This session will introduce teachers to a variety of note-booking techniques that will increase student engagement and excitement for learning. Students will take pride in their notebooks and therefore increase the level of effort they put into their work.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will provide teachers and administrators with various strategies to differentiate learning for English Language Learners, Special Education Students, and General Education Students, and accurately assess student learning through note-booking by tracking student thinking/understanding.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Ziminski (EMK Academy for Health Careers: Boston, MA)

Hear how a K-8 district just north of Chicago with 18 schools is transforming science teaching and learning through cultivating Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), leveraging teacher leaders, and centering student voice.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teacher leaders & students are crucial to scaling reform efforts. Participants will walk away with a detailed model for cultivating science PLCs and example strategies for elevating student voice.

SPEAKERS:
Kristie Rachell (Haven Middle School: Evanston, IL), Meghan Thomas (Educator: Evanston, IL), Megan McDermott (Nichols Middle School: No City, No State), Elida Patino (Kindergarten Dual Language Teacher), Alissa Berg (Evanston Skokie School District 65)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

We'll explore using BioInteractive's free Model Builder tool to assist students in understanding system models. Choose from a library of models or create your own.

SPEAKERS:
Steven Rogg (Notre Dame College Prep: Niles, IL), Joseph Evans (Kent County High School: Worton, MD)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Teach macromolecules without the crazy prep! In this micro-scaled lab activity, students test for starch, glucose, protein, lipids and DNA, without the need for large volumes of reagents, cleaning test tubes, or boiling reagents. Then students apply their knowledge and test various unknown samples.

SPEAKERS:
Whitney Hagins (Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: BrainPOP Science

Discover the synergy of engineering and science in your classroom! Merge hands-on learning and digital tech to bridge content and practice. Ignite creativity, foster problem-solving, and bring real-world experiences to your students through the power of brainstorming.

SPEAKERS:
Hannah Bonville (BrainPOP: New York, NY)

Please join us for the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the exhibit hall, featuring companies with services, support, and resources for science educators.

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Use Biointeractive resources to help students explain the relationship between climate change and coral bleaching by analyzing real world data on heat-stress mortality trends.

SPEAKERS:
Dawn Norton (Educator: Holcombe, WI), Chi Klein (Saint Stephen's Episcopal School: Bradenton, FL)

Sponsoring Company: Simulation Curriculum

Teach astronomy and space science using the most effective and recognized tool available - Starry Night. We invite teachers to see our newest, browser-based NGSS aligned edition. We'll show the lessons, exercises, simulations and interactions along with the assessments and teacher materials.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Goodman (Simulation Curriculum: Hopkins, MN)

Discover the latest and greatest science and STEM teaching and learning resources, tools, and products available during this break in concurrent sessions.

In this share a thon session, participants will see how early childhood students investigate the structure and function of different tree parts using common materials

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will see how hands on activities makes concepts more concrete for young students, and get ideas for ways they can create hands on activities

SPEAKERS:
Anne Lowry (Aleph Academy: Reno, NV)

How to create hands on science and engineering activities using simple supplies of just paper, tape and scissors. Effective for grades K-8

TAKEAWAYS:
Remove the expense factor that often hinders the inclusion of STEAM projects

SPEAKERS:
Godwyn Morris (Dazzling Discoveries / Skill Mill NYC: New York, NY)

This year’s OSTB award books will be available for participants to peruse and enjoy. Additionally, we will share our methods and findings for a review of all 246 submitted books for topics in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Also, learn about our experiences serving on the committee!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants can view and discuss the latest Outstanding Science Trade Book winners.

SPEAKERS:
Ana Houseal (University of Wyoming: Laramie, WY), Katie Morrison (University Child Development School: Seattle, WA)

Experience 4 take-away activities for ages 2-8 in engineering and math. Integrate suggested apps from technology and the sciences. Preview a complete Science Fairy project for staff training. Bang for your dollar here.

TAKEAWAYS:
STEM activities (9) with at-conference DIY from That Science Fairy to implement in early education 2-8 settings

SPEAKERS:
Laura Weilert (Maker of Experiences: Colorado Springs, CO)

Teachers will receive ready-made activity packet to be used with the free middle school lesson plans in middleschoolchemistry.com and the free elementary school lesson plans in inquiryinaction.org.

TAKEAWAYS:
Get access to free comprehensive lesson plans in chemistry for middle school and elementary school students.

SPEAKERS:
James Kessler (American Chemical Society: Washington, DC)

It is never too early to introduce students to robotics and coding. Learn about opportunities that are available at the elementary school level. Developing an early curiosity about how to solve problems, while working together are valuable skills that students will be able to use for a lifetime.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn about the resources that are available to begin a robotics program at the elementary school level.

