Education and Outreach Forum

Overview

As a model program for promoting innovation in science teaching, the Education and Outreach Forum has become an integral component of our annual meeting. Beginning in 2002 at the Wisconsin meeting, the Forum has attracted hundreds of educators from around the country. With a variety of formats from discussions to workshops, the sessions provide a means for participants to explore novel approaches to integrating plants into the classroom and to reach out to broaden participation in science in general.

The Forum is a must not only for teachers but also for researcher who are interested in making their results accessible to students of biology at all levels. The global significance of plants continues to grow. It is therefore vital that botanists and their professional societies work to ensure that plants are represented in the undergraduate and graduate curriculum, as well as in science outreach initiatives. Each year, the Forum has delighted attendees with a mix of informative sessions, a stellar key note address and engaging workshops. Botany 2007 will include the sixth Forum, which promises to be enlightening, engaging and lively.

The Forum begins on Saturday morning and will include informational sessions, interactive panel and roundtable discussions, and breakout groups. Sunday's offerings include a series of FREE hands-on workshops. Two-hour, half-day, and full-day workshops will be organized so that attendees may participate in workshops and/or field trips, also being planned for Sunday.

An additional benefit to K-12 Illinois Educators is the opportunity for to receive up 15 Continuing Professional Credits (CPEs) for attending the Forum Session, Scientific Workshops, Field Trips and/or the Scientific Program.

Topical Sessions

TOPICAL 'THREADS' - Individual sessions are grouped within the topical themes, or `threads' listed below.

Session Types

Four types of sessions will be included in the Forum program, and these are listed below. Organizers will be able to select the most appropriate type of session for their topic.

• Informational Session - A presentation by one to three speakers in which specific information is conveyed. Informational sessions should leave a minimum of 20 minutes for questions and answers. - An introduction by one to three facilitators followed by time for in-depth discussion or an organized activity that engages the audience. Two thirds of the time period should be devoted to discussion and interaction. A breakout session often culminates in a commitment: group recommendations or personal agendas for future implementation.

• Panel Session - Two to four panel members including a moderator, each of which may give a brief introduction, followed by discussion among them and with the audience. Half of the time period should involve audience participation.

• Roundtable Session - A roundtable is a freewheeling discussion, usually with multiple viewpoints. The discussion is facilitated by a moderator, but there are no formal speakers. The moderator sets the stage for the discussion by providing one or two provocative questions. Virtually the entire session is interactive.

Submission of session proposals should be conducted online using the Abstract Submission Site, which will open in January 2007. Deadline for receiving session proposals is March 1, 2007.

A Registration Brochure for Botany 2007 including Forum Information will be mailed to members of all participating societies in spring 2007, and it will also be available online at the conference web site.