Explore transformative AI tools for education, including Questionwell, Curipod, and Twee. Learn to seamlessly integrate them into lessons, enhance student engagement, and elevate learning with AI-generated questions and personalized feedback.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain hands-on experience with AI tools for education, understanding their potential to enhance student engagement, streamline assessment, and promote innovative teaching strategies.

SPEAKERS:
Selene Verhofstad, Faryal Shaukat

Making enhancements to our Science programming requires an integration of STEM concepts. In this session we share our technological journey and how we have infused 3D printing, drones, robots, coding, and Arduinos seamlessly into 6th-8th grade Science classes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees learn how STEM can be infused seamlessly into current NGSS programming, new STEM options available, how they are being used to increase problem solving and critical thinking skills, and how to use the instructional planning framework to integrate STEM technology into any middle-level class.

SPEAKERS:
Anna Kopacz, Howard Frishman, Nicole McRee

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Studying complex physics phenomena with photogates can be exciting for your students! Join us to explore strategies for engaging your students in learning about velocity vs. time graphs, acceleration, and kinematic equations. Build confidence in these tools and bring hands-on learning to your class!

SPEAKERS:
Josh Ence, David Carter

Sponsoring Company: TCI

Learn to promote interest and engagement while helping students achieve specific learning objectives with games. Join us as you learn simple and valuable ways to gamify your lessons. We will be sharing a few creative game ideas for building relationships and reviewing and learning content.

SPEAKERS:
Sara Kumar

A showcase of creating dynamic spreadsheets that provide instantaneous, differentiated feedback to students as they learn or practice new content independently or in small groups. This method amplifies confidence for students of all abilities and frees teachers to assist those most in need.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will make use of existing, free, and relatively ubiquitous digital spreadsheets in making presentations for new content. The use of this tool makes practicing content and skills helpful, engaging, and memorable. Educators will create their own spreadsheets for a lesson in their content.

SPEAKERS:
Sean Regan

Sponsoring Company: TCI

Join our dynamic workshop, blending engineering and speed dating! Experience hands-on challenges inspired by TCI's K-8 science programs. Engage in "speed dates" with engineering activities, gaining valuable lessons and insights. Don't miss this innovative session!

SPEAKERS:
Sara Kumar

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Reimagine standards-aligned enzymology lessons with an updated real-world spin. Attendees will explore lactase enzyme function firsthand and use Vernier Go Direct® sensors to observe lactose breakdown. Students can make real-world connections to digestive health concepts like lactose intolerance.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel, Nüsret Hisim

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Wondering how to get started with Vernier technology? Explore three of our most common sensors for chemistry, biology, and physics and learn about resources and support available to you from Vernier. Walk away with data collection tips and best practices to incorporate in your classes.

SPEAKERS:
David Carter, Josh Ence

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

Nothing excites an educator more than learning a new skill and sharing it with others! The goal of this session is to introduce Place-Based STEM using digital mapping and storytelling resources. Educators will receive direct instruction in digital mapping and resources for their classes!

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn to connect location and geography to science content locally, regionally, and globally through the use of digital mapping and problem-based learning STEM strategies.

SPEAKERS:
Heidi Ragsdale

Blank stares and closed mouths no more! The Visual Non-Glossary makes rich, equitable small-group conversations super easy by providing structured visuals and guiding discussion questions and sentence stems for each of 1,500+ vocabulary words K-12 in Science, available in both English and Spanish.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to get kids to think deeply and talk elaborately about science content. We will interact in small groups with science content to see how all students of different backgrounds can intuitively engage with structured visuals.

SPEAKERS:
Stephen Fleenor

This session introduces participants to the Dash robot and how it can be used in elementary science classrooms to explore the flow of energy. Participants will engage in a hands-on exploration with Dash to develop models using technology to illustrate sample food webs. Be sure to bring a laptop.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore how robotics can be used to communicate information about the flow of energy within an ecosystem (5-PS3-1 and 5-LS2-1). Participants will be introduced to the functionality of the Dash robot and how it can be used as a tool to develop a model to describe the phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Alesia Moldavan

Embark on an AI-powered journey with Chat-GPT to grow your teacher toolbox! Join us to discover how Chat-GPT can offer options for differentiation and equity within your science classroom!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will observe and synthesize differentiated activities to better address performance expectations using ChatGPT, such as finding animations for abstract concepts, tiered reading materials, supports for ESL students, culture integration in lessons, and enrichment opportunities.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew Kipp

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Learn how to make magnetism visible and quantifiable for students! Dive into Earth science concepts such as modeling field strength, polarity, and orientation using the Go Direct® 3-Axis Magnetic Field Sensor. Investigate permanent magnets and electromagnets with hands-on, ready-to-use experiments.