SPEAKERS:
Nancy McIntyre (Robotics Education & Competition Foundation: Greenville, TX)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Support students in using data to construct explanations! Join us as we utilize free BioInteractive resources to explore factors driving evolution among Galapagos finches.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Eberhard (St. Clair High School: Saint Clair, MI), Robin Bulleri (Science Teacher: Carrboro, NC)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Agriculture, biology, and business knowledge are essential on the modern farm. In this hands-on workshop, use gel electrophoresis to visualize genotypes for a gene necessary for high quality cheese, and help a dairy farmer select which breeding pairs give her the best chance to have a Ca$h Cow!

SPEAKERS:
Whitney Hagins (Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Simulation Curriculum

Teach about plate tectonics, minerals & rocks, earthquakes & volcanoes, geologic time, atmosphere, weather and climate using the most effective and recognized tool available - Layered Earth! We invite teachers to come and see our newest, browser-based NGSS aligned editions.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Goodman (Simulation Curriculum: Hopkins, MN)

What started out as our solution to “viewing science fair projects can be boring” evolved into a well-attended, hands-on experience for our families and community. In this session, we will share our station-oriented activities and how to use them to build relationships with families and your school.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with the resources and confidence to organize large events for their school and community using science to build relationships. Session participants will be given an outline of helpful resources, tools, and ideas they can use to manage their own events.

SPEAKERS:
Megan Hunt (First Grade Teacher: Eustis, FL), Anne Fritz (Science Teacher: Eustis, FL)

Explore tried-and-true strategies firsthand for supporting student-driven revision of written work. Walk away with strategies to help students self- and peer-assess their work and improve it.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn what a critique lesson can look like in which students generate success criteria for quality scientific explanations. They will walk away with strategies to implement in their own classrooms to support students with the NGSS practice "constructing explanations."

SPEAKERS:
Kristie Rachell (Haven Middle School: Evanston, IL), Claire Hiller (Chute Middle School: Evanston, IL), Kafi Chase (Chute Middle School), Alissa Berg (Evanston Skokie School District 65)

Photons of electromagnetic radiation of all wavelengths are collected by telescopes and processed using computers. Scientists use image analysis software to analyze the data and construct unique models of the data, including stars and galaxies, while maintaining the integrity of the underlying data.

TAKEAWAYS:
All our knowledge of stars and galaxies is determined by spectroscopy— the analysis of radiation emissions, including radio, infrared, optical, ultraviolet, gamma, and X-ray. Knowledge of spectroscopy is essential to understanding the processes producing the individual wavelengths.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young (NASA/NSO/UoL Program Manager: Laughlin, NV)

A tour of the key debates that are happening in science education in the UK will be provided. The impact of these issues across different age-phases, on differing stakeholders and how they have shaped the curricula that can be found in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will be outlined.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the key debates in education within the UK and compare and contrast these with their educational setting.

SPEAKERS:
Alex Sinclair (Senior Lecturer: HAMPTON, 0)

Join members of NSTA’s Professional Learning Committee to explore effective strategies and resources that focus on helping students make sense of data using the Crosscutting Concepts. In this session, you will engage with the strategies and consider how to implement them with students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with sensemaking strategies for engaging students in the Science and Engineering Practice of Analyzing and Interpreting Data, through the lens of the Crosscutting Concept of Patterns, that can immediately be implemented with students!

SPEAKERS:
Kimberley Astle (Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction: Olympia, WA), Rebecca Garelli (Arizona Science Teachers Association)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Explore patterns of inheritance in stickleback fish using free BioInteractive resources! We'll also model how to have students use data to support their evidence-based claims.

SPEAKERS:
Tanea Hibler (Phillips Exeter Academy: Exeter, NH), Lee Ferguson (The Episcopal School of Dallas: Dallas, TX)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Sickle cell is an autosomal recessive disorder, and genetic testing is available to determine carrier, affected and normal genotypes. Run and visualize an electrophoresis gel to determine the genotypes of a family with history of sickle cell, and hear about progress with treating this disease.

SPEAKERS:
Crystal McDowell (Greenbrier High School: Evans, GA)

Sponsoring Company: The NEED Project

Inquiry-based, hands-on STEM and critical thinking activities that help students to develop a comprehensive understanding of energy, electricity, hydropower, and emerging ocean technologies.

SPEAKERS:
Vernon Kimball (NEED Facilitator: Manassas, VA)

In this session, Colorado educators will have the opportunity to participate in a structured forum to share their experiences in implementing three dimensional learning and instruction as outlined in the Colorado Academic Standards for Science.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, Colorado educators will have the opportunity to participate in a structured forum to share their experiences in implementing three dimensional learning and instruction as outlined in the Colorado Academic Standards for Science.

