Technically, STEAM is an acronym: science, technology, engineering, art and math.

But for the California STEAM Symposium, that “E” could easily stand for “empowerment”.

And the seventh annual California STEAM Symposium is set to happen in Anaheim, December 9th and 10th!

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Glennon Stratton is the STEAM Program Director for the Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation.   CDEF is co-hosting the California STEAM Symposium, in partnership with the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and CSU.

The focus of this annual conference: how to combine the five areas of STEAM to engage students in learning.   And like the 2018 edition, this will be an exciting and creative two days.

More than 250 breakout presentations are scheduled, at the Anaheim Convention Center’s North Hall.  A maker space will be offer regular class sessions, both days.  Exhibits and keynote speakers will spotlight innovative approaches to teaching–and to learning.

Robotics, rockets and maker lessons are on the agenda.  So are art lessons which bring geometry and science to life.  Animation, Space Station exploration, and even a murder mystery (featuring teachers as “suspects”!) will be subjects attendees can explore.

While geared towards education professionals, the conference is for anyone who understands the importance of STEAM awareness in the twenty-first century. Members of organizations that promotes STEAM awareness will find the California STEAM Symposium time well spent.

Glennon talked about the California STEAM Symposium and the concepts behind a more customized approach to empowering students.

On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

• The origins of Glennon’s passion for education and improving lives;

• How a non-classroom teaching experience made him aware of the power of interdisciplinary education (a/k/a STEAM);

• The concepts at the root of a hands-on learning experience and results Glennon has seen, with students;

• What attendees will experience at the 2019 California STEAM Symposium;

• A summary of the 2019 keynotes;

• How one of those speakers uses a pop-culture approach to teaching students science concepts;

• A highly empowering STEAM application Glennon observed, while working in as a project manager in Portland public schools;

• A closer look at some of the 2019 sessions (including one that tells participants, “math can be fun”);

• What Glennon himself has learned, in the past year, from his work with students and teachers;

• His advice to teachers implementing a STEAM approach in a classroom;

• Glennon’s own experience with math being fun!;

• How to open reading for students so that it’s magical, rather than a chore;

• A look at one of the science-oriented sessions;

• Who, besides education professionals, can benefit from attending the California STEAM Symposium;

• One of Glennon’s favorite experiences from preparing for the 2019 California STEAM Symposium;

• Unique presentations which will be led by students themselves;

• The critical component to getting around the challenges facing underserved students.