SPEAKERS:
David Carter, Josh Ence

This workshop will introduce teachers to classroom investigations using the built-in gyroscope in their smartphones which connect foundational physics to real-world applications such as virtual reality and fitness tracking.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will conduct multiple hands-on investigations using the gyroscope sensor in smartphones to explore rotational motion. They will directly experience the amazing capabilities of the sensors and will go away prepared to implement the investigations in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
David Rakestraw, Michael Tobler, Helene McLaughlin

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Discover the newest STEM solution from Vernier, built to teach and engage students in 3D science! Vernier Connections is a web-based platform that equips teachers with hands-on lessons. We will feature a lesson demonstrating the design & structures that make Connections a must for the STEM classroom

SPEAKERS:
Lori Anderson, Colleen McDaniel

Physical computing allows students to design and create interactive objects that emphasize computational thinking skills. Participants will engage in activities designed for middle school students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Microcontrollers are small computers that come with several integrated sensors. Their functionality makes them useful for both investigations and engineering projects. We will focus in how engineering tasks using microcontrollers provide opportunities for student sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Susan German, Michael Bowen

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Discover hands-on approaches to STEM learning that equip middle schoolers for high school and beyond. Attendees will explore updated activities with the Vernier Go Direct® temperature, light, force, and gas pressure sensors to model real-world phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
David Carter, Josh Ence

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Discovered new-to-you Vernier sensors in your classroom or storage? Join our beginner-friendly, interactive workshop to help you understand how to assess, calibrate, and start using hands-on Vernier solutions. Explore our suite of sensors and how they work with our Graphical Analysis app.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel, Nüsret Hisim

Sponsoring Company: NOAA

Come meet scientists from the NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey and learn how GPS uses time to pinpoint your location, enabling your phone to tell you where you are and how to get to the nearest pizza joint. Learn how to bring the lofty concepts of surveying and accurate positioning down to earth.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Winester, Derek Van Westrum, Galen Scott

Workshop participants will conduct investigations using the built-in magnetometer sensors in smartphones to investigate the 3D properties of magnetic fields, including the Earth's magnetic field and magnetic information storage.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will conduct multiple hands-on investigations using the magnetometer sensor in smartphones to explore magnetic fields. They will directly experience the amazing capabilities of the three-axis magnetometer sensor and will go away prepared to implement the investigations in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
David Rakestraw, Michael Tobler, Helene McLaughlin

Discover how AI can ease your workload and transform your instruction. Explore ways to harness the power of AI for your personal and professional gain. Learn how to leverage AI for deeper student learning. Whether you’re brand new to AI or a seasoned user, leave with ideas to implement right away.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how AI tools such as ChatGPT can be a game-changer in the classroom—saving teacher time and deepening student learning.

SPEAKERS:
Terra Tarango

This workshop session will engage participants in a storyline unit that uses digital tools to explore data on temperature changes around the world, greenhouse gas emissions, and future scenarios if we employ a range of carbon emissions and sequestration solutions. Please bring a laptop or tablet.

TAKEAWAYS:
Analyzing climate change data and using mathematical models for climate change solutions can support student sensemaking and prepare youth for informed action.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsey Mohan, Betty Stennett, Audrey Mohan

During the middle level Share-A-Thon, we will give a brief overview of MySciLife and its functionality. Then, we will share practical ways you can begin to integrate it into your lessons to create more student engagement and collaboration.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about the FREE science social learning platform, MySciLife, and what opportunities are available to engage their students.

SPEAKERS:
Jesse Nolan

Learn how to incorporate innovative and safer non-animal methods in your dissection labs. Teachers will have the opportunity to demonstrate AR/VR tech as well as realistic non-animal resources that will both amaze and engage middle level students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn how to find and access non-animal methods for their classrooms, therefore enhancing student learning as well as creating a safer science environment.

SPEAKERS:
Alisa Brooks, Nicole Green

Educators will learn how to use a free online resource called Skype-A-Scientist. This unique application pairs classrooms with professional scientists to be virtual guest speakers.

TAKEAWAYS:
The takeaway is to leverage Skype-A-Scientist strategically to connect your students with real professional scientists as guest speakers in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Nadene Klein

Explore the application of ChatGPT to facilitate student choice, interest, and motivation and to address science and engineering practices! Investigate ChatGPT’s capacity to inform design decisions through inquisitive exploration, creative brainstorming, and interpretive lenses.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore how ChatGPT elevates science and engineering practices through the investigation of problems, topics, and phenomena; creative brainstorming options; generation of experiments with conceptual and hypothetical results; and interpretation of data for product improvement.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew Kipp

Construct a photon intensity map of a supernova using NASA data and convert the image into a public release image with this STEAM activity. This introduction to imaging and image analysis involves constructing models, interpretation, and computational thinking. Includes detailed tutorials.

TAKEAWAYS:
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.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young

Sponsoring Company: Nuclear Energy Education Initiative

Megawatt is a card game where students must build resilient, sustainable electricity grids while adapting to events like weather changes and carbon taxes. Players gain systems thinking skills as they balance cost, environment impact, and energy reliability tradeoffs. Learn to facilitate in a class!

SPEAKERS:
Miguel Trenkel-Lopez

Sponsoring Company: NOAA

SOS Explorer® is used to explain global environmental data. A mobile app version has always been free, but for the first time, the desktop version is also free and ready to install on your computer. Come learn how to download a free copy for yourself and see how we use it in a classroom setting.

