The Framework for K-12 Science Education urges us to promote scientific literacy among all the nation’s people as a democratic ideal worthy of focused attention, significant resources, and continuing effort. Promoting equity and justice should be approached as a never-ending, detailed pursuit of collective liberation by everyone involved in education (Bell,2019). Science is about explaining phenomena. Doing so requires knowledge and creative imagination. The Minnesota Academic Science Standards (2019) require Minnesota Students to demonstrate proficiency in the science and Engineering Practices adapted from the Framework. How can science educators, especially in Minnesota, transform these practices into justice-centered, equitable practices for all students? In this presentation, we will review some of the tools and strategies, develop our capacity, and examine our collective mindset in advocating for justice-centered science education for all students in Minnesota.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science education devoid of justice-centeredness is a misrepresentation of the essence of science

SPEAKERS:
Angela Osuji

Come learn about ways that you can help advance the field of Science Education and improve your teaching through the many different leadership opportunities that exist which also allow you to stay in your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how participation in teacher advisory committees supporting museums and science centers, or other organizations such as Science Olympiad, NSTA, and NSELA can allow them to improve their teaching and be Science Education leaders while remaining in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
John Loehr

This session explores the pivotal role teacher beliefs play in shaping students' attitudes, understanding, and actions related to climate change mitigation. Drawing on current research and classroom practice, we will examine how educators' personal and professional beliefs about climate science, environmental responsibility, and pedagogical approaches can directly influence student engagement, critical thinking, and climate-positive behaviors.

TAKEAWAYS:
Whether you're a classroom teacher, curriculum developer, or education leader, this session will provide insights into how cultivating informed and reflective teaching practices can inspire the next generation of climate stewards.

SPEAKERS:
Hannah Luna

The Nomination Committee will be seeking nominations and applications for new leadership positions within the Board and Leadership Council in the 2026 elections. This session will allow members to learn more about the open positions, the roles and responsibilities within each, and provide guidance for the application process. We would like to increase our recruitment efforts and this session would provide personal interaction for members with the committee and potentially with some of the current board and council members.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about opportunities for leadership in NSTA and how they can apply to be involved.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Butler

This study explored how Project-Based Learning (PBL) could improve student interest and engagement in 7th grade science. It looked at how hands-on and collaborative projects affected students’ attitudes and academic performance. Data was gathered through pre- and post-surveys and tests. The goal was to see if PBL made science more meaningful and helped students better understand and enjoy what they were learning. Results will help determine how PBL can improve science teaching and support student learning in real-world ways.

TAKEAWAYS:
A key takeaway from the study is Project-Based Learning allows students to explore science in meaningful ways by making real-world connections and applying what they learn to practical, everyday situations.

SPEAKERS:
Rosario Arellano, Jennifer Kopec

Given the persistent lack of STEM teachers who have sufficient knowledge of engineering and the design process to teach an integrative transdisciplinary approach to STEM that addresses today’s increasing technologies and digital innovations, this NSF Noyce Project, Mechatronics Integrated into STEM Teaching for Transformative Inclusive Communities (MISTTIC) supports 20 district Master Teaching Fellows (MTFs) to implement convergence mechatronics learning by creating innovative solutions in K-12 settings that are steeped in real-world, socially-relevant context that draws on knowledge across multiple disciplines to address the technological demands within society, acknowledging that early exposure to mechatronics can impact students’ decision to pursue STEM career pathways.

TAKEAWAYS:
MISTTIC has prepared teachers to catalyze change and advance the integration of mechatronics within their curriculum, including experiential education activities to enhance inclusivity and broaden the pipeline to bridge the school to STEM field workforce for a larger group of students.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Holman, Dodi Cline, Stephanie Arthur

The NSTA Urban Science Education Advisory Board's charge is to advise, guide, and provide input on the Association’s efforts to address the distinct challenges faced by urban science educators, and to develop strategies to support NSTA members in urban areas. Stop by our poster session to share resources, build community with other urban science educators, and complete our survey to share your needs as an urban science educator. Your voice can help us better elevate the needs of urban science educators across the country!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be provided with resources supporting urban science educators, as well as an opportunity to take the Urban Science Education Advisory Board's needs assessment survey to help guide our efforts in supporting urban science education.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Seabloom

