In this session participants will dissect an LED shadow box that is 100% student made. As we unpack this project, participants will see how multiple STEM disciplines can come together to create something new and unique while linking together applied STEM topics. You'll observe how 3D modeling and design, coding, soldering, and art come together to create a 3D light shadow box. This project's applied concept approach can be adapted to fit any classroom, all it takes is a little creativity and out of the "box" thinking. In this session you'll gain some tips and strategies for creating your own multi-disciplinary project to use in your own educational setting.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will become inspired to create projects of their own and walk away with some tips and strategies for creating their own unique multidisciplinary projects.

SPEAKERS:
Becca Grumdahl, Beth Peppersack

Communication, critical thinking, and problem solving are essential skills to student success when they enter the workforce, head off to post secondary education, or choose military service. Most of those skills are developed and fostered in STEM classrooms through hands-on projects and challenges. Why can other classes not also be working on these skills? This presentation will show and model simple projects that all teachers can do in their classrooms to continue building those skills even if they don't take a STEM class.

TAKEAWAYS:
One or two day hands-on problem-solving projects that can be done in ANY classroom using items found in a teacher's cabinet to foster communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking!

SPEAKERS:
DAVID PADILLA, Michelle Hendrick

Sponsoring Company: Switch Classroom

Attendees will leave equipped with a student-tested wind energy lesson, incorporating hands-on activities and collaborative learning, adaptable for grades 4-12, fostering a deeper understanding of renewable energy concepts aligned with NGSS standards.

SPEAKERS:
Lynn Kistler

Problem- and place-based units are highly engaging, and they lead students to develop real solutions to problems in their community. How do we know which of the solutions is best? A decision matrix is a mathematical engineering tool that students can use to evaluate and rank possible solutions when making complex decisions. Useful across a spectrum of real-life situations, it’s especially appropriate for classrooms deciding the best actions for solving local problems. Attendees will work through several phases of our free 5E lesson introducing students to the Decision Matrix tool. Anchored Science by Mi-STAR is a middle school curriculum project, created by classroom teachers in collaboration with engineers and scientists from Michigan Technological University, and dedicated to quality NGSS-aligned curriculum since 2015.

TAKEAWAYS:
A decision matrix is a sophisticated tool used by engineers to evaluate and rank potential solutions to make objective, informed decisions. After experiencing a variety of classroom-tested activities, teachers will be ready to use our free 5E, NGSS-aligned Decision Matrix lesson with their students.

SPEAKERS:
Tony Matthys, Lindsey Watch

Sponsoring Company: Stile Education

Bring your Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) to life with captivating, interactive simulations! Dive into a dynamic toolkit filled with powerful, curriculum-aligned digital resources. You'll leave fully equipped with (free!) access to a huge collection of engaging simulations that vividly illustrate science concepts and get students engaging meaningfully with the science and engineering practices, making lessons memorable and meaningful.

SPEAKERS:
Clayton Forest

The OSF STEAM Medical Career Immersion Program offered high school seniors a unique, hands-on introduction to diverse health care careers through mentorship, real-world experiences, and direct collaboration with professionals. Students explored clinical and innovation roles, deepened their understanding of medical pathways, and built confidence in their future career choices. By combining education with immersive practice, the program helped bridge gaps in exposure and access—empowering students from all backgrounds to envision and pursue meaningful roles in health care. This model serves as a scalable blueprint for cultivating future scientists and health leaders.

TAKEAWAYS:
The OSF STEAM Medical Career Immersion Program gave high school seniors hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to diverse health careers—building confidence and creating a scalable model for inspiring future health leaders and innovators.

SPEAKERS:
Shannon Egli, Katherine Smith

OpenSciEd’s 3-dimensional Middle School Science + Computer Science units help students concurrently figure out science ideas and computer science in the context of explaining phenomena. The first of these upcoming, free units, 8.1, focuses on collisions between objects. This poster emphasizes the unique pedagogical approach that leverages hardware (micro:bits and sensors) and software (Makecode block coding) to help students explain collisions and develop force measurement solutions for a wide variety of applications. The presenter can also share more information about the other upcoming CS-integrated units (6.3 Weather, Climate & Water Cycling; 6.5 Natural Hazards; 7.6 Earth's Resources & Human Impact; and 8.2 Sound Waves).

TAKEAWAYS:
Computer science can be used as a tool to help explain science phenomena and develop engineering solutions, with computer science learning integrated with science learning in true STEM fashion.

SPEAKERS:
Dan Voss

In this hands-on session, educators will experience the power of real-time data in engineering design and iteration. Building on insights gained through collaborative NIH grant development, participants will engage in a rapid prototyping challenge, using easily accessible live data to test, refine, and improve a solution within a short cycle—just as real engineers do. This interactive workshop will model data-driven decision-making, helping teachers bring NGSS-aligned, iterative engineering practices into their classrooms. By the end, participants will leave with practical strategies to integrate real-time data tools into their lessons, empowering students to make informed design choices and develop future-ready problem-solving skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to integrate real-time data into engineering challenges, guiding students through rapid prototyping and iteration.

