Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of the future post pandemic environment the New Jersey Science Convention is announcing today that the in-person 2020 – Science: The Key to the Future scheduled to take place October 20 & 21, 2020 at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal has been cancelled. 

This was not an easy decision for the Steering Committee. However, after careful consideration of all the challenges presented by COVID-19 and the health and safety risk to our attendees, exhibitors, speakers, volunteers and staff the committee unanimously decided that it is impossible and irresponsible to hold our event as scheduled. 

There are many stakeholders involved in making New Jersey Science Convention a successful event each year. Members of the Steering Committee, volunteers, attendees, presenters, exhibitors, and sponsors have provided continuous support over the years. Our partners at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal have offered their cooperation with and mutual understanding of the COVID-19-related factors beyond our control that led to this decision. Their efforts and support have served New Jersey Science teachers over 43 years. 

The Steering Committee is definitely looking forward to a return to a time when we can resume a face-to-face event.  However, we recognize the need for change in 2020. We have begun to explore virtual learning as an exciting way to continue our mission of providing science professional development to New Jersey K-12 teachers of science. This will be different from the traditional two-day in person convention but for the current environment it will better serve the health and safety all our stakeholders. 

In the coming weeks, we will be providing additional details about the new convention experience for 2020. We hope that you will be part of NJSC 2020 either as a presenter or a sponsor. As the saying goes…Stay tuned. ​

Dr. Goldstein is also a certified Zumba instructor.  During this time of social distancing he is offering live streaming Zumba classes.  Click on this link http://doctorjeff.org/zumba-cardio-dance/zumba-classes-live-streamed/ for a lively dance class on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings.  Class times are on the website.  Email him to get on his email list.  ​

On behalf of the New Jersey Science Convention Steering Committee we welcome you to the 44th Annual science convention. The convention has a history of providing science teachers in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania with professional development over the course of two days. Our goal is to provide a variety of sessions over two days addressing current K-12 science topics, including successful implementation of classroom lessons aligned to NGSS/NJSL-S, the development of assessment tasks that provide evidence of 3D science learning, using phenomena to support 3D learning, safety in science instruction, and other relevant science topics. 

Please join us for one or two days at the NJ Science Convention and for our Tuesday night banquet. This year we are pleased to present as our banquet speaker Dr. William Gutsch Distinguished Professor of the College of Arts & Sciences at Saint Peter’s University. A celebrated educator with a career spanning five decades, Dr. Gutsch will share his experiences and talk about some lessons learned along the way. 

If you are looking for new classroom ideas and strategies or if you are willing to share your successes with colleagues join us and catch the energy of the New Jersey Science Convention. Be sure to check our site periodically for updates to this blog.

Interested in becoming a presenter? Submit a proposal at: http://www.njscienceconvention.org/submit-a-program-proposal.html

Lisa Doyle and Lola Szobota, Executive Co-chairs

Title:  Evolution of Science Education

Abstract:  This workshop will provide updates on the standards review process, introduce new resources to assist in the review and revision of science curriculum, and provide updates on the science assessment system.

Time: 9:30-10:30 AM

​(119) K-12 NGSS/NJSLS-S, SL/SUP Presentation/Lecture Carnahan

Title:  Appendixes to the NJSLS-S

Abstract:  How do we integrate P-21 Skills, Career Ready Practices, Technology, Social Emotional Learning, and Interdisciplinary Connections into science units? We will explore and discuss the Appendixes to the NGSS/NJSLS-S.

Time:  1:00-2:30 PM

​(071) K-12 NGSS/NJSLS-S, SL/SUP Discussion Carnahan