and the state of elementary science in Massachusetts
This workshop will:
introduce attendees to the importance of a strong and early start in science learning and the state of elementary science in Massachusetts;
provide opportunities to participants to share perspectives and questions about elementary science learning and teaching; and
talk with leaders who play a key role in making sure that our elementary schools give all children the tools to become the science learners our Commonwealth needs.
Speaker: Abigail Jurist Levy, Ph.D, Co-Director, STEM Portfolio, Education Development Center
Abigail Jurist Levy, leader of the Coalition for Elementary Science Education at EDC, is a nationally known researcher and expert in science education. She is frequently called upon to share her expertise in effective approaches to science teaching and learning, and her research advances knowledge of conditions, policies, and programs that help educators promote students’ success. A widely published author and presenter on the topic of science education reform, Levy is dedicated to ensuring every elementary student has high-quality science learning experiences. In 2018, she led a Coalition Summit that engaged policymakers, STEM industry leaders, educators, and the media in planning strategies to improve elementary science.
Panelists
Dr. Aram Adourian is Senior Science advisor a Flagship Pioneering , a company that creates life sciences companies that invent technologies aimed to transform health care and sustainability. He focuses on leveraging internal and external resources toward advancing innovation and company creation. Aram most recently served as chief scientific officer at BG Medicine, a company that develops diagnostic solutions to aid in the clinical management of chronic diseases. Aram has also served as a senior researcher at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research at MIT, where he developed novel systems and approaches for biomolecular sequencing, analysis and modeling.
Dr. Rebecca Katsh-Singer is the PK–6 science curriculum coordinator for Westborough Public Schools and a Lecturer in Education at Brandeis University. She holds a PhD in curriculum and instruction from Boston College, was a science teacher in both elementary and middle schools, as well as the science department chair. She has conducted research on the beliefs and knowledge of teachers and administrators about the NGSS and the science practices, consulted for schools and curriculum development organizations, and presented at conferences on the transition to the new standards.
Dr. Wardell Powell is Assistant Professor at Framingham State University and, Coordinator and advisor for the Graduate Program in STEM Education. His scholarly interest centers on effective science instruction for students with and without specific learning disabilities and the development of accessible science curriculum for such students. Specifically, he is interested in the use of socioscientific issues as a critical pedagogical strategy to enhance scientific literacy among marginalized students.
Maria Duaime Robinson is a State Representative who represents the 6th Middlesex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. She brings to the State House a decade of experience working in the clean, advanced energy industry. Her experience ranges from working with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources deploy solar panels at municipal water and wastewater facilities to working in state legislature and agencies in over half of the country to advocating on clean air regulations to providing expert testimony in front of the Federal Energy Regulation Commission.
There is no charge to attend this event. However, you need to register to get a valid parking pass for the Framingham State University campus.