SPEAKERS:
Emine inci Birkan, Gillian Roehrig, Todd Hunter

Sponsoring Company: Teachers' Curriculum Institute (TCI)

Join us for an innovative and interactive session where engineering meets speed dating! Dive into hands-on engineering challenges and activities inspired by TCI's middle school science programs. In this dynamic workshop, attendees will participate in a series of "speed dates" with engineering experiences, uncovering valuable lessons and insights.

SPEAKERS:
Sara Kumar

Step into a world where creativity meets chaos—in the best way possible. In this hands-on workshop, educators will explore the power of project-based learning using an unpredictable mix of discarded, unused, and everyday items. With access to a wide array of "junkyard" materials, participants will be guided through the Human-Centered Design process—empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing—to transform forgotten objects into functional, meaningful creations. By the end of the session, each team will present a unique design that showcases both ingenuity and intentionality. This workshop is a celebration of creativity, sustainability, and student-driven learning, equipping teachers with tools and inspiration to bring innovation into their classrooms using what others leave behind.

TAKEAWAYS:
Transform discarded materials into purposeful creations through a ready-to-use, flexible STEM activity that brings hands-on design and innovation into any classroom setting.

SPEAKERS:
Heather Lambert

Use demos to talk about resources and environmental sustainability, with copper as a specific example and a focus on the impact of resource acquisition and resources to highlight the depth and complexity of these issues. Participants will observe a copper vein set up they could use in class. This single replacement reaction has some interesting steps and the chemistry that occurs will be discussed. Then the decomposition of malachite will be discussed along with extracting copper by smelting and an analysis of energy used. These reactions give an opportunity to discuss chemistry, geology and environmental science. The idea of the “rock footprint” and how much raw material is needed will be explored. The Berkeley Pit (in Butte) will be one reference point. Resources provided will help students understand the challenges faced when balancing competing interests. The timeline and impact of mining in various areas will be discussed.

TAKEAWAYS:
Environmental impacts of mining from raw material acquisition to processing energy to site clean-up, with an emphasis on the chemistry and sustainability of current practices. Leave with several labs, a classroom activity to highlight the physical impacts of mining, and enthusiasm for recycling.

SPEAKERS:
Briana Richardson

Participants will take part in a simple beam lab using weights to determine the deflection of the beam material. Groups will have different beams and varying results will help support understanding of the graphs created. The results will then be graphed as a load-deflection curve and shared. Stress is the amount loaded onto the beam (analogous to load). Strain (similar to deflection) is the amount of deformation that occurs. The resulting curve and slope (Young’s Modulus) give information about the stiffness and elasticity of the material. Different beam results will clearly demonstrate the meaning of Young’s Modulus and interpretation of stress-strain curves. Challenges of stress-strain curve understanding (both variables are dependent, for instance) will be discussed and clarified. How to use stress-strain curves with a bridge project extension will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
A hands-on beam lab produces graphs critical to understanding properties for engineering. With focus on making, interpreting, & teaching the graphs. Real-world uses & applications of stress-strain curves in engineering will be shared and help to illustrate the importance of this type of graph.

SPEAKERS:
Scott Spohler

Discover innovative STEM activities tailored to complement popular read-alouds. Participants will experience firsthand three engineering challenges inspired by beloved books. This hands-on workshop empowers educators to confidently integrate STEM into their existing curriculum, enriching students' learning experiences. Leave equipped to inspire young minds with the magic of reading and the excitement of engineering.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with everything they need to implement three read-alouds with follow-on STEM activities in their classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Terra Tarango

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Rockets zoom and race cars zip through hands-on activities that engage your middle and high school students. Apply creative problem-solving skills and engineering practices to chemistry and physical science challenges. Experience how Carolina makes it easy to incorporate STEM into your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Nixon

This presentation will showcase how transdisciplinary, real-world problem solving can be integrated into science classrooms through engineering design. Aligned with NGSS standards such as generating multiple solutions to reduce impact of Earth’s process on humans and focused on environmental literacy, participants will explore hands-on, student-centered investigations that engage multiple disciplines such as math, technology, science, art, and computer science. Examples of projects include designing/building air cleaners to reduce impact of wildfire smoke; analyzing floodplain maps and proposing engineering solutions to lessen the effects of flooding; and constructing bee hotels for pollinators using creative design with 3D printers. These projects engage students in the engineering design process, foster critical thinking, and connect academic content to authentic, community-centered issues. Attendees will leave with strategies and ready-to-use resources including assessment ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to engage students in solving real-world environmental problems through hands-on engineering projects that address wildfire smoke, flooding, and pollinator decline—empowering them to think critically, design solutions, and make meaningful connections to their communities.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Rapstad

Come along as we explore extreme weather and avalanches. We know avalanches are inevitable, but how can we limit their impact on forests and people? This session is built around an NGSS-designed lesson sequence targeting 3-LS3-2, with an emphasis on student modeling, explanation, and collaboration. Attendees will create and test their model to immerse themselves in a performance assessment. Discussion of other possible formative assessment strategies, rubrics, and how to support student explanations using evidence.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be engaged in an immersive Next Generation Science experience where attendees will step into the learner’s shoes in a high-quality, hands-on, inquisitive experience. Attendees will also participate in a performance based assessment. One real-world strategy used to mitigate avalanche.