Attendants are briefed on methods used by the UWA Black Belt STEM Education Institute to increase STEM awareness throughout an underserved geographic region in Alabama. In the rural regions of Alabama’s Black Belt, educators and communities face unique challenges to delivering high-quality STEM education. Through relationship-building, hands-on activities, and high-quality professional development opportunities, the UWA BBSEI is changing the way school leaders, teachers, and students approach STEM in the state of Alabama.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore the strategic framework behind the collective impact approach, understand its measurable outcomes on student achievement and engagement, and discuss strategies for replicating similar partnership-driven models in their regions. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable insights and resources to foster collaborative STEM ecosystems in underserved communities.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Reggie Holifield, Chester Nicklas, Jr.

Leaders will share their purpose for joining this session and then engage in a simulation as a “common experience” and use that experience to consider how key lessons about change played out in the simulation and how the lessons play out in their work. Leaders will read and discuss the Change Management text from The Elements: Transforming Teaching through Curriculum-based Professional Learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Join other leaders to consider key lessons from change and dig into Change Management from The Elements: Transforming Teaching through Curriculum-based Professional Learning.

SPEAKERS:
Jody Bintz

This session empowers educators to teach climate change through children’s literature that inspires hope, resilience, and action. By integrating emotionally engaging stories with climate science, we help young learners understand environmental challenges while fostering a proactive, optimistic mindset. Participants will explore curated resources—including book lists, lesson plans, and activities—that connect scientific concepts with relatable narratives and emphasize individual and collective agency. The session also offers guidance on navigating difficult topics in age-appropriate ways and encouraging community engagement projects that extend learning beyond the classroom. Through collaboration, we are building a network of educators, authors, and advocates committed to cultivating a generation of informed, compassionate climate stewards. Join us in reimagining climate education as a hopeful, action-oriented journey for children.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to use children’s literature to teach climate change in developmentally appropriate ways that foster hope, resilience, and student agency, while accessing ready-to-use resources that connect science concepts with meaningful storytelling and community action.

SPEAKERS:
Lorianne Donovan, Carissa Haug

My Taiwan Fulbright-Hays experience inspired me to incorporate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in all my courses (Environmental Science, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology). The SDGs help to teach our students through the lens of interdisciplinary challenges that are part of all our lives. This session will include examples of how I have integrated the SDGs and Climate Action into the standard curriculum for grades 9-12.

TAKEAWAYS:
Examples will be provided as to how to incorporate the UN SDGs into a high school science class, including elective courses (Environmental Science, Anatomy & Physiology) as well as core science classes with a more stringent curriculum (Biology, Anatomy & Physiology).

SPEAKERS:
Kristina Hayda

Sponsoring Company: ECA Science Kit Services

In this session we will select 3-4 popular science programs to evaluate using the 15-Questions developed by ECA Science Kit Services. The objective is to have participants walk away with an easy guide to use as they evaluate different programs to adopt. The takeaway will be an understanding of how to set teachers up for a successful implementation. This process will share information about alignment, usability and budget (yes! we will talk money and share “blindspot” costs to prepare for). It will cover short-term and long-term goals for implementation. There will also be an activity related to the “usability” portion of the presentation! Participants will have a fun experience and leave with a simple navigation guide to support their adoption and implementation process.

SPEAKERS:
Heidi Harlan

Science ignites students’ excitement and curiosity about the world! Explore research and discuss how to build your toolbox for engaging others in prioritizing phenomenon-based instruction in the curricular experiences of elementary students; go beyond mere special activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with strategies to make the case for making science as much a part of students’ elementary classroom experience as ELA & Math.

SPEAKERS:
Yanira Vazquez

Scientifically speaking, how brains process information is tied to the kinds of tasks we need to perform. We examine the science of learning: how the brain learns, recalls information and how different tasks activate different brain processes. For example, spelling the word "yellow" involves different parts of the brain than understanding the concept of the color. Knowing these differences helps us understand and formulate relevant assessments. Once we understand the processes we can manage/avoid cognitive overload that occurs when learning new concepts. We will learn to use brain science to help long term retention of knowledge. By embedding neuroscience-informed strategies into curriculum design, educators can help students learn naturally. We develop our own personal intelligence! Participants are encouraged to bring their instructional material to create a template takeaway. Participants will take away 3 assessment and 3 instructional strategies grounded in brain research.