SPEAKERS:
Samantha Agoos (Colorado Department of Education: Denver, CO)

Participants will engage in a variety of activities, collect information, discover new resources, and network with middle-level leaders from NSTA and NMLSTA. The new ideas and materials will be something that can be used next week.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will have networking opportunities with other middle-level science educators, both presenters and other attendees. In addition, they will discover new resources for all aspects of science teaching and they will engage in a variety of new activities to use with their students.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Lou Lipscomb (National Middle Level Science Teachers Association: Naperville, IL)

Chat with alumni of extraordinary free professional development opportunities for science teachers. Where might your curiosity and thirst for learning lead you?

TAKEAWAYS:
Free travel, field experiences, and training programs are available to teachers looking for professional growth opportunities.

SPEAKERS:
Loris Chen (Science Education Consultant: Fair Lawn, NJ)

Many beverages contain various sugars, and most of that sugar comes from corn. Reading nutrition labels can inform students of the amount of nutrients in various beverages.

TAKEAWAYS:
Young students find it difficult to equate mass measurements with volumes. Also, students, when reading labels, do not do math! Single serving amounts do not mean the total grams of sugar in a container.

SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Cunningham (Purdue University: West Lafayette, IN)

The National Middle Level Science Teachers Association supports middle level science teachers through many free activities open to members and nonmembers as well as members only benefits and opportunities for awards including Science Classroom Teacher Awards and the Hurd Award.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain a better understanding of the benefits of NMLSTA membership.

SPEAKERS:
Alison Seymour (Science Teacher: Winchester, 0)

eCYBERMISSION’s virtual STEM competition for 6th-9th graders promotes self-discovery as teams compete for awards while also supporting teachers with a wealth of resources. eCYBERMISSION's table will provide details regarding the competition along with a fun interactive activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Throughout the competition, students and teachers are provided access to eCYBERMISSION staff, standards-aligned resources, grant opportunities and much more.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Kutsch (National Science Teaching Association, eCYBERMISSION)

Teachers will receive ready-made activity packet to be used with the free middle school lesson plans in middleschoolchemistry.com and the free elementary school lesson plans in inquiryinaction.org.

TAKEAWAYS:
Get access to free comprehensive lesson plans in chemistry for middle school and elementary school.

SPEAKERS:
James Kessler (American Chemical Society: Washington, DC)

Models are excellent tools assisting students’ understanding of chemical structure and function. Different models highlight different aspects of the chemical they represent. Simple models are terrific tools for addressing science misconceptions, too.

TAKEAWAYS:
Models are used to develop questions, predictions, and explanations. As students construct explanations for different products using the same model, students gain an understanding of molecules and life’s complexities.

SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Cunningham (Purdue University: West Lafayette, IN)

A hands-on beam lab produces graphs critical to understanding beam properties for engineering. Focus on making, interpreting, and teaching the graphs in class. Real-world uses and applications of stress-strain curves in engineering will be shared and help to illustrate the importance of such graphs.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will take part in a simple beam lab using weights to determine the deflection of the beam material. Groups will have different beams and varying results will help support understanding of the graphs created. The results will then be graphed as a load-deflection curve and shared.

SPEAKERS:
Scott Spohler (Global Impact STEM Academy: Springfield, OH), Briana Richardson (Washington High School: Washington Court House, OH)

Using myths and legends which explain phenomenon. Examples of culture and place of Hawaii will be shared. Attendees will experience a lesson which weaves a Hawaiian legend (past) based on a phenomenon and be challenged to validate the legend with today's technology (present).

TAKEAWAYS:
The hope is for attendees to reflect on their sense of "Place" as a platform tool to engage students to understand their surroundings and cultures and how to use 21st century technology to validate a phenomenon.

SPEAKERS:
Diane Tom-Ogata (W. R. Farrington High School: Honolulu, HI)

We will present the efforts of twenty secondary schools and partners at Stanford University to create authentic Drosophila-based research experiences, and how you can too!

TAKEAWAYS:
Through Stan-X, middle school and high school students learn science through authentic, open-ended, publishable research. Coordination between schools, both public and private, across the world, can enhance scientific learning and research opportunities for your students and for teachers!

