Reflections during the TAS Annual Meeting

As the incoming President of TAS, I am taking a few moments to reflect upon the scene around me – the 112th Annual Meeting of the Texas Academy of Science in Junction.  Our host with the Texas Tech Llano River Field Station and the entire Junction community have set a new standard in hospitality and service.  We are extremely grateful.

Our participants represent a wide variety of interests and backgrounds and it is wonderful to see so many scientists interacting across the artificial barriers that our disciplines sometimes erect.  It is especially gratifying to see so many young people enjoying themselves as active participants in a scientific meeting.

TSU Students at TAS Annual Meeting

The weather is great and we are basking in the warmth and dialogue for a few short days along the banks of the beautiful South Llano River.

South Llano River

EE Symposium an Annual Meeting

The presentations have been idea-inspiring, the discussions have been insightful and only slightly heated, and the attendees have all made the comment to themselves, “I am going to do that when I get back.”

Early morning sessions have presented overviews of national programs and initiatives (WILD, an NAAEE program) and previews of local nonprofit and university programs (here at TT Junction, Wildflower Center in Austin and the Sibley Nature Center).  I can’t wait for the rest of the talks.

TAS Program as a teaching tool

The TAS program was a great teaching tool today in my classroom.  I called it up on the projector and scrolled through the Sections and sampled the abstracts to show my AP Environmental Science students what today’s college students, professors and scientists are researching.  We discussed the process of creating scientific data, presenting it to your peers and publishing it – with real time data to look at.  A few of them were actually interested.  I take that as a very positive sign.

NSTA Comments to SBOE

The National Science Teachers Association recently commented to the Texas State Board of Education on the proposed revisions to the science standards.  Their written comments support the teaching of evolution.

national_science_teachers_association_-_statement_to_sboe_1-21-091

Sandra West receives AAAS 2008 Fellows Award

In October, the American Association for the Advancement of Science Council elected 471 members as Fellows of AAAS. These individuals were recognized for their contributions to science and technology at the Fellows Forum held on 16 February 2008 during the AAAS Annual Meeting in Boston. The new Fellows received a certificate and a blue and gold rosette as a symbol of their distinguished accomplishments.

Texas Academy of Science Board Member and representative to AAAS, Sandra West, was honored with this recognition.  She has contributed greatly to TAS and to science education in Texas for many years.  Congratulations Sandra.

Dr. Sandra West receives a Fellowship from AAAS