On Friday, September 6, 2019 the Scientist in Every Florida School team invited participating scientists to a luncheon at McGuire Hall at the Florida Museum of Natural History.  The purpose of the luncheon was to update and welcome new scientists to the program, as well as solicit feedback from those who participated in the summer professional development workshop last July.

While eating a delicious meal catered by Dos Mamas, the group continued an enriching dialogue regarding their collaborative projects with teachers around the state.  Several scientists already set dates for classroom visits with their respective teachers. Others continue to work through the lessons and activities that they will eventually debut to their students.

The SEFS team was able to share updates on the program since last getting together.  They also asked scientists to spread the word to other colleagues and labs around the University of Florida and area universities to grow the program. The labs were kept in the loop regarding upcoming events for the five pilot counties, teacher webinars, and future professional development workshops.

The collective group decided on some changes for the summer workshop to be held next July. These changes include: grouping teachers by grade ranges, holding workshops for scientists on lesson planning and Florida standards, creating virtual tour videos of the labs and the research undertaken, and allowing for more lesson planning and collaborative breaks in between presentations each day.  Another important topic that was covered was the theme for the summer workshop, which most seemed to lean towards an all-inclusive “Nature of Science” theme.

Director, Bruce MacFadden, felt that luncheon with scientists was so successful, that SEFS will likely hold a similar event in the spring.