SPEAKERS:
Greer Clark, Teresa Merager

In this workshop you will explore the physics of sound waves. We will investigate how waves interfere and how resonance works. We will make small sound canons to feel sound and then explore resonance in slinkies, boom-a-wackers, singing rods and tuning forks. Finally, we will use sound to wiggle a glass plate at its resonant frequency to break it (safely). This workshop has lots of activities so come prepared to interact with other participants and resonate with sound!

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore sound waves and resonant effects. Everything has a resonant frequency - from a swing, your stomach and a wine glass. If we use sound to push a glass plate at its resonant frequency it will break.

SPEAKERS:
Isaac Skalsky, Steve Lindaas

STARBASE has developed insight into the benefits of a growth mindset in STEM career integration into curriculum planning and has identified strategies and supports to help students see their growth in STEM and related skills. In consultation with STEM corporate partners, specific STEM career skills were identified that would be beneficial for a future workforce: Teamwork, Creativity, STEM, Curiosity, and Perseverance. Using these skills, you can build a classroom culture at any grade level or STEM discipline that celebrates strength and growth while providing real-world examples of STEM professionals who are reflective of diversity and the depth of STEM careers available to students.

TAKEAWAYS:
At this session, attendees will learn strategies for incorporating STEM Career integration into curriculum and lesson planning applicable to all grade levels and science focus areas. Free resources and access to STEM Career website will be provided to all attendees.

SPEAKERS:
Melanie Peters, Charity Johnson

OpenSciEd’s free, upcoming middle school Contact Forces + Computer Science unit helps students develop a deep conceptual understanding not just of forces, but also of computer science and engineering principles. Rooted in the phenomenon of collisions (just like the science-only unit), students figure out that their work would be easier if they could measure forces with a digital sensor. They engage with a variety of sensor systems, make sense of hardware and software, and develop and test a series of increasingly complex and independent designs that allow for measurement of forces in collisions or a variety of other applications. Participants will see how micro:bit devices and MakeCode block coding are integrated into the unit and leveraged for deeper physical science sensemaking.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students’ investigations of forces are enhanced by development of sensor systems that measure forces for a variety of applications, with students also having opportunities to build computer science and engineering practices and understandings along the way.

SPEAKERS:
Dan Voss

Learn how to support your students in connecting phenomena based on genetics and epigenetics to their own lives and communities through engineering practices using a free, EQuIP-reviewed unit designed for HS NGSS.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to use engineering practices to teach genetics and epigenetics while facilitating a classroom environment that privileges connecting phenomena to their own lives and communities through engaging in a design-based challenge to recommend modifications to their school.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Chatham

Engaging All Learners Through Gameplay and Engineering in Science Come explore how we've infused gameplay and hands-on engineering design challenges into 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade science units to engage and support all learners. Discover how we've created or adapted activities to provide real-world learning experiences directly aligned with NGSS grade-level standards. You'll leave with ready-to-use resources and fresh ideas to bring into your own classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on, experiential learning using games and design challenge examples from our classrooms, and will leave with practical resources they can use immediately.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Nathaus, Laura Strejc, Jill Burns

Join the NSTA PL committee for one or all of these sessions in our Interdisciplinary Connections strand to explore the what, why and how of interdisciplinary science teaching and learning. Each session will engage participants in interactive experiences to solve problems or investigate phenomena using science while focusing on a particular pairing of interdisciplinary opportunities. Step into this immersive workshop where participants will tackle a real-world engineering challenge: designing an air-powered vehicle to reduce carbon emissions. Using the engineering design process, attendees will brainstorm, prototype, test, and revise their vehicles while documenting data, analyzing performance, and justifying design choices through Claims-Evidence-Reasoning (CER). This hands-on experience models how transdisciplinary STEM learning—combining science (energy, forces), math (cost, measurement), and engineering (constraints, iteration)—can drive student innovation and engagement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to engage elementary students in the engineering design process through a hands-on, transdisciplinary challenge that integrates science, math, and engineering to build and refine air-powered vehicles while applying NGSS-aligned practices and student-centered strategies.

SPEAKERS:
Deanna Taylor, Jesse Wilcox

Introduce your students to biotechnology through expression and purification of Taq DNA polymerase in this hands-on 60-minute workshop. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique for copying DNA, lets scientists produce billions of copies of a target DNA segment. PCR can be used to analyze genetic information, test for the presence of pathogens, identify species, prepare DNA for engineering applications, and much more. The PCR reaction happens using cycles of heating and cooling, requiring a special heat-tolerant enzyme for DNA replication – from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus aquaticus (Taq). In this workshop session, participants will be introduced to the Taq DNA polymerase enzyme and will purify the enzyme – that they can take back to school with them! Educators will also learn how to test and use the newly-purified enzymes, as well as a few fun labs students can do using the PCR reaction – from engineering to human evolution and migration.

