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=Welcome to the wiki for STEM UnConference October 17, 2011=

This is a work-in-progress, a place for us to share! Edit pages and add content! The "UnConference" is a form of Open Space Technology, a meeting concept advocated by Harrison Owen.

**STEM UnConference** The Tennessee Board of Regents, Tennessee Tech University, and TN-SCORE welcome educators, researchers and administrators from across the state to attend a STEM UnConference – a relaxed sharing of ideas focused on STEM education and STEM research.

Discussion leaders include Dr. Sandra Welch of the National Science Foundation, Program Director for Informal Science Education (ISE); Mr. Robert Lippincott, Senior Vice President for Education with PBS; Ms. Becky Magura, President & CEO of WCTE: Upper Cumberland Public Television; and Dr. Ada Haynes, co-Principal Investigator for the NSF funded Critical Thinking Assessment Test (CAT).  **In the Morning** Explore current models and success stories of research dissemination, the development of a national PBS digital learning library, how researchers and educational institutions can partner with local PBS affiliates to produce accessible and engaging projects/programming – dare to fill your mind with the exciting possibilities. Journey with leading researchers affiliated with the TN-SCORE state-wide project as they and their STEM research presentations (designed for K-12 teachers and students) face the “Dragon’s Den” of review – find out from the pros how to really engage an audience.  **In the Afternoon** Calm your whirling mind during a tasty lunch then dive into lively UnConference break-out sessions. The first Annual TBR Research Conference in March 2011 shook loose some key areas of concern with STEM-related researchers in the state. The UnConference follows-up and maybe even hopes to solve some of the concerns with engaging, facilitated conversations. By sharing ideas, resources, and through collaborative design, STEM research + STEM Education in Tennessee will thrive.  **UnConference Sponsors**  **UnConference Partners** __ [|**National Science Foundation**] __ __ [|**Public Broadcasting Service**] __
 * __ [|Tennessee Board of Regents] __**
 * __ [|Tennessee Tech University] __**
 * __ [|TN-SCORE (Tennessee Solar Conversion and Storage Using Outreach, Research and Education)] __**
 * __ [|WCTE: Upper Cumberland Public Television] __**