SPEAKERS:
Hilary Peddicord, Beth Russell, Eric Hackathorn, Juan Pablo Hurtado

The accelerometer sensor in smartphones provide students with the ability to precisely measure changes in 3D motion. Workshop participants will conduct investigations to experimentally determine the change in motion of an object, including the often tricky static and kinetic friction experiment.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will conduct multiple hands-on investigations using the accelerometer sensor in smartphones to explore changes in motion. They will directly experience the capabilities of the three-axis accelerometer sensor and will leave prepared to implement investigations in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
David Rakestraw, Michael Tobler, Helene McLaughlin

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Students can become crime scene investigators analyzing and defusing a “bomb” using their knowledge of half-lives! Attendees will use the Vernier Go Direct® SpectroVis® Plus Spectrophotometer to gather decay data and apply mathematical thinking to determine when the device was set to detonate.

SPEAKERS:
Nüsret Hisim, Colleen McDaniel

Educators will engage in a hands-on science lesson that intentionally incorporates technology, centers students and builds agency and critical thinking skills. Educators will discuss what it means to be literate in the digital era and how to transform their teaching to benefit our youngest learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Intentional integration of technology in early childhood can build agency in our students, provide equitable access to media literacy skills, and transform teaching and learning. Participants will explore how to use digital tools to develop habits of inquiry and expression.

SPEAKERS:
Zachary Orefice, Catherine Knasas, Kelly Houle

Come and experience A Medical Mystery and explain a middle school girl’s symptoms from a doctor’s note. You will use computer interactives to gather data and analyze it for evidence to back up your claims. You will leave with complete access to this freely available unit. Bring a laptop or tablet.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will see how explaining the symptoms of a 7th grade girl as she becomes suddenly ill can provide an engaging context for learning about interacting body systems. Participants will come away with a rich digital resource that includes student activities and educative teacher supports.

SPEAKERS:
Betty Stennett

Participate in sample activities from our collection of 40 FREELY available lesson plans that comprise our youth-led environmental citizen science curriculum. This NGSS-aligned curriculum brings our research on student science identity development into practice with authentic, place-based learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will experience how to implement this research-informed curriculum to strengthen student science identity development, and learn how to use environmental sensors and environmental monitoring data in lessons that build skills in SEPs, science communication, and scientific technology use.

SPEAKERS:
Charlie Blake

Join PhET’s initiative to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in STEM education by increasing your familiarity with our resources, and considering how simulations + activities + facilitation can be used to increase representation, relevance, and accessibility.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use the PhET Equity Framework to explore aspects of PhET simulations and sim-based resources that can help all students learn, such as inclusive sim features, translations, diversified character sets, and equity-aligned rubrics to select and modify teacher-contributed activities.

SPEAKERS:
Katherine Perkins, Briana Clarke, Rebecca Vieyra

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Find out how you can set up simple circuits in a safe, effective way! We’ll walk you through guided-inquiry simple circuit lessons, with attention to both the student experience and the teacher’s view. You’ll be able to customize the lessons to feature the sensors and software you already have!

SPEAKERS:
Josh Ence, David Carter

Participants will explore technology integrated project-based units that guide and support 3D Learning and equity through adaptations by highlighting formative assessment opportunities (LookFors, Discourse Moves, Exit Tickets, Artifacts).

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will become familiar with open source online materials that they can use to supplement or guide their science teaching and units. They will become familiar with technology, assessments, and ways to adapt lesson and units to make them more responsive to their students.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Codere, Temitayo Oni

Participants will have the opportunity to explore a cybersecurity unit for grades 4-5 with hands-on experiences including defending a home, cryptography, and more. Participants will experience the unit from a hybrid (student & teacher) perspective.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will receive access to unit materials when they leave including the unit, reproducibles, formative assessments, etc., to help their students be aware of safety online. Door prizes will be awarded!

SPEAKERS:
Jess Blust

In Rubin Observatory’s new online Coloring the Universe investigation, students use filters and colorizing tools to analyze authentic multiwavelength data images, then apply what they have learned to create a unique color data representation that communicates the answer to their science question.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to use the free, interactive Coloring the Universe online investigation and support materials designed for NGSS teaching and learning, as well as active learning and assessment strategies that support inclusive techniques for building student communication skills.

SPEAKERS:
Justine Schaen, Ardis Herrold

Sponsoring Company: ExploreLearning

This interactive session will explore a digital interface that develops models to capture students' thinking when designing and testing solutions to real-world problems. We will immerse ourselves in solving a puzzling STEM Case to develop a model and use it to optimize a solution.

SPEAKERS:
Carrie Adler, Lauren Schetne

This project is to create a synchronous online instructional model that integrates academic coaching to enhance the learning experience of future elementary teachers regarding diverse cultures.

TAKEAWAYS:
This project is to create a synchronous online instructional model that integrates academic coaching to enhance the learning experience of future elementary teachers regarding diverse cultures.

SPEAKERS:
Jiyoon Yoon

Menus are great opportunities for students to lead their own exploration of a science topic and be creative! In this workshop, learn the incredible flexibility in learning that menus offer, and how they can drive student interest. Delve into various menu styles and rubrics, and enhance your lessons!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn different menu styles for effective integration into 5E lesson plans, such as adding a menu into the Elaborate phase, or even menus to be used throughout all 5Es. We will also explore different menu formats (online, etc.) and presentation options to maintain student interest.

