In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore a fun and easy way to teach science using everyday materials, such as straws and cotton swabs. Through playful blow dart activities, students explore how the strength of a push and the time it is applied affect how things move, offering a simple entry point into motion. This lesson is based on the Hypothesis-Experiment Class (HEC), a student-centered approach from Japan. Students make predictions, share ideas, try experiments, and reflect on their findings. Examples from Japanese classrooms show this method helps build curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking in science. A small trial in Kenya also showed positive engagement. The workshop supports NGSS and STEM goals by promoting Science and engineering practices, such as asking questions, making predictions, investigating, and communicating results. Using low-cost, everyday materials makes science more accessible, promoting equity in STEM learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to use the Hypothesis-Experiment Class (HEC) approach with simple materials to create NGSS-aligned, inquiry-based science lessons that support prediction, experimentation, and communication, making science more accessible and engaging for all students.

SPEAKERS:
Mariko Kobayashi, Haruhiko Funahashi, Tomoko HASEGAWA, Koji Tsukamoto, Momoko Sanada, Kumiko Matsudaira

This poster leads participants through a minds-on experience that challenges them to consider how sound data can be used to monitor the human impacts on bat populations in North America. The lessons displayed aim to increase learners' knowledge of biodiversity and provide insight into sampling methods for assessing ecosystem health, thus providing data to identify high-priority areas for conservation—the activities center learners' lived experiences to illustrate how sound can give valuable insights into ecosystem health and help mitigate human impacts. Learners are encouraged to incorporate their unique perspectives and newfound knowledge to develop and revise models using bioacoustic data. Visitors to the poster will receive access to all materials, sound files, and data to support successful classroom implementation.

TAKEAWAYS:
The phenomenon of bioacoustics applies physics concepts to identify and measure human impact on biodiversity using bats as an indicator species.

SPEAKERS:
Jocelyn Miller

The research examines the effects of inquiry-based learning (IBL) materials on educational outcomes and teaching strategies in Science 8. Physics concepts are complex which frequently results in student disengagement when educators rely on memorization-based teaching techniques. IBL moves student education from passive listening to active engagement through exploration and problem-solving activities that improve understanding and critical thinking capabilities. Practical application-based physics instruction inspires students to choose science and technology as their future career paths. The educational market does not have validated IBL materials that are adapted to the Science 8 curriculum. The research project focuses on creating IBL resources that match K-12 academic standards to boost both student performance and engagement levels. The instructional framework enables teachers to apply IBL while overcoming preparation and resource.

TAKEAWAYS:
The participants will examine ways inquiry-based learning materials boost Science 8 teaching through improved student participation and academic success. The session will demonstrate new physics IBL resources while discussing educational challenges and providing a detailed implementation approach.

SPEAKERS:
Princess Margaret Paz

In this dynamic, hands-on session, participants will explore how drone technology can be integrated into inquiry-based STEM learning to engage students in meaningful, real-world investigations. Through interactive activities, educators will experience student-centered lessons that combine drone flight, authentic data collection and analysis. Participants will explore relationships by collecting data using drones and analyze their findings to draw conclusions. The session will also cover beginner-friendly drone programming tools and strategies for scaffolding coding skills to support students at different levels. Emphasis will be placed on aligning activities with science and math concepts, promoting student agency, and using technology to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Drones should not be seen as supplementary tools but as essential resources in teaching math and science. By integrating drones into lessons, educators can create immersive, inquiry-driven learning experiences that deepen student understanding and bring core concepts to life.

SPEAKERS:
Adam Pennell

This interactive workshop introduces participants to Play-Doh Volumes, a field-tested lesson developed and refined from 2022 to 2025 in elementary STEM methods courses. The lesson integrates the development of volume formulas (prisms, pyramids, cones, cylinders, and spheres) with scientific inquiry around conservation of mass. Students hypothesize, build, measure, calculate, and analyze using everyday materials—then use CER (Claim-Evidence-Reasoning) to draw conclusions from their findings.

Participants in this session will construct and measure geometric solids with Play-Doh, apply volume formulas to various shapes, and engage in 3D learning practices including modeling, mathematical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning. Analyze how shape transformations impact volume and mass, discuss adaptations and extensions for classroom use.

