HOST A SAFER SCIENCE SUMMIT

The 2026 Safer Science Summit delivers comprehensive safety training for grades 6–12 educators and school leaders, with hands-on demos and real-space inspections that equip them to implement safe, compliant, and practical science procedures.

STANDARD WEEK:

Mon–Tue: Teacher Workshops (Grades 6–12)
Wed: Lab Inspections
Thu: Safer Science Demonstrations
Fri AM (half day): Leadership in Safety for Administrators.

Audience: ~60 teachers / administrators, department chairs, curriculum coordinators

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

LSI (Summit Team)

  • Curriculum, facilitators, materials, certificates / CEUs (as applicable)
  • Registration site, confirmation communications, attendee support
  • Partner/vendor coordination and sponsorship fulfillment
  • Inspection protocols, checklists, and demo logistics
  • Post‐event reporting and evaluation summary

    Host Institution

    • Reserve venues (main room ~70–90 capacity; 2–4 breakout rooms; at least one lab or demo‐capable space)
    • Identify two inspection sites (ideally nearby K-12 schools). Ideal mix: two schools with one fully equipped lab and one general classroom that conducts science activities
    • Coordinate campus logistics: parking, wayfinding, security access, room opens/closes, Wi‐Fi, A/V
    • Food/catering options

    Optional:

    • Explore on‐campus housing (dorm blocks)
    • Share brand assets (logos, color/usage guide) and sign off on all public materials
    • Support outreach locally (districts, service centers, teacher lists, potential sponsors)

      FACILITIES & LOGISTICS

      Rooms

      • Plenary room (seated 70–90) with projection, audio, mics; tables preferred
      • 2–4 breakout rooms (25–40 each) for activities
      • Lab/demo space (water, power, ventilation; eyewash/shower ideal) OR a partner lab

      Inspection Day
      Two distinct spaces (AM/PM):

      • Space A: Full lab with emergency equipment (extinguisher, blanket; eyewash/shower; chemical storage; fume hood if available)
      • Space B: General classroom/non‐lab where science is conducted (to surface “what defines a lab” discussions)
      • Permissions for equipment activation tests (supervised eyewash/shower pull; hood functional checks; storage room access)

      Campus Logistics

      • Parking plan or permits; shuttle option if inspection sites are off‐building; ADA routes
      • Wi‐Fi guest access; IT or A/V contact; custodial hours for setup/breakdown
      • Security and after‐hours access if needed

      Housing (optional)

      • Explore dorm blocks between summer programs and orientation; confirm cleaning/turnover windows, nightly rates, and
        any minimums

      OPTIONAL TRACKS

      • Elementary Science Safety pilot sessions
      • Pre‐service teacher invitations (space‐available) with tailored resources

      EVALUATION, PD, RESEARCH

      • Participant certificates with contact hours; align with state PD rules where feasible.
      • Optional state approval for PD provider status (host can advise on state process).
      • Data & IRB (optional): If publishing results, coordinate IRB submission at host institution; leverage pre/post instruments on knowledge and confidence; report growth and impact metrics.

        PLANNING TIMELINE (TYPICAL)

        • T‐9 to T‐7 months: Lock dates & buildings; identify inspection sites; begin sponsor and partner outreach; confirm branding.
        • T‐7 to T‐5 months: Launch registration & save‐the‐date; secure dorm/housing options; confirm parking plan; AV checks.
        • T‐4 to T‐2 months: Finalize agenda blocks; confirm vendors/demos; recruit volunteer staff; collect COIs if needed.
        • T‐6 weeks: Publish parking/maps; confirm inspection access and permissions; order materials/ welcome kits.
        • T‐2 weeks: Final AV walk‐through; name badges; print signage & checklists; confirm catering headcounts. Send pre-summit surveys.
        • T+2 weeks: Send post‐event survey; compile impact metrics; thank‐yous & sponsor deliverables.

        PARTICIPANT TARGETS & EQUITY

        • Teachers: Aim for ≥60 registrations; prioritize regional districts with limited access to PD
        • Administrators: Target principals, APs, district science coordinators, department chairs. LSI offers CEUs and credits through University of San Diego. Consider PD credit pathways (state or university continuing ed) to boost attendance
        • Access: Seek sponsorships to keep teacher registration free/low‐cost; offer travel stipends if possible

        PARTNERS & SPONSORSHIPS

        • Local industry/education partners (e.g., science suppliers, regional STEM employers, museums, universities) for demo support, materials, or sponsored meals
        • Sponsorship tiers typically fund teacher registrations, teacher stipends, materials, host lab fees, and hospitality. Goal is $60K in funds raised per summit
        • Engage anchor partners early; coordinate demo day roles and safety expectations

        COMMUNICATIONS & BRANDING

        • Co‐branded flyers, web pages, and social posts
        • Approvals on logo use, colors, and naming conventions
        • Launch window: aim to start promotion by December prior to the summit year to catch spring PD planning cycles