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Lantz (The Lawrenceville School: Lawrenceville, NJ)

NASA's Next Gen STEM is focused on bringing quality STEM content and experiences to the K-12 community. Join this informative session to learn what we have to offer and how you can bring NASA to your students. Presented by NASA's Office of STEM Engagement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about NASA Next Gen STEM offerings related to professional development, STEM lessons, communities of practice, live virtual connections with scientists and engineers, student challenges and competitions, and competitive awards.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Edstrom (NASA Education Specialist), Miranda Fike (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center: Huntsville, AL)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Students often struggle with visualizing photosynthesis across biological scales. Join us as we use BioInteractive resources to explore how photosynthesis models make student thinking visible.

SPEAKERS:
Amit Morris (Science Teacher: , ON), Katherine Ward (Aragon High School: San Mateo, CA)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

What do your genes say about your beer preference? Research behind bitter taste has been ongoing for over 100 years. Come see how bitter taste genotype and phenotype are linked, and how it can play a role in your fondness for certain foods!

SPEAKERS:
Mallorie Parks (Crandall ISD: Crandall, TX)

Come network with your fellow Colorado Science educators and representatives from many Colorado Science Education Organizations, including CAST, CSEN, CSC, CAEE, CDE and others!

The Atlas is a collection of 62 maps of the practices, core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and performance expectations in NGSS and other Framework-based standards. The maps show how goals in science are meant to build upon each other and relate to each other over a student’s K-12 education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to read the maps and use other tools in the Atlas to understand and interpret standards and plan instructional sequences as part of their work in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Join us as we explore the relationship between environmental changes and wildfires using free BioInteractive resources that feature authentic phenomena and data analysis.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Dinerman (Sherwood High School: Sandy Spring, MD), Beth Cates (Western Sierra Collegiate Academy: Rocklin, CA)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Come learn and get hands-on experience on how to teach gel electrophoresis and DNA fingerprinting in a single classroom session. You will pour, load, and run a gel, capture gel image, analyze the results, and deduce a probable conclusion for a whale of a forensic mystery.

SPEAKERS:
Mallorie Parks (Crandall ISD: Crandall, TX)

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Taxonomy in action: use visual cues and biotechnology techniques to sort bumblebees into separate species. Experience how PCR, sequencing, and bioinformatics help scientists distinguish bee species.

SPEAKERS:
Damon Tighe (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

Ever wondered where to find FREE Federal STEM education resources that can provide authentic learning experiences for your K-12+ students? Join Federal agencies, including but not limited to the Dept of Education, NASA, NOAA, EPA, NIH, USGS, USPTO and NSF to learn more & to receive a resource guide!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn about FREE K-12 STEM learning resources offered by federal agencies. In addition, teachers will engage in two-way conversations with federal representatives about the STEM resources, programs, and opportunities that are available and leave with a one-page resource guide.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Nickelsen (Forest Service/ Natural Inquirer), Rachel Crowley (NIGMS, National Institutes of Health: No City, No State), Eleanour Snow (U.S. Geological Survey: Reston, VA), Bekkah Lampe (NOAA Office of Education: Silver Spring, MD), Kayla Smith (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Silver Spring, MD), Miranda Fike (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center: Huntsville, AL), Jorge Valdes (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: Alexandria, VA), Patti Curtis (U.S. Department of Education: No City, No State), Melissa Anley-Mills (U.S. EPA: Washington, DC)

Learn about NASA’s K-12 project which creates, delivers, and curates NASA STEM products and experiences that make connections to NASA and fuel STEM learning and identity. Join us for this fun session and participate in an exciting activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about the vast resources offered by NASA's Next Gen STEM project; they will participate in a virtual chat with a NASA scientist or engineer and engage in an activity they can use in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Bethanne Hull (Education Specialist: No City, No State)

Teachers can use students’ natural curiosity to engage their students, teach content areas and process skills, and address standards. Our discrepant-event format uses two setups that allow all students (regardless of background) to identify a problem to be solved and then to solve it.

TAKEAWAYS:
One of the most engaging formats for learning is the discrepant event. The format can generate natural curiosity. If we channel this natural curiosity into learning problem-solving skills, we will nurture these skills, and students will feel comfortable and competent when doing science.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Jean Lynch (North Central College: Naperville, IL), John Zenchak (North Central College: Naperville, IL)

See how students can use carts and tracks to determine the cause and effect relationships in Newton’s 2nd law through gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data. Briefly learn how technology-mediated lesson study has helped rural science teachers collaborate to design 3 dimensional lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
In one class period, students can gather, analyze, and interpret data to derive Newton’s 2nd Law by testing the cause-and-effect relationship of force and mass on acceleration.

SPEAKERS:
Douglas Morris (Carbon High School: Price, UT), Joshua Stowers (Brigham Young University: Provo, UT)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Students can be change-makers! We’ll model using BioInteractive resources including Wild Hope, a new film series, to engage students in developing solutions for restoring biodiversity.

