Why labs play a crucial role in every science class. Fellow teachers will discuss the advantages and disadvantges to labs in the class. We will discuss how to successfuly conduct labs in the ENVS classroom for very little money.

TAKEAWAYS:
Get fellow teachers' advice and wisdom on how to successfully conduct a lab in the ENVS classroom - plus a list of cheap or free labs that you can do on a whim.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Melancon

WSST serves the teachers of Wisconsin. It offers myriad resources for new leaders including operational handbooks and our annual conference. We coordinate with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) adding support to our efforts. This session will share numerous resource successes.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will offer proven ideas for supporting leaders especially new teachers in leadership positions. We will share the historical evolution of these resources as well as the current state of documentation to make leadership work both easier to and more effective.

SPEAKERS:
Sue Whitsett, Ray Scolavino, Kevin Niemi

Are you a lead science teacher in your district or school? Are you well versed in implementing high quality curricula? If so, how would you like the opportunity to network, chat and share ideas with other science teacher leaders from across our state? In this session, participants will discuss their

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain the opportunity to network and share ideas as well as identify high quality implementation successes, discuss implementation struggles and brainstorm potential solutions.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsay Duet, Bianca Deliberto

Leveraging 21st-century technology to foster STEM identities through experiential learning. Explore how innovative tech tools can create equity through engaging students in STEM experiences that promote creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration with a focus on digital fabrication and AI.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about the transformative potential of leveraging 21st-century technology to cultivate equitable opportunities for all students to develop strong STEM identities. They will explore how centering on digital design & fabrication and AI can equip learners from diverse backgrounds.

SPEAKERS:
Lora Taylor

Join us for a 30 minute discussion where climate change education leaders discuss integrating climate change into curricula, emphasizing the importance of cross-curricular resources. They will also discuss the benefits of incorporating SEL and equity concepts into climate change teaching.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to integrate cross-disciplinary resources to enhance climate science education, fostering a holistic understanding and addressing equity in STEM. Reflect on the profound impacts of these topics and explore how incorporating Social-Emotional Learning can nurture inspired, engaged learners.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Rogers

This round table discussion will outline the key components, benefits and struggles of high school research programs. Established research program directors will be able to provide insights for educators and administrators seeking to implement similar initiatives in their schools.

TAKEAWAYS:
By implementing research programs for high school students, we can enhance science education and empower the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers.

SPEAKERS:
Caleb Bagby, Ashley Posey

The purpose of our research is to investigate how educators’ experiences in field studies with community partners can inform a transdisciplinary STEAM educational program based on a curriculum of place. Our project considers varying perspectives of place and land as it informs STEAM TEd programming.

TAKEAWAYS:
This research has the potential to inform future STEAM teacher education and K-12 teaching and learning that integrates STEAM pedagogies, Indigenous knowledges and place/land-based transdisciplinary curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Kevin O'Connor

Since 2018, we have been a certified STEM school in Indiana, K-8. Now, we extend a warm invitation to all teachers and administrators to join us as we delve into the intricate journey of our state STEM accreditation process. We explore the rigorous standards and criteria as well as best practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will have an opportunity for reflection and continuous improvement as we strive to elevate our STEM program. Through open and constructive discourse, we will share insights, exchange best practices, and chart a course for success.

SPEAKERS:
Selena Scott, Michelle Boyd, Rachel Plunkett, Elizabeth Ahlgrim

Spark creativity in science and STEM education by discovering how teachers can create transdisciplinary STEAM activities to provide early childhood learners authentic, relevant, and sensemaking opportunities. Learn how to stage a hands-on STEAM Fair that promotes equity and inclusivity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to: facilitate sensemaking, incorporating the four attributes described by NSTA; design inquiry-based and multi-modal activities to support science and engineering practices; and promote meaningful dialogue and student talk to encourage students to share, discuss, and amend their ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Ann Fradkin-Hayslip

Students often ask “why are we learning this?” and “when will I use this?” that point to issues of connecting STEM concepts to their everyday experiences. Participants will discuss and plan how to incorporate social justice STEM pedagogy in classrooms to foster students’ civic engagement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers share best practices for fostering student debates on complex issues, considering ethics, culture, and morals. They will explore evidence-based science arguments and civic engagement, with access to classroom resources like sample units of study.

SPEAKERS:
Augusto Macalalag, Jr., Joseph Johnson, Dylan Fedell

Explore integrating makerspace & tech at the high school level across all disciplines, from English to Science to Foreign Languages. Discover innovative projects and strategies for interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing learning and creativity in every classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Innovative ways to integrate technology and STEM everywhere in high school.

SPEAKERS:
Lauren Mitchell Ludwig

Your new teaching assignment includes PHYSICS, YIKES! What do you do? Master physics teachers will share strategies, resources and lessons, for a "newbie" as they begin to love physics and the exciting physics lab activities for the classroom. Remember a day without physics doesn’t exist.

TAKEAWAYS:
Physics is not all formulas and math problems: there are everyday examples and opportunities for students to experience the science behind car collisions, speeding tickets, wind powered homes, polarized sunglasses and MUCH more. Resources for new to physics teachers are available to all.

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Gwartney, Elizabeth (Tommi) Holsenbeck

Is Culture is key to engaging underrepresented populations in STEM education? Understanding how to use culture in the classroom is necessary to grow diversity in STEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain an understanding of how culture plays a role in STEM engagement and how to bring the student’s culture into the learning process.

SPEAKERS:
Nikita LaCour, Rochelle Darville

This session provides best practices in secondary STEM education. We share our approaches to equity-centered, cultural responsiveness teaching. As former middle and high school science teachers, who are now university faculty, participants will interrogate trends in effective science instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to identify strategies for continuous improvement in secondary science instruction that center culturally responsive instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Anita Sanyal

Participants will gain a better understanding of the application process for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Presenters will share tips for creating a quality application and will also identify common pitfalls to avoid while preparing for submission.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to prepare a competitive Presidential Awards application.

SPEAKERS:
K. Renae Pullen, Beth Olivier, Janet Graff