TAKEAWAYS:
Understand how NGSS and Common Core math standards can be integrated through authentic problem-solving. Engage in a model lesson grounded in hands-on learning and the 3 dimensions of science instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Shelly Engle

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

What do whale songs and elk calls have in common? In this cross-disciplinary workshop, use sound and motion sensors to explore wave properties through biological sound patterns. Get hands-on with FFT analysis and learn how to connect physics and biology through real-world phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Frances Poodry

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

Sponsoring Company: Activate Learning

Come and participate with the author of the book, Arthur Eisenkraft, for a close-up look at a new Physical Science book. Experience a fun, take-home lab and learn more about this super curriculum from Activate Learning.

SPEAKERS:
Gary Curts, Arthur Eisenkraft

Phenomena, from wireless charging and chemical reactions to climate change and population growth, involve energy transfers. Most students, unfortunately, find it challenging to understand the flow of energy in systems. Our research indicates that students can best explain phenomena and see how energy is conserved by tracking energy transfers within and between systems. We will demonstrate to teachers how to use energy transfer diagrams (ETDs) to support students’ understanding of learning goals linked to the NGSS performance expectations. ETDs use a systems approach, allowing learners to follow the flow of energy within and between systems that make up familiar phenomena. Activities in this workshop are linked to physical science NGSS Performance Expectations, but participants can adapt the approach to the biological sciences, chemistry and earth and space science. In the workshop, teachers will develop plans for using ETDs in your classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers learn the energy-systems transfer approach and how to construct energy transfer diagrams (ETDs) to support students in tracking the flow of energy within and between systems. ETDs provide an approach for tracking energy flows that occur in phenomena that students experience in their lives.

SPEAKERS:
Erin Lewis, Joseph Krajcik, Weiwei He

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

See exciting energy, motion, laser, and wave demos plus learn how to access and compare the sensor data on the impact forces experienced by the crash-test dummies during the IIHS’s famous “Vintage Car vs New Car Crash Inquiry” of a 1959 Bel Air vs 2009 Chevy Malibu. Which car is the most crashworthy in a 40-mph, “head-on” crash-test? Make students predict the outcome then learn how to use “notice and wonder” questioning routines to kickstart students’ engagement in the free “Crash Science in the Classroom” activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will see a selection of engaging discrepant events plus exciting crash-tests; and learn how to access free lessons plans with formative and summative assessments, teacher and student tips videos, lab sheets, and answer keys to teach crash-related science and engineering concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Pini Kalnite, Griff Jones

Get ready to spark curiosity and “generate” excitement! This interactive session empowers K–5 educators with foundational knowledge and practical tools to confidently teach about batteries and electrical energy. During the first 20 minutes, participants will engage in hands-on experiments that build their understanding of how batteries work and how electricity flows. In the next 20 minutes, we’ll explore grade-specific implementation strategies, including pedagogical approaches, classroom management tips for inquiry-based activities, and ways to foster student collaboration. The final 20 minutes will highlight a range of accessible curricular resources, extension activities, and cross-curricular connections in literacy, math, and STEAM. Leave this session energized, equipped, and inspired to bring battery science to life in your elementary classroom!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will build foundational knowledge of energy and batteries through hands-on experiments, explore grade-appropriate strategies for implementation and classroom management, and leave with practical curricular resources to effectively teach battery science in the K–5 classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Abigail Dutcher

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

Join us for an engaging workshop that brings cutting-edge particle physics into your classroom. Explore how scientists at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN tackle fundamental questions about the universe—and how their discoveries connect to high school science. Through hands-on activities from the NSF-supported QuarkNet program, you'll experience ways to integrate real data, current research, and core physics concepts into your curriculum, all aligned with national science standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with examples of standards-based classroom activities that link cutting-edge physics research to core concepts taught in high school physics and physical science.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Plucinski, Shane Wood

Both charge and energy flow through electrical circuits, energy as an open system and charge as a closed system, but students arrive in physics class with poorly differentiated concepts of charge, energy, current, and voltage and pre-conceived notions involving one quantity flowing as an open system. Through a fun and engaging sequence of activities building circuits to examine evidence, walking classroom-sized circuits using nerf guns to model charge and energy, and creating and narrating claymation videos of charge and energy in circuits, workshop participants will learn how to guide students to understand that energy can enter and leave the system, and charge cannot because circuits are closed systems. The language of closed and open systems references students’ prior experience in biology and chemistry classes, enabling them to more rapidly build a better model of electric circuits. In addition to doing the activities themselves, participants will discuss sample student results.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with a sequence of fun and engaging activities to help students build a model of charge and energy flow in electric circuits, and a deeper understanding of student misconceptions and the pros and cons of different instructional approaches.