TAKEAWAYS:
Purify Taq DNA polymerase from bacteria that you can use for PCR reactions in the classroom. Leave with your own enzyme sample and ideas for fun PCR labs you can do to explore human biology or taxonomic identification with your students.

SPEAKERS:
Arie Kaz, Kelsie Anson

This workshop will offer participants learning opportunities as to how to use DiscoverE’s Future City program to implement multiple STEAM and non-STEAM disciplines to develop solutions to the real-world problem of “How Can We Make the World A Better Place?” The session will introduce participants to the Future City Program (futurecity.org) and the four program deliverables: the City Essay, the City Model, the Team Presentation/Q and A, and the Project Plan. Participants will then work collaboratively to brainstorm how they could use various academic disciplines such as humanities, literacy, science, technology, engineering, visual and performing arts, and math, as well as concepts like research skills, teamwork, public speaking, and project management to guide students to complete each deliverable through the lens of the Engineering Design Process before concluding with a share-out and discussion of learnings.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will come away with an understanding of the Future City program and strategies to incorporate transdisciplinary learning to solve real-world problems within and beyond the program.

SPEAKERS:
TRAVIS KOUPAL

Polymers are characterized as thermoplastic or thermoset; natural or synthetic; or as being formed by addition or condensation reactions. The amount of cross-linking in polymers also affects their properties. Activities will be shared that highlight and explain the categorization of polymers. We will investigate polymer powders to infer the amount of crosslinking when they are exposed to water. PVA slime also can show crosslinking. Thermoplastics can be reshaped after heating so are recyclable. Thermosets are the result of a heat-producing chemical reaction and are non-recyclable. We will do activities with each, investigating properties and uses. Our clothing is made up of a variety of polymers, some natural, a growing percentage synthetic. We will share some observational tasks using materials to discuss the benefits of each type of polymer in clothing. The environmental impact of polymers will be discussed and activities related to biopolymers and recycling will also be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
We will present an overview of polymers - different ways of categorizing, difficulties with recycling, and the variety of properties. We will provide hands-on activities to be done in the classroom, exploring cross-linking, reactions to heat and water, and natural vs synthetic polymers in clothing to name a few.

SPEAKERS:
Scott Spohler

Artificial intelligence (AI) can transform preservice teacher education by generating personalized, multimodal content for science and engineering instruction. This study explores GPT Smashing, an innovative approach that combines multiple generative AI models (e.g., GPT-4, GPT-4V, and domain-specific tools) to create rich instructional materials. By integrating text, visuals, diagrams, and interactive elements, GPT Smashing supports deeper understanding, enhances lesson design, and fosters creativity. Unlike single-model AI tools, this method empowers preservice teachers to visualize, adapt, and engage with complex concepts, promoting both personalized learning and instructional agency.

TAKEAWAYS:
Experience GPT Smashing through a live, hands-on demo using a "blueprint" scenario. Create multimodal lessons, explore AI visuals, and design classroom demos. Leave with practical tools to boost creativity, agency, and engagement in science and engineering education.

SPEAKERS:
Ricardo Lumbreras, Gwinn North

The presentation introduces attendees to some cheap and easy lab activities – and accompanying resources – that will help them have the confidence to tackle STEAM activities in their classrooms. Participants will work with metals, plastics, and an engineering challenge using composites. Heat-treated steel samples will be provided so that participants can feel the treatment’s effects and will know how to prepare their own samples. Participants will also have a chance to practice measurement (and art skills) with shrinking plastic. Finally, a honeycomb composite will be made in small groups and tested by applying weights to it. Each activity includes a write up, student worksheets, and possible modifications to differentiate for a particular class. Attendees will experience various ways of presenting group work: independent work with plastics; small group collaboration on the composite build; and, large group discussion and consensus building with the metal samples.

TAKEAWAYS:
Test some heat-treated metal samples; practice your math skills and artistry with a STEAM activity; work in groups for an engineering challenge! There’s a little something for everyone and we won’t judge you for wanting to be hot and cheap in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Briana Richardson

Teachers and students face a substantial amount of learning as outlined in the NGSS and Common Core standards. But content isn't the only focus in these guiding documents. What are SEPs and SMPs? How can we transform these essential practices from feeling like "one more thing" into valuable opportunities for students to build knowledge in math and science? In this session, we'll explore the crossover between these vital practices and how recognizing them can enhance learning. We'll share activities and discuss how to implement these practices in both math and science settings. Come ready to engage in strategies that promote science and mathematical practices, including ways to assess them and make students aware of the vital skills they're using. By the end of the session, we'll demonstrate how promoting these practices aligns with social-emotional competencies, as it IS all connected.