SPEAKERS:
Rama Sreekantham

Artificial intelligence is changing the game and soon will be commonplace in your students’ lives. Come explore ways to effectively use AI tools such as ChatGPT to enhance your professional development and teaching practice, as well as where AI can lead you and your students astray.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will be able to describe how AI tools such as ChatGPT work; use AI to build their professional knowledge and generate lesson ideas, such as how to adapt activities to local phenomenon; and recognize the limitations of AI tools in areas such as safety and questioning strategies.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Forsythe

Join this workshop: “A Chemical Inquiry: Let’s Master Equilibrium!” and participate in a “hands-on” activity to help students overcome common chemical equilibrium misconceptions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn to use Inquiry to overcome student misconceptions about chemical equilibrium, a critical chemistry topic.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory Dodd

Follow a prekindergarten journey to design a shared immersive experience bringing together the school community. Participants will play with loose parts to deepen our relationships with the natural world alongside children.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will consider how to deepen adult and child relationships with the natural world.

SPEAKERS:
Kirsten Zimbelman

Learn science on your feet! Move your body to match a motion graph and scaffold students’ sensemaking about linear and parabolic functions. This activity uses your body, a wall, and a modern smartphone with a free app developed with the support of the National Science Foundation (#2114586).

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn (1) evidence-based pedagogical strategies for introducing students to the representation of rates of change (of motion) on graphs and (2) how to use a freely-available smartphone app to support those pedagogies.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen Megowan-Romanowicz, Rebecca Vieyra

Want to teach students STEM concepts as they discover the wonders of space? Want to engage them in collaborative, discovery-based learning? Hear from a fellow educator and Space Foundation International Teacher Liaison about how you can immerse students in astronomical learning throughout the year.

TAKEAWAYS:
During this presentation, middle and high school educators will learn best practices and strategies for making space exploration an embedded part of their science curriculum. This session shows how to connect students to the sky using real-world science and technologies.

SPEAKERS:
Stephanie Hanover

NSF’s NOIRLab’s Teen Astronomy Café – To Go! program brings the excitement of scientific discovery to students by providing them with an opportunity to explore astronomical data using Python Notebooks. Join us as we unpack educator resources and explore exoplanet atmospheres. Laptops are encouraged.

TAKEAWAYS:
By exploring the "Teen Astronomy Café – To Go!" program designed to support the NGSS, participants will learn about the resources available to introduce Python in their classrooms and help students develop critical thinking and data literacy skills through the simulation of astronomical phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Newhouse, Robert Sparks, Fernanda Urrutia

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Investigate force and motion with the new Vernier Cart Fan accessory! Attendees will collect force, acceleration, and velocity data by adding these easy-to-use, modular fans to our wireless Sensor Carts. Explore three different Newton’s second law lessons that you can use in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Josh Ence, David Carter

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Inspire your students’ curiosity about the world around them through hands-on activities using Vernier Go Direct® sensors. See how age-appropriate, sensor-based experiments teach students about data collection and analysis, encourage inquiry, build STEM literacy, and boost test scores.

SPEAKERS:
Nüsret Hisim, Colleen McDaniel

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

Engage middle and high school students in a thrilling exploration of disease transmission using the zombie apocalypse scenario! Zombies offer a captivating lens to understand how diseases spread through a population. Join us for this session that makes the science of contagion both exciting and informative, turning the undead into a powerful education tool.

SPEAKERS:
Erick Archer

Phenomena based science classrooms require students to listen, discuss, collaborate, and support one another as they uncover science ideas. But how do we assess those skills in order to provide feedback for students? We will examine tools and strategies for gathering and sharing data on these skills

TAKEAWAYS:
Students need to be able to listen, engage in discussion, work collaboratively, and support one another as they uncover science ideas. Often gradebooks do not communicate information about these skills. Participants will leave with tools that can help collect and share this data with all stakeholders.

SPEAKERS:
Thomas Clayton

Use STEM web-based analysis software and real data to examine the Bullet Cluster, 1E 0657-56, in various bands of the electromagnetic spectrum for evidence of dark matter.

TAKEAWAYS:
JS9 web-based software provides students with real opportunities to do astronomical research.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Perry

How can community partnerships inspire youth to explore locally relevant environmental issues? Learn how to activate untapped resources within your STEM ecosystem and build community partnerships to provide real-world connections to student investigations and exposure to STEM careers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to build a network of community partnerships that can support efforts to increase youth interest in STEM careers. This poster describes a toolkit that you can use to develop a STEM partnership program to bring together students and STEM professionals from your community.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Rummel

AI integration in STEM education enhances learning, fosters critical thinking, and empowers educators. STEM-ified instruction is developed to ensure students are well-prepared for STEM challenges in our Technological world.

TAKEAWAYS:
Integrating AI into STEM education enhances learning, critical thinking, and teacher empowerment. It offers STEM-ified instruction and practical learning experiences, preparing students for the STEM-driven future. Professional development is essential for effective AI integration.

