Zimbabwe Research Teachers Conference

The conference immerses middle and high school teachers in hands-on, inquiry-based science explorations and research sessions. Teachers get to work with other teachers to deepen their own practice, build content knowledge, and support a more equitable learning environment in the research context. The conference allows teachers to engage in facilitation that promotes noticing, wondering, and experimenting in order to build understanding and exploration of natural phenomena as well the applications to solve challenges.

Plenary sessions of the conference will cover topics such as:

• Tools and strategies for managing student research projects
• Projects in particular subject areas such as climate change, plant science or engineering
• Supporting students in research communication
• Supporting students underrepresented in STEM

Workshop sessions of the conference will cover science exhibit explorations and as well as independent project time. Teachers will have the opportunity to create small science exhibits using power tools and readily available materials.

After participating in the conference, teachers will be members of the Research Teachers community in Zimbabwe and will be eligible to attend alumni events and workshops for the rest of their teaching careers.

We believe that:

• Research and STEM talent in Zimbabwean primary and high schools needs to be fostered.
• Platforms to support ambitious young people can inspire a sense of purpose in them.
• We learn science by doing science.
• Teachers can be the support system for young people to solve society’s grand challenges.