SPEAKERS:
Paul Strode (Fairview High School: Boulder, CO), Ann Brokaw (Rocky River High School: Rocky River, OH)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Hair, fingerprints, and DNA evidence are left behind at the scene of a murder. Can you use them to find Dr. Ward's killer? Your students will love being the crime scene investigators while learning how to use electrophoresis to perform DNA analysis in a single classroom period. Come learn how!

SPEAKERS:
Mallorie Parks (Crandall ISD: Crandall, TX)

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Can your students save the Giant Pandas? See how your students tackle topics like homeostatic regulation, effect of reproductive hormones, immunological responses and ecosystem balance as they engineer a hormone detection system that can be utilized for Giant Panda population conservation efforts.

SPEAKERS:
Damon Tighe (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

Engage in 3-D sensemaking by investigating the patterns and distribution of lactose intolerance inheritance worldwide using mathematical and computational thinking models. Briefly learn how technology-mediated lesson study has helped rural science teachers collaborate to design 3-D lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will see how patterns of inheritance, and mathematical and computational thinking skills, can be used to make sense of why the distribution of traits for lactose intolerance follow certain worldwide patterns.

SPEAKERS:
Douglas Morris (Carbon High School: Price, UT), Joshua Stowers (Brigham Young University: Provo, UT)

Discover the latest and greatest science and STEM teaching and learning resources, tools, and products available during this break in concurrent sessions.

Engage in a variety of activities, collect information and resources, and network with high school-level leaders. Discover new ideas and materials that you can use next week.

TAKEAWAYS:
The participants will network with other high school-level science educators and leaders to discover and engage in activities that will expand their knowledge and be usable in all aspects of their work.

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Models help make student thinking visible. Join us as we engage with different methods and scaffolds to model ecological phenomena using free HHMI BioInteractive resources.

SPEAKERS:
Samantha Johnson (Arroyo High School: San Lorenzo, CA), Brian Mason (Teacher: , AK)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Delve into the world of breast cancer markers, explore the scientific and bioethical considerations associated with genetic testing, and analyze specific genetic markers linked to breast cancer susceptibility using pedigree analysis and gel electrophoresis.

SPEAKERS:
Crystal McDowell (Greenbrier High School: Evans, GA)

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Two out of three drug overdoses are due to opioids. Understanding the environmental & genetic links to drug dependency can reduce risk when opioids are prescribed to high-risk patients. Discover how math, genetics, & personalized medicine can determine the likelihood of addiction.

SPEAKERS:
Tamica Stubbs (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

How do we teach Tier 3 science vocabulary to students with limited English (or no English) and encourage success? We will share multiple strategies for teaching Tier 3 Academic Science vocabulary, as well as modalities that incorporate visual aids, manipulatives, and kinesthetic activities to engage

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Tier 3 strategies for teaching science. 2. The inclusion of visual and kinesthetic activities to engage ALL students. 3. Forms of assessment for ALL levels of English Language Learners.

SPEAKERS:
Darren Wells (Mather Elementary School: Dorchester, MA), Karen Ziminski (EMK Academy for Health Careers: Boston, MA)

Keep your pets safe from being left in hot cars by using automatic sensors to design an alarm that could save their lives.

TAKEAWAYS:
Solve a real-world problem with coding and engineering design; no prior experience needed.

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Youngsville, LA), Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Voorhees, NJ)

What makes it rain? M&Ms versus Skittles? Baking soda versus baking powder? Free online lesson plans of hands-on activities and animations help your elementary students build foundational concepts in chemistry.

TAKEAWAYS:
By conducting hands-on investigations of common phenomena and interacting with molecular model animations, teachers will develop grade-appropriate explanations using atoms and molecules to help students better understand the causes of the phenomena they observe.

SPEAKERS:
James Kessler (American Chemical Society: Washington, DC)

Engaging STEM activities that can be done in any science content class in 45 minutes or less.

TAKEAWAYS:
Expose your students to STEM skills through short, easy, and engaging STEM activities that can be completed in a single class period.

SPEAKERS:
Brad Posnanski (Comsewogue High School: Port Jefferson Station, NY), Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Voorhees, NJ)

Inviting all Preservice Teachers, University-Level Teacher Education Faculty, and Faculty Advisors attending the conference to learn about NSTA’s Preservice Teacher Chapter Program with National and Local Preservice Teacher Chapter options.

