The New Jersey Science Convention

If science is your life, whether you teach the subject or create new scientific products, there’s an annual convention that you won’t want to miss. The huge science convention brings together those in a wide variety of science jobs or studies and introduces them to new products, publications, practices and workshops.

In Somerset, NJ, a huge group of science buffs gather every year to attend vocational classes, learn more about the newest technological advances, or just chat with friends in the business. The convention is co-sponsored by the New Jersey Science Teachers Association and the New Jersey Science Education Leadership Association. It has, over the years, grown to be quite an event, featuring over 2,500 professional educators, 140 exhibits and 300 workshops or seminars.

Displays and exhibits include new science equipment, technology advances, the latest in science publications, and more. At the turn of this century the NJ Department of Education made it mandatory that teachers and educational personnel complete 100 hours of continuing education every five years. Almost all of the convention programs and activities will count towards that 100 hours.

You can put on an exhibit and it doesn’t have to be that complicated. It can be suggestions for new ways to teach students, a new twist on an old subject, a display of a project done in a school science class, or a showing of some new science supplies.

Lodging options include the Double-tree Somerset Hotel, which is connected to the Convention Center by way of a boardwalk, or the Holiday Inn which is across the street. Book your room early, though, since these hotels will fill up rapidly during the event.

It’s necessary to pre-register for the event and you can do so by going online or printing the forms and mailing them. Volunteers are also needed to help set up banquets, arrange activities, fill out forms, take tickets, provide flowers and so forth.

If you wish to volunteer call 609-921-3544 or email: cmessers@erols.com If you wish to receive more information concerning the exhibit space registration, fax to 973-398-8707 or email: rcmidd@optonline.net