Science Teachers Take Over Music City

Science teachers from across the country convened in Nashville for the National Science Teachers Association’s (NSTA) National Conference on Science Education, March 31–April 3, at Nashville’s Music City Center and local hotels. The event included thousands of science educators, as well as school and district administrators, scientists, business leaders and many others. The groups explored the latest in science content and teaching strategies, addressed important issues in science education, and heard from renowned scientists and educators

This year, Challenger Center shared information about our key programs, including Challenger Learning Center Simulated Missions, EngiLearn, and our newest project CodeRed: My STEM Mission (made possible through a cooperative agreement with NASA).

In addition to attending sessions and telling the Challenger Center story, we were proud to be a part of a special evening hosted by the DuPont Corporation. DuPont Corporation has been a leader in science and engineering for over two centuries.  They develop a range of products that are designed to help make people’s lives better, safer and healthier.

In 1986, in honor of the Challenger shuttle accident, DuPont created The DuPont Challenge, a science writing competition.  The competition for grades 6-12, now celebrating its 30th anniversary, has inspired more than 250,000 students to research STEM-oriented developments and to communicate their ideas and personal insights in a compelling essay.

This year, the 30th anniversary of Challenger Center and The DuPont Challenge, DuPont celebrated the legacy of the Challenger crew.  Founding Chair Dr. June Scobee Rodgers and President & CEO Lance Bush addressed the audience, reflecting on the story of the organization’s creation, as well as why inspiration is such a key ingredient for engaging students in STEM.