Over fifty educators hosted table presentations at the first ever Elementary STEM Spectacular held on Friday, November 8, 2013 during CAST. Dr. Mary Hobbs, Coordinator for Science Initiatives with the Texas Regional Collaboratives (TRC) and one of the organizers of the event, estimated that around 350 people attended the nearly two hour long event.
Sponsored by the Texas Council of Elementary Science (TCES), the STEM Spectacular was modeled after the Elementary Extravaganza held annually during NSTA. Both were designed as opportunities for educators to share effective hands-on science activities with their peers. Attendees simply walked up to a hosted table and an informal conversation ensued. Presenter Ellen Harris noted, “I really think the participants liked the format and I so enjoyed meeting with people at a table, just a few at a time. Please sign me up for next year. Loved it!”
Color-coded t-shirts provided direction to grade specific activities. Prekindergarten and Kindergarten presenters were wearing bright pink t-shirts, Grades 1 and 2 presenters wore green t-shirts, etc. Activities ranged from Acorns Galore! to Squishy Circuits.
Attendees and presenters alike were enthusiastic in their praise of the event. Michelle Sedberry, TRC Project Director of the Region 17 ESC Science Collaborative wrote, “I brought 75 handouts and I was out in less than 30 minutes! Amazing. We had a blast and would be excited to present again next year. I had MANY people say we should have a secondary showcase as well.”
The TRC would like to thank all the presenters and attendees for making this event a great success.
