
San Diego, CA, April 21—On April 23 – 27, Sally Ride Science will be in Washington D.C. taking part in both the U.S. News STEM Solutions Conference, April 23-24, and the USA Science & Engineering Festival, April 25-27. Both events are being held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (www.dcconvention.com).
In addition to exhibiting and presenting new products at both events, the Company will be participating in a variety of ways:
- Thursday, April 24, 2:00 – 3:15 pm, Panel Discussion: “Making STEM Stick in Middle School.” As part of the U.S. News STEM Solutions Conference, Sally Ride Science Faculty member Chelsea Cochrane will join other STEM thought leaders to discuss effective pre-teen engagement in STEM via a combination of innovative teaching methods, informal learning programs, mentorship, and partnerships with other schools. This session, featuring experts on the front lines, will explore what’s working to pique, capture and sustain middle schoolers’—the age group in which interest in science tends to drop off dramatically—engagement in STEM.
- Friday, April 25, 11:00 am – 12:00 noon: “In Conversation with Astronaut Sandy Magnus.” As a USA Science & Engineering Festival highlight, Sally Ride Science will host a discussion, “In Conversation with Astronaut Sandy Magnus,” where the space explorer will discuss her experiences before an audience of Festival attendees. Moderated by Sally Ride Science co-founder Dr. Karen Flammer, the conversation will take place on the Astronaut Stage on the Main Floor of the convention center.
- Saturday, April 26, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Professional Development Training: “Ignite Student Interest in STEM.” Sally Ride Science will also be hosting a one-day educator training event on Saturday April 26 at the convention center. The training will feature a special lunchtime presentation by the National Math and Science Institute’s Rene McCormick, and attendees will receive a set of Sally Ride Science Cool Careers books.
“We’re very excited about both of these shows in Washington D.C.,” said Tam O’Shaughnessy, CEO and co-founder of Sally Ride Science. “At the USA Science & Engineering Festival, we’ll be chatting with two women who are well known pioneers in space. We also look forward to meeting thousands of students, families, and educators, and ‘getting our hands dirty’ with some activities at our booth. At the U.S. News event, we will be meeting business and policy leaders about opportunities in STEM education. We expect to explore how STEM topics are taught, but also how STEM jobs are being filled.”
U.S. News STEM Solutions Conference (now in its third year) brings together approximately 2,000 experts, advocates and change-makers proactively working to fill jobs now and advance the future of the STEM workforce. The USA Science & Engineering Festival is a national grassroots effort to advance STEM education and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. The event is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors (educators, students, families) to engage in hands-on exhibits and activities put on by approximately 750 exhibiting companies.