TAKEAWAYS:
We will learn how the human brain processes information. Use brain science to understand long term retention of knowledge. Participants will take away 2-3 assessment and instructional strategies grounded in brain research.

SPEAKERS:
Manisha Sharan

Hands-on neuroscience demonstrations facilitate connections between education and neuroscience research. This session will explore hands-on learning experiences in K-12 communities; although ideally suited for high school classes, many of the demos can be adapted to other grade levels. During this presentation, we will engage in neuroscience activities using a variety of resources available from online educational materials. Some examples include electroencephalograms, super tasters/genetic exploration, electrical stimulators, and a range of other devices and techniques. We can show educators how to apply what they learn in class to advancements in neuroscience. These demonstrations in classrooms will help students bridge classroom knowledge with real-world experiences. By the end of the session, educators will gain insight into the various resources available for engagement in education and explore the fundamentals of neuroscience as related to the devices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using affordable demonstrations, participants will explore how to bring hands-on neuroscience into K-12 classrooms, primarily suited for grades 9-12. The session focuses on engagement, allowing educators to connect classroom knowledge, use the tools, and expand to the community if they desire.

SPEAKERS:
Adam Steiner

Food waste is more than an environmental issue—it's a matter of equity and justice. This session delves into the intersection of waste management, food systems, and climate justice, emphasizing how addressing food waste can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting social and environmental equity. Participants will explore the systemic causes of food waste, from production to consumption, and examine how waste disproportionately affects marginalized communities. Through interactive discussions, real-world case studies, and practical strategies, this session will highlight how schools, communities, and individuals can implement sustainable waste practices that support both planetary health and social justice.

TAKEAWAYS:
By connecting waste reduction to broader movements for climate and food justice, this session empowers educators, activists, and community leaders to drive meaningful change—transforming waste into a pathway for equity and sustainability.

SPEAKERS:
Hannah Luna

This workshop shares a curriculum that empowers students to become 21st century energy leaders. Participants will engage in a climate action simulation as different stakeholder groups and explore how their decision impact global temperature change, as well as the social impacts of these actions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to use the climate action simulation to engage their students in understanding climate action from an individual and global perspective.

SPEAKERS:
Gillian Roehrig

Come start and end your day with NSELA! The Leader's Lounge is your exclusive networking space for science leaders. Join us at the beginning and end of the day to connect with colleagues, relax, and recharge. Light refreshments and food will be available. Come snack, chat, and share insights with NSELA and other leaders in this dedicated, comfortable space.

TAKEAWAYS:
An opportunity to build your professional network by connecting with other science leaders in a relaxed, informal setting with complimentary refreshments.

SPEAKERS:
Andy Weatherhead

NSTA has revised and updated its position 2018 position statement on climate science, strengthening its commitment to high quality education on the teaching of the science of climate change. This presentation outlines the changes to the position statement and the rationale for the changes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will become equipped with the rationale and tools necessary for teaching the science of climate change, as well as the talking points necessary for engaging with the range of constituencies that have voice in or impact upon science education in general.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Pyle

This session will provide an overview of the most recent developments at the state level in STEM education policy

TAKEAWAYS:
Everything you need to know in state STEM policy

SPEAKERS:
James Brown

Too often, science is treated as the expendable subject in the school setting, particularly in the elementary grades, where reading and math (and their standardized test scores) reign supreme. For many of our brightest students, however, it is also their favorite subject. This presentation will demonstrate the importance of implementing challenging and engaging science experiences that provide students with opportunities for critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity within the confines of district mandates.By engaging in hands-on experiences themselves, attendees will be provided with the tools they need to facilitate similar opportunities for their students, thereby instilling the ultimate goal for all educators—a love of learning and exploration.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with easily implemented resources, effective strategies, and rigorous lessons that facilitate students' higher-order thinking, creativity, and problem solving in the science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Joyce Greco-Foster

This session will provide an overview of federal-level STEM policy developments in 2025 and their implications for science educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Everything you need to know about federal STEM policy in one hour.

