The STEM Education Central Coast Conference, a collaboration between California State University, Monterey Bay and the University of California, Santa Cruz, takes place 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Monterey Conference Center. 

The conference will bring together formal and informal STEM educators, emerging teachers, students and community partners in order to share best practices, research and resources for teaching science, technology, engineering and math. 

This year’s theme is sustainability, and breakout sessions will cover climate classroom curriculum, career paths, regional food systems, science fairs, math games and more.

Judit Camacho, an advocate for garden-based education who is currently serving as the Co-Executive Director at Life Lab, will deliver the keynote speech. 

Participating organizations include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, CalRecycle, Elkhorn Slough Foundation, Monterey Bay Area Mathematics Project and the Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy.

School districts including Alisal, Gonzalez, Monterey Peninsula, Salinas Union, Santa Cruz, San Ardo and six others are participating. Students, educators and community partners receive a discount on registration. 

“There are several benefits to students,” said Corin Slown, CSUMB associate professor of science education. “The opportunity to professionally network, explore disciplines in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, discover sustainable and innovative ways to care for our local region, and of course have fun!”

For more information and registration, go to the event website.