EDUCATE TO INNOVATE: CREATING INNOVATIVE THINKERS THROUGH SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION

In a world of fast-paced technological development, large-scale STEM initiatives, and ever-decreasing funding for public education, how are we, the parents, teachers, and professionals of today, supposed to mold a generation of innovative thinkers capable of creating the new ideas needed to build a stable economy for tomorrow? The Educate to Innovate seminar will focus on the ways in which adults can spark a child's interest in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by allowing students to exercise their inquisitive and creative nature through exploration. This seminar will also include student testimonies and examples from the speaker's High School Scientific Research Program.

Ms. Jennifer Gerlach is currently a High School Science Teacher at Valley Christian High School and the developer of the Scientific Research Program. She has a Masters in Parasitology from Fresno State and has been teaching at the high school and college levels for the past seven years.