SPEAKERS:
James Brown

Imagine a classroom transformed into a stage where fourth and fifth graders become thought leaders, sharing innovative ideas and sparking change. This session provides a roadmap for planning and executing a student-led TEDx conference—from initial idea to final publication on TED’s platform—integrating STEM, humanities, and public speaking. Participants will learn how to empower students to research, develop, and present ideas that matter to them and their communities. Rooted in the belief that all learners deserve access to high-quality science education, this project fosters science literacy, collaboration, and critical thinking. From incorporating technology and media production to cultivating real-world problem-solving skills, educators will leave with practical strategies to amplify student voices and build a learning community that inspires curiosity, passion, and lifelong learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to plan and execute a student-led TEDx conference, empowering young learners to research, develop, and present big ideas while integrating STEM, humanities, and public speaking to create a meaningful, real-world learning experience.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Robinson, Katie Musick, Jesse Wren

This session will be training in the fundamentals of individual advocacy and how to get started along the path of being an effective advocate for science education with your state, local, and federal elected officials.

TAKEAWAYS:
Get started in making your voice heard by your elected officials.

SPEAKERS:
James Brown

Take away strategies and ideas to help reach all students in your classroom. The strategies shared are used in a middle school classroom using a storyline approach with little to no special education support. We will discuss and share how to use manipulatives, video, voice to text, audio, websites, and more to enhance and support all students in your classroom. Walk away with many ideas you could use next week!

TAKEAWAYS:
One main takeaway will be the accommodations and supports that can be created with a little effort that will help most students in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Tish Rezac, Kirsten Smith

Once you’ve adopted high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), how do leaders ensure effective and sustained implementation? Join us to explore critical actions of leaders to launch and sustain the implementation of HQIM!

TAKEAWAYS:
Effective and sustained implementation of high-quality instructional materials requires planning for change prior to implementation, generating excitement, providing transformative professional learning, monitoring implementation progress and using data to support continuous improvement.

SPEAKERS:
Jody Bintz

Sponsoring Company: ECA Science Kit Services

In this session we will select 3-4 popular science programs to evaluate using the 15-Questions developed by ECA Science Kit Services. The objective is to have participants walk away with an easy guide to use as they evaluate different programs to adopt. The takeaway will be an understanding of how to set teachers up for a successful implementation. This process will share information about alignment, usability and budget (yes! we will talk money and share “blindspot” costs to prepare for). It will cover short-term and long-term goals for implementation. There will also be an activity related to the “usability” portion of the presentation! Participants will have a fun experience and leave with a simple navigation guide to support their adoption and implementation process.

SPEAKERS:
Heidi Harlan

The co-presenters of this poster are a team of an informal educator who focuses on grades 3 to 9 and a university faculty member who works with pre-service educators. These two people have are part of a four-person group from three locations across North Dakota who are working to diffuse the National Geographic Society and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation program for enhancing grades 6-12 STEM education by implementing a glocal-type social media competition to present possible solutions to various environmental issues. The 13-to-18 year old participants create a 60-second video that explains the suggestions for dealing with a world issue within the context of their local community. The program in North Dakota only has been in existence since summer of 2023 and is two-thirds completed in the three-year statewide project. This consortium is under the umbrella of the North Dakota Water Resources Department, the North Dakota Envirothon, and the Dakota Science Center.

TAKEAWAYS:
This poster and the interaction with the co-presenters by attendees will help diffuse the NGS Slingshot Challenge program to a wider audience whose students may benefit significantly in participating in a such a social media oriented competition as a way to share tentative project solutions.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Munski, Douglas Munski

Extensive research has been conducted by Indigenous scholars in science education that has provided foundational theoretical guidance for the inclusion of Indigenous knowledges into the science curriculum. Additionally, examples of curricula are written to meet Minnesota’s requirement of including Indigenous knowledges. These examples are found across content areas, particularly in English Language Arts and Social Studies, but are limited in science. The poster will report on the results of a coupled research process that integrated results from a literature review, review of existing curriculum, and the process a group of educators took to design a unit aligned with the Minnesota State Science Standards for high school Earth Science. The result is a framework that will inform educators interested in weaving Indigenous science knowledge into the curriculum. This poster will present a framework and the resulting unit for weaving Indigenous knowledges into secondary science curricula.