SPEAKERS:
DAISY MAE BONGTIWON

Participants engaged in experiential learning with an avatar-based virtual platform to facilitate guardian-teacher conferences. During this poster, curriculum examples from the professional learning experience will be shared, along with character development and participant reflections.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will take away recommendations for leveraging technology such as Mursion in teacher education.

SPEAKERS:
Chelsea McClure

The poster will highlight and discuss some of the valuable technology resources that played a key role in allowing teachers to provide students with an equitable learning experience during the pandemic and how they can continue to be utilized as we return to the post-pandemic classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
The poster will discuss strategies using tools such as Classkick, Gimkit, Blooket, and Edpuzzle to differentiate instruction in the classroom while encouraging persistence and achievement in students.

SPEAKERS:
Selene Verhofstad, Faryal Shaukat

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, Jessica Kohout

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

Feeling moody? Dive into the fascinating blend of science and coding as we guide you through how to create your own digital mood ring. No coding experience required! Grab a seat for this interactive session as we unravel the science of color and consider body temperature thresholds, all while deciding if fuchsia should feel flirty or if green feels groovy.

SPEAKERS:
Erick Archer

Join us to learn how to use different types of digital tools (e.g., NASA, CODAP) and datasets to explore place-based phenomena. Participants will take part in hands-on activities and pedagogical discussions, and think about how to implement place-based, data-rich activities in their own classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will develop broader definitions/descriptions of what counts as data; explore how to find and access data tools using online resources (e.g., NASA, CODAP); develop awareness of the power of using multiple data representations to explore and understand complex Earth systems and phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Lionberger, Sara Salisbury

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Discover solutions for phenomenon-driven middle school curricula, including materials developed by Vernier for OpenSciEd. Bring 3D learning to life with sensor-based experiments such as Matter Cycling and Photosynthesis in this interactive session tailored for educators adopting NGSS standards.

SPEAKERS:
Nüsret Hisim, Colleen McDaniel

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Master motion concepts using Vernier wireless sensor carts! Collect position, velocity, acceleration, and force data and investigate graph slopes firsthand in kinematics and dynamics experiments. Walk away equipped with go-to motion experiments and ready-to-use activities to try in your class.

SPEAKERS:
David Carter, Josh Ence

Join us and learn how to revitalize STEM instruction using Library of Congress primary sources which align with Next Gen Science Standard and visual thinking. Inspire future STEM leaders using practical strategies and inquiry with digitized resources from our nation's library.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session showcases how digital resources from the Library of Congress offer authentic connections to STEM concepts and NGSS. By examining primary sources, teachers and students can explore scientific ideas, technological innovations, and the societal impact of STEM advancements.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Israelsen, Michelle Pearson

Our innovative approach to science and STEM engages students through hands-on and minds-on physical computing curricular units. Through this approach you can enable students to leverage computational thinking to investigate, develop models, and ultimately enact local and global change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to effectively bring computational thinking and programming into the middle school classroom, based on curriculum units developed by Schoolwide Labs at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Our place-based focus is a powerful promoter of equity for all students.

SPEAKERS:
Quentin Biddy, Greg Benedis-Grab

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, Jessica Kohout

Learn about the newest iteration of Modeling Instruction: Computational Modeling Physics First. Give ALL students exposure to coding by having them teach Physics to the computer to program simulations to learn Physics concepts more deeply.

TAKEAWAYS:
We will learn about the newest curriculum in Modeling Physics, how a computational representation enhances understanding, and why we choose to teach using Computational Modeling. We will work through the constant velocity sequence, using coding to enhance critical and proportional thinking.

SPEAKERS:
Kimberlee Freudenberg

Come and take part in this workshop: “Copper: Two Inquiries to Begin and End the School Year” and learn about the chemical properties of copper using appropriate technology in a “hands-on” activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will take part in an Inquiry experiment, use technology to collect/analyze data, and visualize what occurs on the submicroscopic level by employing particulate drawings.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory Dodd

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

While graphs are essential for organizing and making sense of data, students often struggle with scaling, axes and understanding variables. Come join this engaging session to see how we break down these concepts through movement and discover how students can have fun with motion sensors by capturing data and creating their own graph. Watch as understanding scales up when learning becomes a dynamic experience!

SPEAKERS:
Erick Archer

Discover a 360-degree VR intervention implemented in inclusive biology classrooms, showcasing significant score differences between students with and without disabilities. Gain insights into data analysis, limitations, practice implications, and future research plans.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with the six free resources used in the study and expectations to support their use in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Shalece Kohnke

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Discover the newest STEM solution from Vernier, built to teach and engage students in 3D science! Vernier Connections is a web-based platform that equips teachers with hands-on lessons. We will feature a lesson demonstrating the design & structures that make Connections a must for the STEM classroom

SPEAKERS:
Lori Anderson, Josh Ence

Sponsoring Company: Aauti School

Curious about how AI can help you provide timely feedback to your students? Have you wondered how AI can help you create engaging learning experiences?? Join us during this session to see how Aauti School can automate your grading process, generate rich content, and much more!

SPEAKERS:
Robyn Cook

Bring your teaching to life by having students create videos of what they learn in science class. In this workshop you will learn how to use Adobe Express to create your very own video! By learning these skills, you will be equipped to help your students create video of their very own.

