Goal #1 - Bring something home to my students
Now before any of my students get excited, that I mean this to be a physical thing (since so many read this blog), that is not what I intended. I mean I want to bring an idea, activity, or knowledge that I can immediately bring to my classroom. I think this is my top priority when I am planning my workshops and places of learning. I am not sure what this "thing" will entail, but I am excited to learn as much as I can.
Goal #2 - Create at least one video while I am there
Since this is suppose to be a tech based blog, so you knew this was going to be apart of this post. I have been creating videos for my students all year, albeit mostly recording my lectures, but I want to do an awesome one. I have imagined an interview with Bill Nye, Mayim Bialik, Neil deGrasse Tyson, or some other awesomeness of science (Brian Greene please) and discuss the importance of science, technology and school. I would really love a personal message that would encourage my un-encourageable to inspire them to be a scientist. Or maybe just a explanation/demo of viruses and bacteria at an exhibitor booth. Just something that was on location and active. I have even imagined doing a GHO with my students while I am there. I know shoot for the stars and you will land on the moon, but I really hope I hit the stars.
Goal #3 - Recharge, Reflect, Re-energize
Like I said earlier, this has been a really hard year. I need some good encouragement that what I do everyday matters. That how I am teaching, how I (if I) am inspiring, or how I am learning is the correct way. I know that I will leave exhausted, but I think it will be good exhaustion. I need to find some time for reflection and some time for recharging. I plan on keeping this blog update while I am there, just for the reflective piece. I love conferences, but man they are tiring (mentally, physically, and emotionally)
I am sure that before I leave I will come up with some other crazed, dreamy, excitement induced goal. This is what I live for, to learn. As Sid the Science Kid says "Remember, keep asking lots of questions" and that is my ultimate goal. To ask, find and learn while I am there.
If you have been to the NSTA conference and have any pointers, please post a comment. I would love to hear any and all. Wish me good luck, and safe travels.