TAKEAWAYS:
By the conclusion of this session, attendees will have gained an understanding of how the NGSS SEPs and Common Core SMPs intersect and complement each other. Along with that knowledge, they will learn how these practices can be applied in math and science settings to support student learning.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Coulter, Kathryn Borton

Sponsoring Company: Stile Education

Discover over 20 powerful strategies guaranteed to transform student collaboration, connection, and comprehension in the science classroom! Participate in lively, hands-on activities designed to immediately boost classroom interaction and deepen learning. Take home your own set of Stile Enhancing Engagement Toolkit cards, complete with QR code links to videos showing each strategy in action in real science classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Erika James

Explore the storyline of a primary-grade OpenSciEd Elementary Unit and see how students use science ideas they have figured out to design, build, and test solutions to a local problem.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engaging in engineering to solve a problem that is relevant to them gives young students a meaningful opportunity to use their science ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Gail Housman

All metals share common properties and students can usually recite these fairly easily, but how deep is that understanding and how can those properties be manipulated? Participants will observe melting a tin-based alloy and explore a binary phase diagram, learning how these are used for heat-treating and alloy determinations. Steel is the second most common building material in the world. Two cheap examples of steel will be compared, one high-carbon, one low-carbon. A classroom activity is shared that allows students to learn about heat-treating and how it can affect the properties of the steel. Copper wire will undergo cold-working and its properties will be compared to those of the steel samples. Each activity has real-world relevance, as well as deep chemistry connections. Crystal structures, grain boundaries and atomic dislocations, and alloy types will be explained and related to the practical engineering results of these atomic-level structural changes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore how students can change a metal’s properties through alloying, heat-treating, and/or cold-working. Classroom activities that will enhance chemistry understanding of atomic structure and real world engineering relevance. Introduce & deepen understanding of binary phase diagrams.

SPEAKERS:
Briana Richardson

Sponsoring Company: Stile Education

Bring your Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) to life with captivating, interactive simulations! Dive into a dynamic toolkit filled with powerful, curriculum-aligned digital resources. You'll leave fully equipped with (free!) access to a huge collection of engaging simulations that vividly illustrate science concepts and get students engaging meaningfully with the science and engineering practices, making lessons memorable and meaningful.

SPEAKERS:
Clayton Forest

How can we help every student feel like they belong in STEM and succeed? This interactive session shares a real-world, problem-based approach to STEM that focuses on equity, representation, and access. You'll explore lessons and student work from a high school program designed to uplift underrepresented voices in STEM. The session highlights how science, technology, engineering, and math can be taught alongside real-world issues and students’ own experiences. You'll leave with easy-to-use planning tools, student voice rubrics, and strategies that promote inclusive, culturally responsive teaching. The presenter will also share research on how identity-affirming lessons increase student engagement and performance. This session supports NGSS, the NRC Framework, and NSTA’s focus on equity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with easy-to-use tools to create inclusive STEM lessons that highlight diverse voices and connect to real-world problems.

SPEAKERS:
Adnan Hakimji

Sponsoring Company: Stile Education

Banish “I don’t know” from your classroom! In this energetic, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn a set of practical strategies to ensure every student feels confident to contribute. From low-stakes response structures to evidence-based questioning techniques, you’ll discover how to create a culture of accountability, equity, and joy in participation. You’ll leave with a ready-to-use playbook of strategies that drive engagement and keep all learners actively involved.

SPEAKERS:
Erika James

This short session will describe an interactive five day unit designed for elementary students in grades 4-5 that includes: an integration of disciplinary literacy including readings about Amelia Earhart and how paper airplanes work, with active engagement in science and engineering practices by designing, testing, and modifying paper airplanes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to integrate science and engineering concepts with paper airplanes. They will leave with access to resources to help them bring this series of activities into their classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Michele Koomen

Learn about an open-sourced, equity-focused, engineering project-based NGSS Physics and Earth Science curriculum that is used by nearly half of Oregon's high school students. Join us to discuss how empowering students as scientists and engineers can ignite engagement, drive meaningful learning, and build STEM identity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about the course and get free, open-source access to the curriculum

SPEAKERS:
Bradford Hill

Discover how invention education (IvE) empowers ALL students to solve real-world problems using STEAM! Educators will become inventors themselves! We will highlight how IvE engages all learners and allows students to take control of their learning. IvE begins with students reflecting on their lives and identifying problems. Once they identify a problem they are passionate about solving, their self-agency begins! Rather than being given a problem to solve, IvE empowers all students to solve problems in their lives/their communities. This compelling premise then inspires students to design a solution which marries STEM, empathy, and student-led learning. Attendees will become inventors as they go through an innovation activity. They will even brand and pitch their invention! Inventing/marketing leads to IP. Participants will learn the power of trademarks, and other types of IP. Educators will see free resources and be inspired by the power of invention and IP education!

TAKEAWAYS:
IvE empowers students to solve real-world problems using STEAM, fostering self-agency and student-led learning. Educators will experience the innovation process firsthand, creating their own inventions and learning how IP plays a key role in student creativity and ownership. Free resources too!

SPEAKERS:
Christine Lawlor-King

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

How do wind turbines convert wind into renewable energy? Let’s find out with KidWind kits and energy sensors! Explore design variables, build and test prototypes, measure energy output, and optimize performance. Get tips on materials, setup, and engaging students in creative, critical thinking.