TAKEAWAYS:
Creating videos using images and videos.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew Bean

Explore classroom tested, free, online curriculum that helps students use block coding to create simulations and data visualizations for investigations of earthquake risks in California.

TAKEAWAYS:
This workshop will allow participants to become familiar with a free, online curriculum focused on estimating the hazards and risk of earthquakes in California. Participants will engage with the GeoCode curriculum as a student to see this innovative approach in teaching earthquake hazards and risk.

SPEAKERS:
Stephanie Seevers, Christopher Lore

Discover BioTrek, a free project-based learning program that introduces your students to regenerative science through advanced technologies, entrepreneurship and career pathways in the biofabrication industry. Learn how to bring this dynamic inquiry-driven experience to your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees gain insight into cutting-edge tissue engineering concepts and free NGSS-aligned curriculum. Learn how ARMI is shaping the industry and empowering the future workforce of biofabrication through BioTrek, a program that exposes students to exciting careers via transdisciplinary learning.

SPEAKERS:
Alanis Vicente, Gabrielle Mourousas

Explore the nexus between science and statistics using PhET simulations and CODAP tools. Delve into experimental design, uncertainty, data metrics, and the “Projectile Motion: Data Lab” simulation. Sneak a peek into PhET’s latest work and gain ready-to-implement lesson ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will acquire strategies and resources to seamlessly integrate experimental design with sources of uncertainty and statistics into their physics lessons, fostering data fluency and analytical thinking in students using PhET simulations and CODAP.

SPEAKERS:
Katherine Perkins, Matthew Blackman

Scientific communication through various media is a crucial skill. We discuss the importance of equitable access for science education and tools for advocating for educational equity. This is a practical session on creating scientific infographics and MS Sway website design for teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants form groups to work on a project combining elements of scientific communication, green chemistry, equity in education, and sustainability. Each group creates an infographic, a website mock-up, or a PowerPoint presentation on a relevant topic.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Juhl, Tisha Mendiola

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Take motion studies to the next level! Use updated Vernier Video Analysis® tools to capture position, velocity, and acceleration data on student devices. Foster a deeper understanding of physics through learner-driven experiments using data from sample and student-recorded videos.

SPEAKERS:
Josh Ence, David Carter

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

Lab preparations can be challenging, and in the hustle of setup and procedures, our education goals may sometimes get overshadowed. Join us to explore strategies for a more streamlined and efficient approach to labs, reducing stress while enriching the outcomes for your students. Let’s lean into the idea of lean practices and discover how they can positively impact the learning journey!

SPEAKERS:
Erick Archer

In my first year teaching I worked 16 hours a day, swamped with planning and grading. Despite my best intentions, neglecting my own needs had a negative impact on my teaching. I now leverage technology to work smarter not harder, reducing my workload while improving my students’ learning experience.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to reduce your workload whilst maximizing students’ benefit. Reduce grading workload using my three rules for grading: automate it, delegate it, and simplify it! Save time lesson planning using my 3 favorite tools: the 5-minute lesson plan, video examples, and Google suite.

SPEAKERS:
Abigail Vega

How do we purposefully increase student interest and connection with computer science and the online world? This session will share the personal experience and curriculum developed following a biology teacher's foray into a computer science-centric research experience for teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
From research, to writing curriculum, to implementation, this session will share the reflections and curriculum developed from participating in a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Teachers. Attendees will receive access to the curriculum and ideas for finding similar experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Steve Gewinner, Tara Bonebrake

Dive into systems modeling with SageModeler, a free web-based tool for engaging students in systems thinking and computational thinking while modeling. SageModeler makes it possible for a wide range of students to create simulatable models as they test their ideas against real-world observations.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain the skills to get started using SageModeler as a tool for modeling systems, and brainstorm strategies for integrating systems thinking in their curricula.

SPEAKERS:
Angela Gospodarek, Daniel Damelin

Teachers are introduced to systems thinking. In pairs, they create a systems diagram for a chosen topic, and play and critique student computer games for systems representations. They storyboard a game, focusing on reality-the system to represent, meaning-the teaching goal, and play-what players do.

TAKEAWAYS:
Systems thinking is a critical component of science literacy. Participants discover how creating systems diagrams and designing a game supports student learning of systems thinking. They receive tips for integrating systems thinking and game design in their units and leave with a teaching guide.

SPEAKERS:
Gillian Puttick

This session will provide science teachers with resources on how to integrate AI tools into their curriculum for personalized and differentiated instruction, including assessing students' progress and adapting lessons to meet diverse learning needs.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn to use AI for personalized instruction, assess student progress, and efficiently adapt lessons for diverse learning needs.

SPEAKERS:
Tamu Crisden, Demetrice Smith-Mutegi

Join us as we explore how to introduce coding concepts with online (plugged), offline (unplugged), and hybrid coding activities into the STEM experience. We will investigate several free resources available to you online. You will leave this workshop ready to code with your students. (BYOD)

TAKEAWAYS:
Whether it happens online, offline, or in a hybrid teaching environment, coding is a game-changer. It’s also tons of fun.

