The DoSeum is designed for the discovery and exploration of STEM, Literacy and the Visual Arts. With that in mind, children can explore, discover, learn, and create through a variety of exhibits and materials. Based on the idea of touching for kinesthetic learning, seeing for visual learning, and hearing for the auditory learning, experiences at The DoSeum can promote the best of student-based learning in a hands-on environment.
Educators are encouraged to explore the DoSeum to see how this institution can be used as a teaching environment. The exhibits, materials, and supplies provide an environment for exploration, be it student driven or teacher directed. Content topics range from concrete to abstract so that multiple levels can be accommodated in critical thinking and problem solving among the young guests who walk through the doors of The DoSeum.
The STEMtastic event is set up as a networking, learning experience for adults to relax, reboot, and revalidate with colleagues in the greater San Antonio area. Refreshments will be served through The DoSeum at stations, classroom activities will be setup for make-and-take throughout The DoSeum, and we will host Jackie Small, Director of Professional Development at The Discovery Channel, as the keynote speaker for the evening.
Featured Speaker: Jackie Small, Director of Professional Development, The Discovery Channel/Education.
Speaker Bio:
Jacqueline Smalls is an educational consultant specializing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education. She is skilled in developing interactive, cooperative, challenging, inquiry based professional development that meets the diverse needs of various school districts. Jacqueline served as one of the writers of the 40 members writing team from the group of 26 lead state partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards based on the NRC’s Framework for K–12 Science Education. She currently serves on the NAE Guiding Committee for K-ˇ12 Engineering Education. She also serves on the NGSS Advisory Board for NSTA.
Jacqueline was a STEM Coordinator at Langley STEM Education Campus (K-8), District of Columbia Public Schools, where she provided STEM professional development for a staff of 82 members to develop thematic units and implement project based learning to integrate STEM as part of instruction and learning.
Jacqueline spent most of her teaching career in the primary grades, 3-ˇ5th grade, for the Prince George’s County Public School System (PGCPS). She also served as an elementary science curriculum writer for the PGCPS Elementary Science Office and was a lead instructor for the PGCPS Professional Educator’s Induction Program, which provided new teachers professional development on the elementary science curriculum. She also participated in Maryland State Department of Education range-ˇfinding sessions for the Maryland School Assessment for Science.
Prior to becoming a teacher Jacqueline served in the United States Army for eight years as an Environmental Science Officer. She was the lead consultant in the area of water quality and purification, air monitoring, pest management and control, public health issues, preventive medicine, and industrial hygiene. She traveled around the world to various countries, and continents including Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia, along with 18 states in the United States.
Jacqueline received a BS in Biology from South Carolina State University and Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Science and Technology from Loyola University of Maryland.