SPEAKERS:
Frances Poodry

This session will empower educators to create engaging, hands-on science lessons centered around compelling phenomena. Participants will delve into the importance of phenomena in fostering inquiry-based learning and develop their own phenomena-driven lessons. They will learn to integrate science and engineering practices, leverage student ideas, and align lessons with educational standards. By viewing phenomena through the eyes of their students, educators will experience each domain of science and cultivate student-driven questions, emphasizing the significance of learning through exploration and discovery. This session is an interactive workshop for creating and refining lesson plans, ensuring educators leave with practical tools and strategies to inspire their students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will be empowered to create engaging, hands-on science lessons centered around compelling phenomena, fostering inquiry-based learning and student-driven exploration.

SPEAKERS:
Alicia Doty, Haley Smith

This interactive workshop will focus on how to use the DiscoverE Future City Program and Xplorlabs resources by UL Research Institutes to engage students in safety science principles through data, case studies and the Engineering Design Process so they can design cities of the future. Attendees will be introduced to the DiscoverE Future City program and Xplorlabs Thermal Runaway and Extraction to E-Waste Pathways via hands-on and interactive resources. With this background established, attendees will use these resources to address the question: “How can renewable energy be safely stored and used to reliably power a city of the future?” Attendees will choose a location for their city, decide on a renewable energy source, and use The Engineering Design Process and Xplorlabs resources to come up with a solution.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will come away with an introduction to the Future City program and Xplorlabs’ free resources; as well as strategies for how to use these programs to lead engaging, real-world phenomena around safety science and engineering.

SPEAKERS:
TRAVIS KOUPAL

The University of Wisconsin-Stout recently hosted a summer STEM Camp for elementary teachers. The purpose of the STEM Camp was to provide professional development and curriculum resources to help elementary teachers to integrate engineering design activities into the elementary classroom. This professional development opportunity was funded by a 3M STEM Education Equity Grant. The attendees of this session will learn about the design of the STEM Camp as a professional development experience, the engineering design process, and strategies for using engineering activities in the elementary classroom that are aligned with the science and engineering practices of the Next Generation Science Standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
The attendees of this session will learn about the design of the STEM Camp as a professional development experience, the engineering design process, and strategies for using engineering activities in the elementary classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsay Barnhart, Kevin Mason

Students at graduation remember this unit as a highlight—designing a bungee jump app for a toy and cheering it on during “jump day.” The storyline is grounded in NGSS and real-world application, students analyze energy flow, develop mathematical models, and write code to make predictions. Scaffolded talk routines support equitable access and rich discourse, empowering all students to engage deeply in physics sensemaking, mathematical thinking, and troubleshooting a real engineering solution. The unit addresses three NGSS Performance Expectations and scaffolds toward a fourth on evaluating published materials. Joyful, rigorous, and classroom-tested, it’s part of the free, open-source Patterns Physics curriculum: https://hsscience4all.org/physics.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to implement the Energy & Engineering Unit in open source curriculum: Pattern Physics.

SPEAKERS:
Bradford Hill

STEM instruction and curriculum can be difficult to write. Where do you begin? What should be included? What lessons are imperative and what standards should be focused upon to best support student learning? This quick 30-minute session will help you learn how to begin your path towards building a STEM program that is meaningful, powerful, engaging, and fun. Explore what I did to write and design fully detailed curriculum maps for STEM instruction that integrate national and state standards for science and engineering for grades K-6 as well as gifted instruction and enrichment for grades 3-5 to begin a new STEM program for 900 students at one elementary school site. We'll discuss the curriculum map design, how to begin in Quarter 1, day 1 with each grade level, how to write engaging lessons using a framework, what to include in your instructional presentations for topics including STEM, Engineering, Physics, Life Sciences, the Scientific Method, Coding, and so much more.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will give ideas, insights, and improvements needed to design and write curriculum maps and intriguing lessons, along with powerful instructional practice needed to guide student learning and inquiry in STEM. Take aways include the curriculum map template and lesson framework.

SPEAKERS:
Debbie Posniack

Meaningful learning experiences start with students engaging in the productive struggle. However, as educators, we encounter the barrier of finances limiting access to resources to provide these experiences. This session aims to provide teachers with ways to acquire supplies for engineering education within the classroom or after school setting. We will focus on exploring ways to acquire materials at little to no cost followed by sharing personal experiences using Engineering Tomorrow. Participants will also learn to use 3D printing technology and designing. Furthermore, participants will receive an opportunity to share personal experiences and known resources as we develop an inventory of resources that all participants can access  and contribute to beyond the time designated in the conference. We are aware of the struggles teachers face with limited school budgets and aim to lift the financial burden teachers encounter when trying to engage students in hands on learning experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will create and submit orders through Engineering Tomorrow and contribute to a living document that will be modified and added onto with known resources for materials.

