Grow & Gather: An Educator’s Day of Discovery Symposium

Book Club/STEM in Literacy– Discover how great books can become powerful STEM learning tools. Participants will explore children’s literature that naturally connects to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts. Through hands-on activities, discussion, and lesson examples, educators will learn strategies for using read-alouds, informational texts, and storytelling to spark inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving while strengthening literacy skills. 

School Gardens– Explore how school gardens can serve as living laboratories that support science learning across grade levels. Participants will tour Morris Middle School’s Habitat Learning Lab and discover how gardens can be used to teach plant life cycles, ecosystems, biodiversity, pollinators, environmental stewardship, data collection, and engineering design. Educators will leave with practical ideas for creating meaningful outdoor learning experiences regardless of garden size. 

Cook Museum VR Dissection– Experience the future of life science instruction through immersive virtual reality dissection. Participants will explore anatomy and physiology using VR technology that allows students to investigate internal structures, body systems, and organismal adaptations without the need for preserved specimens. This session demonstrates how emerging technologies can increase engagement, accessibility, and scientific understanding while supporting inquiry-based learning. 

Nature Journaling- Slow down, observe closely, and deepen scientific understanding through nature journaling. Participants will learn techniques for recording observations, asking questions, sketching specimens, collecting data, and reflecting on natural phenomena. Nature journaling integrates science, literacy, art, and mindfulness while helping students develop observation skills and a stronger connection to the natural world.

Orion Amphitheater: Behind the Scenes Sustainability Efforts– Go behind the scenes at the Orion Amphitheater to explore how sustainability practices are incorporated into a large public venue. Participants will learn about environmental stewardship through real-world examples such as native landscaping, stormwater management, waste reduction, energy conservation, pollinator habitats, and sustainable site design. This tour will highlight how science, engineering, and environmental planning work together to reduce human impact while creating beautiful and functional community spaces.

National Weather Service– Step inside the National Weather Service to discover how meteorologists collect data, monitor weather conditions, and communicate forecasts that help keep communities safe. Participants will learn about weather instruments, radar technology, forecasting models, severe weather monitoring, and careers in meteorology. This field experience will demonstrate how scientific observations, data analysis, and technology are used to understand and predict Earth’s changing weather patterns.