TAKEAWAYS:
Visitors to the poster will leave with a framework for creating lessons that incorporate Indigenous knowledge into the secondary science curriculum and access to an example unit.

SPEAKERS:
Stephanie Erickson

Leaning into cultural relevance and social justice issues can be a powerful tool for building strong student engagement in the sciences. This session will showcase strategies used with teachers to adapt and redesign phenomena-based science units in Chicago Public Schools to increase relevance, criticality, and joy. The techniques we will explore can be applied to any phenomena-based science curriculum and can help build deeper student engagement with pressing science issues.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore strategies for designing or modifying units to create rich, culturally relevant science unit storylines that engage students as critical actors within challenging, real-world phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Seabloom

Sponsoring Company: Stile Education

Get ready to launch your first Stile unit with confidence! In this interactive session, you’ll explore Stile’s powerful curriculum planning tools—including Scope and Sequences, Teaching Plans, and Lab Guides—that make lesson preparation seamless. Try out interactive teaching tools designed to spark student discourse, strengthen collaboration, manage behavior, and provide real-time feedback. Plus, see how easy it is to customize and personalize Stile to meet your students’ unique learning needs. You’ll leave equipped and inspired to hit the ground running with Stile in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Jacky Rooney

Saint Paul Public Schools has developed two science units to meet the 2019 Minnesota Science Standards related to Indigenous tribes and communities in Grades 1 and 3. Learn about our multi-year, collaborative process involving science content specialists, the American Indian Education Department, Indigenous staff members, and classroom teachers. In this session, we will highlight the Grade 1 unit, Indigenous Communities and Ecosystems, which features Dakota and Ojibwe perspectives and science understanding through storytelling, hands-on activities, and culturally relevant texts. In the unit, students explore Indigenous communities’ relationships with the land, emphasizing sustainability, respect, and interdependence. Join us to explore how embedding Indigenous knowledge can enrich science learning for all students. Hear about lessons learned, teacher feedback, and how this work supports equity and representation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how one urban district approached integrating Indigenous knowledge into elementary science by collaborating with Indigenous educators, highlighting a Grade 1 unit developed to begin addressing the 2019 Minnesota Science Standards.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Bosch, Jason Bresette, Jaime Dery

Inviting all Preservice Teachers and Instructors to learn about NSTA’s Preservice Teacher Chapters. Chapters support individuals entering the profession with leadership experiences, networking opportunities, and professional learning resources available at NSTA. The NSTA Preservice Teacher Chapter Program consists of two types of chapters: (1) The National Preservice Teacher Chapter and (2) The Local Preservice Teacher Chapters at Universities. In this session, NSTA staff will share concrete examples of leadership experiences, networking events, and professional learning resources available at NSTA to all preservice teachers of science, members and non-members of NSTA. Similarly, a current faculty advisor of a local chapter will talk about the benefits of student-led organizations. For those interested in starting their own chapter, the faculty advisor will share information about how to start, grow, and maintain a chapter at a university.

TAKEAWAYS:
Preservice teachers and potential faculty advisors walk-away informed about how to engage with NSTA opportunities and resources and with ideas about how to start, grow, and maintain their local preservice teacher chapter.

SPEAKERS:
Jim McDonald, Flavio Mendez

2025 is the 100th anniversary of the infamous Scopes trial and the 20thanniversary of the Kitzmiller v. Dover trial, which took place in Harrisburg, PA. We will examine the lessons for science educators today that can be drawn from the similarities and differences between these trials. As lead witness in the Kitzmiller trial I will briefly review the history of that case and summarize scholarship on the Scopes trial. While both cases are interesting legally, their relevance to science education extends to every educator dealing with issues of science denial. I will examine these challenges at multiple levels, including topics routinely designated as “controversial,” including evolution and climate change.