SPEAKERS:
Ramona Fittipaldi, Annycardeli Lopez

Engaging young students in real world problems begins with engaging teachers with real world scientists and engineers. There are many different approaches to accomplish this goal which this session will explore. The first step in forming connections is discovering where the STEM professionals in your life, school, and community are hiding. Once you connect, there are countless opportunities to bring their expertise and real world problems to your classrooms, some on a very small scale, and others more involved or long term. Many of the universities, companies, and organizations where you find scientists and engineers already have existing programs for K-12 engagement. This can take the form of field trips, classroom visits, afterschool clubs, competitions, or science lesson enhancements to match any curriculum. This session will review concrete examples of these programs and highlight examples of transdisciplinary problems across diverse fields.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will leave the session with actionable steps to make connections with engineers and scientists in their own communities, and ideas for meaningful activities that can be arranged for students to fit a variety of timelines and budgets (some even free!).

SPEAKERS:
Rachele Limberakis, Charlene Tuttle, Olivia Daniello, Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi

Engineering has been identified as an essential part of a robust science education, yet we are still developing an understanding of how elementary age students learn with an integrated science and engineering design approach. Contrary to the widely held perception that children are merely tinkering when they complete engineering design challenges, this presentation reveals that even young children are working with purpose and intention when solving an engineering design problem. We will take a look at the types of interactions children engage in during engineering design and use this information to help propel their science learning. With an improved understanding of the three main types of change that early elementary learners enact during engineering design, science education can further direct its efforts to support science learning using engineering design activities. Classroom educators can provide more targeted support to help children advance their science learning outcomes.

TAKEAWAYS:
To build a better understanding of the specific ways in which young children engage with materials and make changes to their designs during engineering to help educators provide more targeted support for advancing science learning outcomes when using an integrated science and engineering approach.

SPEAKERS:
Christine McGrail

Some branches of science inherently lend themselves more easily to STEM-type projects than other branches, but I make an effort to integrate engineering projects into all my classes. In this session, I'll detail several of the engineering projects I've used in biology, chemistry, physical science, and life science courses. I'll also share my strategies for making engineering projects maximally engaging, minimally expensive, and tools for reinforcing the importance of planning and critical thinking. Examples of projects that I've successfully incorporated into my classroom include functional cell membranes, windmill turbine design, thermal insulation devices, and more!

TAKEAWAYS:
Engineering isn't just a physics and physical science concept. It can be integrated across the science branches and I'd love to share my strategies for successful use of engineering projects across the science curriculum as well as provide specific project examples that teachers can utilize.

SPEAKERS:
Anneliese Johnson

Discover how the school library can transform into a dynamic innovation hub where students develop real solutions to community problems. Join Tambra Clark, Library Media Specialist at South Hampton K-8 School, as she shares the inspiring journey of guiding students to become state winners in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. This interactive session reveals practical strategies for leveraging technology resources, fostering cross-curricular collaboration, and implementing project-based learning that connects STEM education to authentic community needs. Learn how to position your library as the catalyst for innovation while aligning with curriculum standards and developing crucial information literacy skills. Leave with a roadmap for implementation, competition resources, and the inspiration to transform your own educational space into a problem-solving powerhouse. No additional technology required—just bring your curiosity and creativity!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn a step-by-step framework for transforming their library or classroom into an innovation hub that empowers students to develop STEM-based solutions to community problems, using the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition as a catalyst for authentic learning.

SPEAKERS:
Brittni Tucker, Tambra Clark

Explore a free and flexible unit that connects science, engineering, and creative problem-solving. Students assess everyday products and find ways to make them better, more equitable, or more sustainable by looking to biology for inspiration. At the center of this unit is the Bioinspired Design Canvas—a simple framework created by an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and designers at the University of Minnesota—along with Galactic Polymath Education Studio. The unit includes presentations and videos that provide background, examples of existing bioinspired design solutions, and tips for brainstorming using mind-maps. Explicit guidance is provided on where AI can be useful in this process and where it causes problems. All materials are free, editable, and a great launching point for PBLs and capstone projects.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to use a free, flexible unit and Bioinspired Design Canvas to guide students in applying NGSS biology disciplinary core ideas; science and engineering practices; and design thinking to solve real-world problems through creative, nature-inspired innovation.

SPEAKERS:
Matt Wilkins

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

This interactive workshop will demonstrate how educators can support critical thinking RE: trade-offs of the lithium-ion battery supply chain as well as demonstrate how educators can support student sensemaking related to lithium-ion batteries, and challenge students to take action. The session allows participants to engage with the Xplorlabs Extraction to E-Waste Pathway's interactive resources to explore the life cycle of a lithium-ion battery from raw materials, through its useful life to its eventual disposal. Participants will then complete a place-based case study activity around copper-nickel mining in northern Minnesota. Copper and nickel are both important components in lithium-ion batteries. Attendees will examine the issue from both sides before choosing a position. Finally, participants will see examples of strategies that  motivate their students to take action and make their voices heard.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will come away with knowledge of the Xplorlabs Extraction to E-Waste Pathway as well as how they can use that resource to promote critical thinking, sensemaking, and gather information from multiple perspectives RE: the Twin Metals copper-nickel mine and the BWCA.