TAKEAWAYS:
Preservice Teachers, University Teacher Educators, and Faculty Advisors will walk away informed about how to participate in NSTA’s Preservice Teacher Chapter Program.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Debi Hanuscin (Western Washington University: Bellingham, WA), Morgan Glann (Central Michigan University: Mount Pleasant, MI), Eli Vincent (Student: , MI), Lauren Rupe (Student: , MI), Emma Patrus (Student), Jim McDonald (Central Michigan University: Mount Pleasant, MI)

Explore the use of biotechnology by having your students build their own 3D-printed gel electrophoresis equipment and perform experiments with inexpensive and easily obtainable materials.

TAKEAWAYS:
Biotechnology can be accomplished using inexpensive 3D-printed equipment and easily obtainable generic materials.

SPEAKERS:
James Lettieri (Polytech High School: Woodside, DE), Judith Campo-Sobota (Polytech High School: Woodside, DE)

Participants will explore concrete strategies for cultivating a safe classroom environment for collective sensemaking and in-depth learning that supports all students, particularly diverse and emergent multilingual learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about 3 strategies for enacting an asset-based approach to science teaching, and walk away with tools and resources they can leverage in their own instructional planning.

SPEAKERS:
Claire Hiller (Chute Middle School: Evanston, IL), Alissa Berg (Evanston Skokie School District 65)

Interactive activities and games to introduce students to energy sources and to learn the difference between renewables and nonrenewables. Participants will play Energy BINGO and Candy Collector from NEED's "Energy Games and Icebreakers" free curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave this session with activities to bring back to the classroom immediately. Students will be introduced to renewable and nonrenewable energy sources.

SPEAKERS:
Cori Nelson (Winfield School District 34: Winfield, IL)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Dig deeper into CRISPR-Cas9 with a hands-on modeling activity and an online BioInteractive resource that demystify how this biotechnology expands the field of genetic medicine.

SPEAKERS:
Valerie May (Woodstock Academy: Woodstock, CT), Karen Lucci (Retired Educator: Morrisville, PA)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Come learn and get hands-on experience on how to teach gel electrophoresis and DNA fingerprinting in a single classroom session. You will pour, load, and run a gel, capture gel image, analyze the results, and deduce a probable conclusion for a whale of a forensic mystery.

SPEAKERS:
Glenda Goh Denison (MiniOne Systems: No City, No State)

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Experience CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing experiments designed for your students' learning! In this hands-on workshop edit a chromosomal gene, complete with essential experimental controls, using the same cut-and-repair technology used in medicinal and agricultural applications.

SPEAKERS:
Damon Tighe (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

Sponsoring Company: NOAA

Join us for a demo of our database of 1,300+ educational resources from NOAA. We host ocean, coast, Great Lakes, weather, and climate resources. Tour our lesson plans and activities and ask us your questions. Learn more at noaa.gov/education/resources. This session is appropriate for K-16 educators.

SPEAKERS:
Kayla Smith (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Silver Spring, MD), Bekkah Lampe (NOAA Office of Education: Silver Spring, MD)

Conduct energy transformation experiments using items encountered in everyday life. Motion, sound, thermal, radiant, electrical, and chemical energy transformations are studied using glow sticks, handwarmers, batteries, etc. Confidently teach energy forms & transformations!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about forms of energy and energy transformations by engaging in experiments just as their students would, to better understand visually what they are and how they occur.

SPEAKERS:
Vernon Kimball (NEED Facilitator: Manassas, VA)

This parachute STEM lesson is introduced by reading some history using the book, “Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot” by Margot Theis Raven. Discussing problems and how engineers and scientists work to solve them assists students in learning about engineering and the Design Process as well as physics.

TAKEAWAYS:
Reading, problem-solving, engineering design, physical science, and math are used by groups of fourth graders to build and test parachutes in this STEM lesson. Students work in groups of three and preliminary designs are drawn, put together, and tested.

SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Cunningham (Purdue University: West Lafayette, IN)

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Teach macromolecules without the crazy prep! In this micro-scaled lab activity, students test for starch, glucose, protein, lipids and DNA, without the need for large volumes of reagents, cleaning test tubes, or boiling reagents. Then students apply their knowledge and test various unknown samples.

SPEAKERS:
Whitney Hagins (Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation: Cambridge, MA)

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Discover the role of Scenedesmus obliquus in biotechnology, from biofuels to wastewater treatment and microplastics detection. This hands-on workshop includes a powerful teaching lab for photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and allows students to engage in structured and open inquiry.

SPEAKERS:
Damon Tighe (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

NSTA’s Informal Science Committee invites you to explore two of Denver’s most exciting informal science venues! This event is Friday, March 22 from 5:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. and is FREE for conference attendees and family members with an NSTA conference badge. Registration is required https://www.nsta.org/national-conference-science-education-denver-2024-special-events

TAKEAWAYS:
Formal and informal science educators alike will have the opportunity to network and learn while they enjoy exploring the Zoo and Museum.