SPEAKERS:
John Hutchens, Amber Dobbs

Sponsoring Company: Kognity

Join Kognity as we explore the importance of having students share initial ideas, investigate, sense make, and reflect on their learning journey. We will discuss how to teach students the skills of reflection and revision while illuminating mindsets shifts in and out of the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Gabriella Holm

A qualitative study to determine how students learn best through text - physical books, audio books, and e-books. We tested comprehension, conducted interviews, and created journals.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be able to understand how to determine which type of reading media will work best for their students. Attendees will see how they can test their students and how to draw conclusions to find the best fit for their classroom and individual needs.

SPEAKERS:
Kaylyn Hoth, Mikayla Prusha

When students use a scanning electron microscope, they are engaged in STEM and empowered to explore the microscopic world around them.

TAKEAWAYS:
It is possible (and exciting) to have a scanning electron microscope at your school! Using a SEM in high school fosters hands-on learning, develops STEM skills, encourages real-world applications, involves the challenge of independent research, provides career readiness, and engages the community.

SPEAKERS:
Krista Wilks

We’ll share a free collection of lessons and a tool for culturally-relevant lessons in CS. A VA Department of Education grant supporting 3 school districts led by VCU School of Ed in collaboration with Capital One, Bank of America, and Carmax have students share solutions to authentic CS challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers gain awareness and access to OER support curriculum and a culturally responsive eval tool in CS. They will learn how local corporate partnerships enhance learning with student examples to PBL authentic challenges. Effort includes hundreds of students from seven schools across central VA.

SPEAKERS:
Al Byers

Dive into the future of science education! Join "AI Unleashed" and discover innovative ways to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into your classroom. Leave with practical knowledge of AI tools and strategies to create dynamic, data-informed lessons to prepare students for a tech-driven future.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will see how AI tools can provide personalized and engaging learning, helping students develop critical thinking, problem-solving and data literacy skills essential for the 21st century. Teachers will gain practical knowledge of AI tools and strategies to create dynamic lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Diane Ripollone, Kathy Biernat

What could possibly make an experience working with 100,000+ stinging insects even better? Let's document it and put it on social media! In this session, you will learn how a small liberal arts college has made a commitment to pollinator education, curriculum integration, and experiential learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Innovation is change that unlocks new value; simple to say, yet very hard to do. Establishing an apiary, a new company, embracing entrepreneurship, and developing curriculum represent innovation and the future of higher education. It requires that we push creative boundaries and take risks.

SPEAKERS:
Patrick Krantz

TikTok videos provide microlearning opportunities for students, introducing Earth science topics in a concise, bite-sized format. We will explore instructional strategies to enable students to consume and create TikToks to further their understanding of and engagement with Earth science topics.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn how to navigate the educational science content landscape on TikTok, to use as a learning resource for students, as well as how to engage their own students in creating educational TikTok videos as part of their curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Zawacki

Learn how to embed future-ready skills through the science and engineering practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
During this session, teachers will learn how to use artificial intelligence and machine learning to actively engage students in the science and engineering practices.

SPEAKERS:
Brandon McKinney, Kristin Luthi

New technology can be overwhelming. In this session, ways to incorporate AI in your classroom will be shared. From help in developing content materials, to management tasks, to actual student use, AI can be a valuable tool for both teacher & student when application is modeled appropriately.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with a list of artificial intelligence resources and hopefully the confidence to try something new.

SPEAKERS:
Anne Fritz

Are you looking for a way to simplify your workload of grading and providing feedback on CER writing tasks? Look no further than Autocrat! This Google Sheets extension can shorten your grading and feedback process from weeks to minutes!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with templates of resources from the presentation that will enable them to carry out their own automated feedback process using Autocrat.

SPEAKERS:
Morgan Cook

Learn how 6 teachers translated cutting edge research into innovative classroom lessons that engage students and inspire them to solve real problems with science. From lithium-ion battery fires to growing concerns for e-waste, relevant phenomena are available (free) on Xplorlabs.org.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave this session aware of how 6 teachers (6-12th grade science, STEM and CTAE) used Xplorlabs.org safety-science phenomena to drive instruction, support student sensemaking and incorporate 3D practices.

SPEAKERS:
Ethan Schubert, Megan O'Keeffe

Sponsoring Company: NOAA

How are scientists able to discover new ecosystems in the ocean? Come explore the use of sound to create 2D/3D map models of seafloor features and learn how scientists use these maps to help them identify ocean features. We’ll also share resources to make it easier to connect to ocean exploration.

SPEAKERS:
Tami Lunsford

Come participate in a discussion about teaching for data literacy to better understand strategies and goals to help students learn with and about data. Join a growing community of science educators and researchers seeking to prepare students for citizenship in an increasingly data-rich world.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain an up-to-date understanding of how to help students learn with and about data in the science classroom, while providing feedback on the development of a national, research-based learning progression framework for data literacy teaching and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Katherine Miller

Sponsoring Company: Aauti School

Curious about how AI can help you provide timely feedback to your students? Have you wondered how AI can help you create engaging learning experiences?? Join us during this session to see how Aauti School can automate your grading process, generate rich content, and much more!