SPEAKERS:
TRAVIS KOUPAL

7th Grade students at Madison Country Day School (MCDS) delve into an NGSS-aligned engineering design project-based learning unit inspired by the NAE Grand Challenges for Engineering and the UN sustainable development goals. From this initial research, students brainstorm project ideas and research further in order to identify a user, need, and potential solutions. They develop criteria and build initial prototypes. Example projects include a reading aid, an electronic pet tracker, stronger grocery bags, and hair braiding devices. Using criteria as their guide, students develop experiments to test their prototypes which they then refine. The capstone of this experience is a student presentation and reflection. By engaging in all aspects of an engineering design cycle, students experience the skills and mindsets of an engineer while simultaneously reflecting on the extent to which their perspective influences their design.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how 7th graders participate in an engineering design project. They research ideas, identify user needs, and set criteria for solutions. Students create prototypes, conduct tests, refine designs, and present their work, gaining hands-on experience with the iterative design cycle.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Eaton, Katie Klitzke

Sponsoring Company: Stile Education

Dive into an exhilarating, hands-on escape room experience blending science, teamwork, and problem-solving! Compete against the clock to tackle exciting, interactive science puzzles. Leave fully prepared with your own comprehensive Escape Room Kit – packed with everything you need to engage your students in thrilling scientific discovery.

SPEAKERS:
Jacky Rooney

Are you looking for a novel phenomenon for your high school students to hook them on the wonder of the natural world? My school has been using slime mold as an intro activity for Biology for over twenty years. Through this amazing organism we can discuss the characteristics of living things, the structure of the cell, how organisms obtain energy, and how populations of organisms have evolved for success. Slime mold is an easy to use organism in the classroom. Through several days of observation, students can review the elements of an investigation. Come and learn how you can use this organism in your classroom to leave students wondering what will happen the next day.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to use slime mold in their high school classrooms to hook students on the wonder of the natural world as well as cover a variety of biology topics.

SPEAKERS:
Raewyn Kelley, Michelle Housenga

In this workshop participants will engage with the proven Animal Prosthetics Unit. Participants will engage in an activity using TinkerCad to explore the value of spatial thinking for students. We will explore the freely available unit materials together and discuss strategies for implementation in a variety of school settings.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will leave ready to use the freely available TinkerCad software with your students to develop their special thinking. You will be ready to implement this innovative and engaging unit on building animal prosthetics for animals with special needs.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Bush, Greg Benedis-Grab

Think about genetics, evolution, and biotechnology through the lens of lactose digestion. Participants investigate how genetic variation and cultural practices shaped the ability to digest lactose in adulthood. They then model industrial lactose removal by creating enzyme "beads" with sodium alginate and using them in a bioreactor. They will monitor the chemical reaction by testing for buildup of one of its products - glucose. The activity reinforces concepts of enzyme-substrate interaction, gene expression, and evolution through a testable reaction that can easily be done in your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
This activity connects genetics, evolution, and biotechnology by exploring how lactose digestion varies among individuals, and by modeling enzyme function in a hands-on experiment that demonstrates enzyme-substrate interaction and bioreactors.

SPEAKERS:
Arie Kaz, Kelsie Anson

Take students on a journey from history to the skies with an immersive, year-long exploration of space and flight. This session outlines a step-by-step approach to engaging students in STEM through the study of Hidden Figures, hands-on wind tunnel design, indoor skydiving, and the principles of flight. Participants will learn how to scaffold learning from stomp rockets to model rocket launches, integrating physics, engineering, and space exploration. Rooted in real-world problem-solving and inspired by the contributions of historically overlooked scientists, this project fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and curiosity. Educators will leave with practical strategies to build a dynamic, inquiry-based learning experience that ignites student passion for STEM and space exploration.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to design a hands-on, year-long space exploration curriculum that integrates STEM, history, and engineering through interactive projects and real-world applications.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Robinson, Katie Musick, Jesse Wren

In current high school curricula, modern physics is often taught from a historical perspective: from wave theory to atomic models and nuclear physics. More recent theories and applications such as quantum entanglement and supercomputers are well represented in mainstream media, but not so much in the classroom. This session aims to address the instructional gap between early 20th century experiments and present day projects such as LIGO and CERN. Participants will explore diverse resources and learn how to implement creative lessons that highlight the relevance and impact of current experiments. To increase accessibility and interest in modern physics topics, the session will provide differentiated and interdisciplinary opportunities for student engagement such as multimedia particle modeling. By the end of this session, participants will gain broader knowledge on how to effectively integrate modern physics curricula into K-12 classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with a toolbox of diverse resources and example lessons that create opportunities for students learning modern physics concepts, boosting student engagement and fostering a collaborative, scientific community that understands the impact of current research.

SPEAKERS:
John Wilkie, Putarut Sunny Suntharanund

Do you want a quick and easy activity to foster invention education in your classroom? SCAMPER is a great way to engage learners of all ages (K-12) and encourage creative thinking. You will be a part of the invention process and walk away with an invention you created. Come join us for innovative ways to learn with every day objects.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will walk away with a lesson you can use in your classroom tomorrow. "Tweak" this lesson a little, and you can you use it again and again. This lesson is easily adaptable for grades K-12.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Lawlor-King, Denise Henggeler