TAKEAWAYS:
The motivations, strategies, and tactics of science denial have changed little in the 100 years following the Scopes “Monkey” trial. I will review today’s threats to evolution education and will suggest strategies that educators can use today to defend the integrity of science in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Kenneth Miller

This session will explore a process in development for creating NGSS aligned IEP science goals using the Science & Engineering Practices. Attendees will discuss the current shortcomings of science-based IEP goals, and will be presented with a prototype tool for collecting data, writing goals, and monitoring progress that has been created for use across Chicago Public Schools.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore a process for writing NGSS-aligned science IEP goals that goes beyond simply recreating math and literacy based goals.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Seabloom

Too often, minority students are “benched” in the world of STEM - overlooked, underestimated, and/or underserved. This high-energy workshop equips educators with tools to get all K12 students into the STEM game. Discover how to empower minority students to engage STEM with confidence; shifting them from the STEM “sidelines” as passive observers to active and inspired STEM participants via identity-affirming practices and high-engagement strategies that center both student voice and experience. Walk away with a game plan to break barriers, increase representation, and level the STEM playing field. Whether you teach in a rural, urban, or suburban setting - this session will leave you inspired, empowered, and ready to coach every student toward STEM success.

TAKEAWAYS:
Every student deserves a chance to play—and win—in STEM. With the right coaching, support, and access, minority students don’t just join the game—they change it.

SPEAKERS:
Sierra Graves

What does it really look like when a scientist and an educator join forces to bring applied, real-world science into the classrooms? In this candid discussion, an industry scientist and an education specialist will share how their collaboration began and how it grew into co-developing classroom activities rooted in agricultural biotechnology and data science. We will share what worked, what we had to figure out on the fly, and how you can start similar connections with researchers in your community. Whether teaching biology, environmental science, or looking to make careers more tangible for students, you will leave with practical ideas, tactics, and conversation starters to build your own local partnerships.

TAKEAWAYS:
Hear how a scientist and an educator built a successful partnership and learn how to start your own. Gain tips and hear candid perspectives from both sides, offering practical advice on how to bridge the gap, even if science careers outside the classroom seem distant.

SPEAKERS:
Jane Hunt, Zack Bateson

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the demand for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills has never been greater. As technological advancements continue to shape every aspect of our lives, it has become crucial for the next generation to be equipped with the tools and knowledge to thrive in these fields. This presentation will explore the importance of integrating STEM education into school curricula and its myriad benefits for students, educators, and society. We will explore how STEM education fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills by engaging students in hands-on learning experiences. By embracing project-based and inquiry-driven methods, students gain a deeper understanding of core subjects and develop a passion for learning. STEM education opens the door to high-demand careers in industries such as engineering, technology, and data science, preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow.

TAKEAWAYS:
By the end of this session, attendees will understand why STEM education is essential for the future and how schools can play a pivotal role in preparing students to be innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders in the 21st century.

SPEAKERS:
Brooke Garza

The goal of this program is to engage students in grades K-8 with hands-on experiences that focus on sustainable design. Students will learn about urban planning, fashion and climate change, ecological footprints, and waste audits. The curriculum is ready-made for teachers to implement within their classroom if they wish to provide this experience for students during the summer or even throughout the school year as a stand alone unit of study. We understand the demanding workload that educators often must bear on a daily basis. This program aims to alleviate that pressure by providing teachers with fully developed and ready to use lesson plans. Each lesson also includes detailed instruction for implementation, suggested prep-work, and potential adjustments. The curriculum itself provides lesson plans for Monday through Wednesday along with a recommended experiential learning opportunity (field day) on Thursdays.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be provided with access to the "Energy & Climate for Every Classroom" curriculum which they can use to implement into their classrooms. The curriculum contains lesson plans, recommended prep-work, suggested climate action field days, and potential adjustments.

