This week’s EXSEED conference is providing inspiration and tools to math and science teachers.
On Monday, June 23, Charles F. McMillan, PhD, nuclear physicist and director, Los Alamos National Laboratory, challenged K-12 educators attending Loma Linda University Health’s fourth annual EXSEED Conference (June 23-27).
“The brightest minds in the country work at Los Alamos National Laboratory,” he said. “As science and math teachers you play an incredible role in the future of our country. Every year Los Alamos needs 100 to 200 PhDs. To help meet this need I challenge each of you, during your career, to produce two students who will go on to earn a PhD.” McMillan also provided ideas about how to engage parents and students in mastering science and math courses.
Monday’s second keynote was presented by Richard Osborn, PhD, vice president of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). After sharing the story of his journey as an educator, Osborn highlighted the changing ecology of education including the role of faculty (teaching, research and course design) as well as highlighting innovation and the new settings in which education is taking place.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, participants were immersed in workshops including iPad integration in the mathematics classroom; studying sound and light; physics and medicine; 3-D printing in the classroom; high school robotics and Lego robotics. The sessions provided information and ideas for creative projects that can be implemented in the classroom.
Research has shown that if children haven’t developed a firm foundation in math and science as early as the fifth grade, their ability to be successful in these areas in high school and college becomes limited. This will hinder their ability to pursue fields including medicine and dentistry. EXSEED was envisioned by Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, president, LLU, as a way for LLU and Adventist higher education to partner with K-12 science educators. EXSEED has expanded to include technology, engineering and math.
Adventist educators from across the North American Division (U.S. and Canada) and teachers from San Bernardino City Unified School District and Rialto and Redlands Unified School Districts are attending EXSEED. Educators are also traveling from Jamaica, Curacao and Bonaire to attend the conference.
Marilyn Eggers, PhD, and LLU provost Ron Carter, PhD, co-executive directors of EXSEED, have worked to grow the event beyond the original vision. In 2013 Doug Havens, MS, EXSEED director, was hired full-time to help with expanding needs and opportunities. LLU significantly funds EXSEED along with some major grants making it accessible for educators at every level to participate.
“EXSEED is part of our educational strategy to develop both minds and characters that are essential for producing quality health professionals,” Hart said. “By working together, we strive to support and empower educators in teaching the STEM disciplines with a mission-focused learning context.”
Six Adventist colleges and universities are currently EXSEED partners with Loma Linda University: Andrews University, Kettering College, La Sierra University, Pacific Union College, Union College, and Walla Walla University. More are getting ready to participate and all are invited.