SPEAKERS:
Robyn Cook

We investigate the benefits of working in collaborative teams and practicing science communication among high school students using project-based learning to create 3D plant models, research the plants’ biology and importance, and present their results.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will be provided with lessons learned and best practices for high school STEAM project-based education using collaborative teams and science communication approaches.

SPEAKERS:
Tiffany Langewisch

Rubin Observatory resources support common astronomy topics for advanced middle school through college students. Short, accessible interactive investigations use authentic data in a three-dimensional learning design. Each comes with phenomena, assessments, videos, and more teacher support materials.

TAKEAWAYS:
Rubin Observatory’s classroom-ready investigations can be completed within two hours, and come with options for adding introductory materials, assessments, and extension activities. Extensive teacher guides and a community of practice provide background content and ongoing implementation support.

SPEAKERS:
Ardis Herrold

Explore the vast potential of AI in education with a comprehensive poster session. Understand foundational AI principles, its benefits, challenges, and strategies for effective classroom integration, ensuring a future-ready teaching approach.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will gain a holistic understanding of AI's role in modern education, equipped with insights and best practices to seamlessly integrate AI-driven methodologies into their teaching repertoire.

SPEAKERS:
Selene Verhofstad, Faryal Shaukat

Participants will learn about and experience how we created student-focused digital video science labs. We will share how we modified existing labs by identifying phenomena, developing mini-storylines with student materials, and creating/editing videos.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to develop storyboards along with how to video/edit their associated three-dimensional sensemaking interactive labs.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Sanches, Lesley Urasky

Infuse your classroom with data by learning to use CODAP, a free web-based data exploration tool designed to support students in learning how to answer questions with data. CODAP’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface will move your students beyond spreadsheets into the realm of data inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
CODAP moves the focus away from cumbersome graph wizards and allows students to enter a state of flow in exploring the story a dataset has to tell. CODAP was designed with students in mind, and supports sensemaking with data in unique ways not possible with other tools.

SPEAKERS:
Angela Gospodarek, Daniel Damelin

Kids are natural inventors and problem solvers. We all know the importance of all students seeing themselves as mathematicians and scientists. Explore a free K-12 resource to teach our young inventors how and why to protect their intellectual property through the power of invention education.

TAKEAWAYS:
The purpose of this session is to introduce teachers to EquIP HQ and other free tools and resources from the US Patent and Trademark Office to help your students develop essential critical thinking and research skills, as well as creativity and problem-solving through invention education.

SPEAKERS:
Reginald Duncan

Learn to use pressure sensors, simulations, computer graphing, and whiteboards to have students model and understand the particle behavior of gases. Also, teach gas law problem-solving using proportional thinking to make the numbers make sense physically!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will use various representations of particle behavior to explain Gas Laws and mathematically model the relationships, using pressure sensors and simulations. They will learn to calculate using proportional thinking, leading to a verbal description of WHY variables change as they do.

SPEAKERS:
Kimberlee Freudenberg

Countless studies have found that teachers are struggling to support students in maintaining focus, finding self-worth and being intrinsically creative learners. Gamification provides the building blocks for engagement, community, healthy competition, and self motivation, and works with any grade level and any subject. With gamification, students can use their creativity in learning choices and earn incentives based around curricular and extracurricular themes. Student examples from a sixth grade science classroom include review challenges that emphasize content and game elements. Participants in this session will gain the initial building blocks to create their own game for their classrooms that is manageable and can be enhanced over time. Activities will include defining gamification and creating their own game theme. During the session, the participant will participate in a game challenge by using a choice board to explore and expand the strategies and methods of gamification.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will begin the journey of gamifying their classroom right away. They will also leave with resources to use to continue their gamification journey.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Simmons

Participants will see and experience an "Eclipse" This workshop will immerse participants in the various missions of the REC Foundation's Aerial Drone Competition structure. Guided by a DoD STEM Ambassador and learn tools and strategies to try in your own classrooms even without drones.

TAKEAWAYS:
Experience an "Eclipse" of your teaching methods. The interdiciplinary nature of Aerial Drone Competitions help inspire and motivate all students while encouraging participation in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Gretchen Greer

Virtual Reality has recently emerged as an impactful tool in education, revolutionizing the way we deliver content. This session aims to explore the multifaceted landscape of using VR as a teaching tool, and give participants the opportunity to be the learner and experience virtual reality.

TAKEAWAYS:
Practical insights for implementing virtual reality in a way that is effective and equitable.

SPEAKERS:
Molly Dunn

Looking for a new way to engage your students in scientific thinking? This workshop will introduce educators to the world of social media and how it can be leveraged to get students thinking and acting like scientists. Join us for this session hosted by some Emmy-nominated teachers!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with an understanding of how to utilize social media apps to help engage students in scientific thinking in their classroom, all while building positive relationships.

SPEAKERS:
Curtis Martin, Courtney Ologbosele

Artificial Intelligence chatbots have upended teaching and learning. Negative aspects of their use have been raised, but there are positive ones too. Research into the performance of students and ChatGPT in a chemistry class will be shared and future directions discussed for student learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Chatbots are here to stay. Teachers and students need to know how to use them to support learning.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Clark