CAST25 PocketLab Happy Hour

CAST25 PocketLab Happy Hour: An Inside Look at the Exclusive Science Leadership Networking Event

CAST25 in Dallas offered a whirlwind of new standards and resources, vendor exhibits, and learning for all. But just down the road from the main conference, there was an event that wasn’t on the official schedule.

PocketLab hosted an invite-only Happy Hour exclusively for Texas school district science leadership and select PocketLab partners. It was an intimate gathering of the movers and shakers who are defining the future of science education across Texas.

This fun and casual venue allowed Texas science leaders to network with peers from across the state, have "off-the-record" conversations, and learn how PocketLab is supporting their districts with TEKS-aligned curriculum and easy-to-use wireless sensors to enable hands-on science and real-time data collection in every classroom.

If you were unable to attend, here is a glimpse into the evening:

The Guest List: A "Who's Who" of Science Education 

Directors, Coordinators, and Strategists from Texas districts large and small were three, as well as a selection of PocketLab partners and science celebrities!

Attendees could grab a drink with Paul Andersen (of Bozeman Science!) or chat with Chris Kesler (Kesler Science) about the future of teaching middle school science. Sarina Rapini AKA "Petunia" from the Amoeba Sisters was there snapping a few photos with super-fans,  John Suchocki of Conceptual Academy, Matt Schmidt from Sciesmic and of course, the team from PocketLab was there too!

The Kesler team shared, "this event opened the door for meaningful conversations - we had several conversations about honors education, for example, and provided a chance to connect with the teams we already know on a more personable level."

District coordinators from  Frisco ISD, Katy ISD, Leander, Garland, Lubbock and others (Full list below) connecting, exchanging ideas and feedback was a great reminder of why this community coming together is so powerful.  Y’all are making a difference in the lives of your students and helping vendors like us keep motivated to raising the bar to support you!

Science Talk... But Make It a Party

We didn't just want to host a happy hour; we wanted to host a science happy hour.

The "Test Your Cocktail" Station: In true nerd fashion, we set up a PocketLab Odyssey station where guests could run real-time analysis on their drink. (Because why just drink a cocktail when you can measure its pH and conductivity first?) It turns out red wine is quite, acidic! 

The open bar and the all you can eat tacos were a hit. The delicious PocketLab signature drink, aptly named The Voyager, in honor of our most popular sensor was a true crowd pleaser. (The orange PocketLab sensor is named Voyager because it is adventure-ready: portable, wireless and able to measure 13 different kinds of data.)

Several attendees asked for the Voyager Cocktail recipe and we don't believe in gatekeeping a good thing, so here it is!

The Voyager (a take on the Dark and Stormy)

• • 2 ounces of dark rum
  • 1 ounce orange juice
  • 4 ounces of ginger beer
  • Garnish with a fresh Orange slice

The Swag

Guests were gifted PocketLab // Disney Imagination Studio tumblers, candy test tubes from Sciesmic and Kesler Science provided the ever-popular Energy Sticks from Steve Spangler. It was the perfect send off from a night of great food and drink and even better company, in Dallas.

.                     

Looking Ahead

For those who attended, thank you! Your presence, passion and energy made the night special. 

Miss out? We are already dreaming of ways to top this event, so be sure to sign up for our mailing list. Keep doing the incredible work you do for Texas students, and we hope to see you next time!

Fun Fact

Those of you that attended collectively represent over 1 million Texas students! ❤️