Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend the BCCE?

The conference is a welcoming environment open to anyone interested in improving the teaching and learning of chemistry. Some attendees are practitioners, others are researchers, many are both. We welcome educators at all levels (e.g., K-12, university-level, informal education/outreach, etc.) as well as students (undergraduate, graduate). We also encourage non-chemists to attend to promote cross-disciplinary discussions and facilitate conversations from different perspectives. 

What does the BCCE have for K-12 teachers?

The conference is open for K-12 teachers and we encourage you to attend. Most of the extant research related to chemistry education has focused on a general chemistry (university) context; however, research about evidence-based practices and students’ reasoning processes (e.g., student-centered approaches, assessment practices, student cognition) are relevant and can be applied to the K-12 level. Moreover, in recent years there has been a focus on research related to the K-12 level, particularly in response to national-level changes (e.g., Next Generation Science Standards). That said, many of the researchers in our community focus on a K-12 context and encourage you to expand your network and familiarity with the resources and research relevant to your teaching.

I have never attended the BCCE before, what should I know before deciding to attend?

The conference will be organized topically based on our four conference themes (Classroom Practice and Learning Environments, Curriculum and Cognition, Assessment and Research Methods, Professional Development). Individual talks will vary with respect to emphasis on research/methods and instruction/practice. As the conference date approaches, more information about specific talks will be made available. Based on your interest in the themes listed you may be more or less inclined to attend.

How many presentations and what types of presentations can I make at the BCCE?

The BCCE follows the “rule of two”. Thus, the maximum number of presentations you can make should reflect one of the following combinations:     

• 2 papers
• 2 posters 
• 2 workshops
• 1 paper and 1 poster
• 1 paper and 1 workshop
• 1 poster and 1 workshop

You can be a second (third, fourth, etc.) non-presenting co-author on as many abstract submissions as you wish, but keep in mind we only look for schedule conflicts where you are a presenter. Unfortunately, we cannot look for conflicts when you are listed as a co-author.  

Do I have to present research in order attend?

No, you do not have to present research or organize a symposium/workshop in order to attend. You are more than welcome to join us, learn, and meet new people!

How do I access WiFi?

For guests at Purdue, we have multiple options.  If you are coming to Purdue from a campus that uses Eduroam, you can log into Purdue’s Eduroam by using your university email address and password to authenticate to the system. The situation varies by the institution where you are using Eduroam, but people have the most success if they first connect to Eduroam when at their institution's main campus - this seems to help get the person's presence created on Eduroam correctly.  

When you get to Purdue, on your phone or wireless device navigate to where you can see the WiFi networks (iPhone: Settings > WiFi> Eduroam, Android general description: Settings > Wireless & networks > WiFi settings > Eduroam) then tap on Eduroam to connect to it.  

Additionally, if you are a guest at Purdue, you can use the attwifi network. Connect to the network and open any browser to accept the Terms and Conditions. 
 

Do you have any support for nursing mothers?

Lactation support rooms are available across campus. A complete list is provided here. A shorter list of spaces that are near the conference rooms used during BCCE is provided below. If you need access or have any questions, please contact the staff indicated.