Come and connect! Engage with informal science educators from museums, zoos, afterschool, media, non-profits and more. Discover resources, programs, organizations, and opportunities for science educators - formal and informal alike!

TAKEAWAYS:
You'll network with informal educational organizations from across the country, discuss best practices, and discover free, hands-on activities for your organization or classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Max Metz (Shedd Aquarium: Chicago, IL), Rosie Arnold (Lincoln Park Zoo: No City, No State), Lindsay Milner (Mad Science Group Inc.: Montreal, QC)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

How can we use forensics to track elephant poaching? Join us as we explore BioInteractive resources related to elephant poaching, species conservation, and DNA profiling.

SPEAKERS:
Diana Siliezar-Shields (East Bay Educational Collaborative: Barrington, RI), Jennifer Barnes (Gwinnett Online Campus: Lawrenceville, GA)

Sponsoring Company: Esri

Join Esri as we demonstrate how to build powerful maps using ArcGIS Online. We will use scientific data from the Living Atlas and data created during the workshop using Survey123 – and map it all. Analysis tools will be demonstrated. ArcGIS Online is free from Esri for K12 instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Faby Carrera (Esri: Redlands, CA)

The Little Shop of Physics at Colorado State University has always been a hands-on program, something that sets it apart from other science engagement programs. We teach that science is something anyone can do, anywhere, with anything!

TAKEAWAYS:
Come explore our hands-on experiments built out of everyday objects. Then ask us how to start a similar program or maker space at your school or institution!

SPEAKERS:
Cherie Bornhorst (Teacher in Residence: Fort Collins, CO)

Learn how to create easy inexpensive science and engineering activities using just paper, tape and scissors.

TAKEAWAYS:
Fun engaging projects can be made with inexpensive easily accessible supplies

SPEAKERS:
Godwyn Morris (Dazzling Discoveries / Skill Mill NYC: New York, NY)

eCYBERMISSION’s virtual STEM competition for 6th-9th graders promotes self-discovery as teams compete for awards while also supporting teachers with a wealth of resources. eCYBERMISSION's table will provide details regarding the competition along with a fun interactive activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Throughout the competition, students and teachers are provided access to eCYBERMISSION staff, standards-aligned resources, grant opportunities and much more.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Kutsch (National Science Teaching Association, eCYBERMISSION)

Connected Science Learning (CSL) is one of five journals produced by NSTA and is the perfect place for informal science educators to publish their work or serve as a peer reviewer. Attendees will learn about the journal's author guidelines and peer review process from the journal's field editor.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about NSTA's journal Connected Science Learning and how it is a great resource for the informal science educators – especially those that collaborate with schools and teachers. Information about writing and peer reviewing for CSL will be provided.

SPEAKERS:
Beth Murphy (Science from Scientists: Bedford, MA)

Curious as to what DEI is and how to include it in the classroom? Want to help your students feel supported and included? DEI in the science classroom is about using scientifically accurate and inclusive language to support all of our students in the classroom and in life.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using inclusive and scientifically accurate language will help support all students in the classroom to not only learn but to learn in a safe and supportive environment.

SPEAKERS:
Joanne McGuire (27J: No City, No State)

Join our interactive roundtable of preservice, beginning, and veteran science teachers to discuss their experiences with planning and implementing interdisciplinary, advocacy-focused science lessons. We will be sharing tips, resources, and exemplar lesson plans. Hear their stories and ask questions!

TAKEAWAYS:
Science teachers attending this session will gain research-based instructional practices that will enable them to cultivate an advocacy-focused, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for their students by integrating social justice science issues into their science curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Morgan Glann (Central Michigan University: Mount Pleasant, MI), Jaclyn Murray (Mercer University: Macon, GA), Lauren Rupe (Student: , MI), Jim McDonald (Central Michigan University: Mount Pleasant, MI), Andrea Henrie (Vanderbilt University: Nashville, TN), Charlotte Graham (Vanderbilt University), Helena Spigner (Pre-Service Teacher: Nashville, TN), Emma Patrus (Student), Cesar Palacios (Undergraduate Student: Nashville, TN), Jenna Cahn (Preservice Educator), Emma Bishop (Pre-service Teacher), Eli Vincent (Student: , MI), Erika Reeves (Bodies STEM Early College Experience Teacher: Columbus, OH), SOPHIA JEONG (The Ohio State University: Columbus, OH)