SPEAKERS:
Sean McFadden, Annycardeli Lopez

Join us and navigate together through the NSTA Website and discover all the different types of digital resources available to you to enhance your professional learning. Participants will become knowledgeable about their member benefits, the plethora of digital resources available on NSTA’s website, about the live events, and professional learning community that can help them enhance their content knowledge and improve their teaching practice. Numerous live events are offered to educators of science every month to enhance and extend their content and pedagogical knowledge - most of them free to NSTA members. Participants will also learn how to engage with other educators of science and grow their network of like-minded individuals. We will feature NSTA’s My Library, Forums and Profile professional learning tools. NSTA staff will be available to answer questions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will become knowledgeable about their member benefits, the plethora of digital resources available on NSTA’s website, about the live events, and professional learning community that can help them enhance their knowledge and improve their teaching practice.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez

This session is for all educators hoping to get their foot in the door for incorporating equity into the classroom through a scientific lens. This a chance to engage in discourse with other educators around overcoming barriers and preparing a ready-to-implement lesson for when they return home!

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn how to engage with and educate around the historic weaponization of science. They will be able to build a lesson around this topic and create a dialogue geared toward middle school aged learners.

SPEAKERS:
Andi Twiss

As the politicization of science grows, teacher educators must ask: Are preservice science teachers authentically prepared—and permitted—to teach science equitably and meaningfully? This session shares findings from a cross-institutional survey of early childhood, elementary, secondary, and higher education science educators, including faculty and in-service teachers. We explore how respondents perceive their preparation for addressing DEI, sociocultural relevance, and controversial topics in science education—and whether they feel they have the autonomy to do so. This work emerges from a collaboration between a science education researcher in biology and a teacher educator in curriculum and literacy, reflecting on their shared but mismatched goals in culturally responsive preparation. Participants will consider the disconnect between teacher education ideals and the constraints of today’s science classrooms, identifying next steps for responsive and realistic preparation programs.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how science teacher candidates and faculty perceive their autonomy to teach science authentically, especially regarding DEI and sociocultural relevance, and will explore how teacher preparation must evolve to meet the realities of 2025 classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Julia Poplin

Approximately 15-20% of students in the United States have dyslexia which affects reading, spelling, and writing skills. The purpose of this presentation is to share ideas with educators on how they can better support their students with dyslexia in Elementary and Middle grades. During our presentation we will review the neurological origin of dyslexia and how it may manifest in the science classroom. Then, we will discuss general classroom environment structures that support students with dyslexia. We will end by giving specific instructional practices that we do in our classrooms to improve content understanding and reinforce vocabulary. The strategies presented are not exclusively for students with dyslexia, but are universally beneficial for students in learning scientific content. Between the two presenters, we have over a decade of science teaching experience at a school for students with language-based learning differences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with an understanding of dyslexia and how it appears in the classroom. Teachers will be able to immediately implement classroom management and instructional strategies to support their students with dyslexia.

SPEAKERS:
Meg Narwold, Hannah Blackburn

Reinvent [Our Town] empowers students to drive change in their town. They ideate solutions, prototype designs, and create surveys to gather data. AI tools assist in refining ideas, crafting surveys, and supporting teacher communication for data collection. Students analyze findings and pitch their innovations to local leaders.

TAKEAWAYS:
One main takeaway for teachers is the potential to empower students as drivers of change by providing them with opportunities to identify and solve real-world problems in their own community, leveraging tools like AI to enhance their learning and impact.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Joslyn

Teachers often face questions from students such as "Why should we learn this?" "When will we ever use this?" "How many points is this assignment?" In order to get students more involved in the process of doing science, it is imperative that we make science relatable by addressing issues from our local community. By connecting student learning to local issues, current issues, and controversies, we can enhance student interest in science. In this workshop, participants will examine the case of the Kennewick Man, an ancient Native American's remains which were found on the banks of the Columbia River in Eastern Washington. We will learn about the interest of the scientific community from forensic anthropologists to the evolutionary history of the DNA remains, the proper way of honoring ancient human remains, the crucial role of courts in controversial cases, and understanding NAGPRA to help students navigate such debates in classroom settings.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using the example of the Kennewick Man - The Ancient Native American whose skeletal remains were accidentally found by two college students, participants will learn how to create a case study based on a local issue of interest and relate it to the scientific concepts being taught in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Rama Devagupta