We’ve all experienced the power of immersion. Learning in these moments, fostering a deep connection to the community and world around us, can have a profound impact on students. Join us for this Teacher Voices Keynote Panel

TAKEAWAYS:
Moderated by Dr Stephen Pruitt, featuring Julia Navarro, Charles Hayes, and Khamphet Pease

SPEAKERS:
Stephen Pruitt (Southern Regional Education Board: Atlanta, GA), Julia Navarro (Wheeling High School: Wheeling, IL), Khamphet Pease (Teacher), Charles Hayes (Highland Oaks Elementary School: Memphis, TN)

Learn how to access and explore NOAA’s data-rich resources, lesson plans, and visualization tools to build data literacy and proficiency in scientific data analysis. This session is appropriate for 6th grade through college educators and informal educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
What types of data are available from NOAA and how to find and use NOAA data in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Kayla Smith (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Silver Spring, MD), Bekkah Lampe (NOAA Office of Education: Silver Spring, MD)

Have you read great articles in the NSTA journals that changed or added to the ways you and your students do science for the better? You could inspire other educators across the country in the same way by sharing your teaching ideas, activities, or lessons as an NSTA journal author!

TAKEAWAYS:
Instructions and tips on how to prepare and submit your manuscript for publication in NSTA's journals.

SPEAKERS:
Patty McGinnis (NSTA: No City, No State), Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn (National Science Teaching Association), Ann MacKenzie (Miami University: Oxford, OH), David Wojnowski (Georgia State University: Atlanta, GA), Beth Murphy (Science from Scientists: Bedford, MA), Peter Lindeman (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

During this presentation, participants will hear from Cherry Creek Schools and their unique approach to providing high-quality curricular resources for their K-5 students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with a replicable process that can be utilized in their own district.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Rolater (pK-12 Science Performance Improvement Partner: Aurora, CO)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Join us as we explore free BioInteractive classroom resources that use the prevalence of sickle cell disease as an example of natural selection in humans.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Moran-Johnson (Teacher), Cinthya Fernandez (Tec de Monterrey: Monterey, Mexico)

Sponsoring Company: Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Did you know the federal government offers numerous internships, fellowships, and institutes for teachers? Join us as Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) recipients share their own experiences working with federal agencies like NASA, NSF, and more.

Join our panel of preservice and novice teachers as they share internship and early teaching experiences. Ask questions and gain valuable insights!

TAKEAWAYS:
Preservice teachers can be better prepared to student teach and begin their first jobs by hearing stories from, and asking questions of, preservice and new teachers who have just experienced interning, or their first years of teaching.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA), SOPHIA JEONG (The Ohio State University: Columbus, OH), Laura Robertson (East Tennessee State University: Johnson City, TN), Erika Reeves (Bodies STEM Early College Experience Teacher: Columbus, OH), Jaclyn Murray (Mercer University: Macon, GA), Kelsea Gray (Teacher: Dublin, OH)

We invite educators from both formal and informal science learning environments to come and engage with the Informal Science committee. Learn how the committee can support you, and connect with professionals from museums, zoos, aquaria, out-of-school-time programs, and more!

TAKEAWAYS:
Meet the Informal Science Committee, and find out how to connect with them in their work to support informal educators, expand the role of informal learning institutions, and strengthen the bonds between formal and informal science learning.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Hays (Denver Zoo: Denver, CO), Lindsay Milner (Mad Science Group Inc.: Montreal, QC)

A discussion on how the CMU preservice student NSTA chapter maintains the organization at the university level, focusing on how they are involved in promoting STEM sensemaking in schools, fundraising for their organization, and providing professional development opportunities to preservice teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about the ideas, strategies, and resources the CMU preservice chapter uses to maintain the chapter. The executive board members will touch on community science events, fundraising, and the professional development opportunities that allow us to be a successful organization.

SPEAKERS:
Eli Vincent (Student: , MI), Jim McDonald (Central Michigan University: Mount Pleasant, MI), Emma Patrus (Student), Lauren Rupe (Student: , MI), Morgan Glann (Central Michigan University: Mount Pleasant, MI)

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

How do habitat fragments serve as ecological "islands?" Join us as we investigate strategies for connecting disconnected habitats using free BioInteractive resources.

SPEAKERS:
Perri Carr (V.R. Eaton High School: Haslet, TX), David Hong (Diamond Bar High School: Diamond Bar, CA)

Cap off NSTA Denver24 at the Closing Reception, 2:15-3:15 PM. Enjoy drinks, snacks, and a shot at fantastic prizes! Grab your drink tickets at the final concurrent session and be present to win big. Unforgettable moments await! Cheers to NSTA Denver24's grand finale!