SPEAKERS:
Charlotte Kelly, Matthew Greenwolfe

This interactive workshop explores research-based strategies to support multilingual learners in accessing, engaging with, and excelling in physics education.Participants will explore evidence-based strategies that support multilingual learners in developing both physics understanding and academic language in learning environments that are both conceptually rigorous and linguistically inclusive. Through collaborative planning, hands-on modeling, and practical examples, educators will walk away with ready-to-implement tools to help all students—including English learners—thrive in the physics classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will apply presented strategies to engage multilingual learners to collaboratively revise a physics lesson or lab activity with language-integrated supports.

SPEAKERS:
Avery Travis, Shari Weaver

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Engage students in hands-on, student-led learning with the Go Direct Motion Detector! We’ll share 3 hands-on experiments to help students explore position, velocity & acceleration. From kinematics in fall to dynamics & conservation laws in spring, this versatile sensor supports 3D learning all year.

SPEAKERS:
Frances Poodry

Come hear what secondary science teachers have tried in their classrooms related to the astronomy standards! Teachers from the Earth Science Teacher Education Project (ESTEP) and Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) will share. Look for handouts, lesson plans, and unit plans that tie to standards, as well as conversation about our community goals around teaching astronomy in Minnesota.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teacher-tested astronomy activities from the teachers themselves.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Anderson, Alan Dewey, Robert Palmer, Kate Rosok, Emma Johnson

Sponsoring Company: PASCO Scientific

Join us to explore the OpenSciEd Certified PASCO version Physics curriculum. First discover a unit's storyline through a tour of PASCO Portal, our online platform for organizing and distributing teacher and student OpenSciEd resources. Then dive into the unit's first lesson to experience the anchoring phenomenon, used to elicit student questions that they'll work to answer throughout the unit. Finally participate in a hands-on activity from a subsequent lesson, using PASCO technology to develop an evidence-based response to one of those student questions. In this lesson, you will use our Modular Circuits Generator to investigate how a coil of wire, magnets, and a spinning shaft can work together to transfer energy to wires.

SPEAKERS:
Shelly Riley

More schools are adopting Physics First—but how can we ensure mathematical rigor without leaving students behind? In this session, you’ll explore concrete strategies to support students of all levels in building math-based models, interpreting physical phenomena through patterns, and using multiple representations to deepen conceptual understanding. Learn how to streamline your curriculum around a toolbox of essential functions, design assessments that balance rigor and accessibility, and collaborate with math colleagues to align support. Walk away with adaptable lessons and practical tools for bringing 3D teaching and meaningful math into your physics classroom—starting on day one.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to structure a Physics First course that supports all learners by anchoring instruction in physical phenomena, modeling patterns with mathematical tools, and using multiple modes of representation to build lasting understanding.

SPEAKERS:
Meg Harms

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

From friction to collisions, engage students in real-world motion phenomena! Investigate questions like “How do brakes stop a bicycle?” or “Why are seat belts crucial to car safety?” We’ll explore sensor carts in action, analyze velocity and acceleration data, and share hands-on investigations.

SPEAKERS:
Tom Smith

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

All students learn by doing—yes, even high schoolers! Join Savvas and Flinn Scientific to explore 3D science learning that engages, challenges, and includes every student in your 9–12 classroom. Dive into best practices for capturing student interest, building retention, and reinforcing core skills through hands-on, differentiated activities. Collaborate with peers and walk away with ready-to-use resources, strategies, and a renewed passion for making high school science exciting and meaningful for all learners.

SPEAKERS:
Greg Sloan, Obie Martin

Sponsoring Company: PASCO Scientific

For students new to describing motion, graphs of position and velocity can be difficult to interpret. In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to use sensors to create and discuss graphs of motion with your students. Less than 25 Words: A. Graphs of position and velocity often confuse students attempting to describe motion. In this hands-on workshop, we will create these graphs and discuss their meaning. B. Graphs of position and velocity can be confusing for students to describe. In this workshop, we will use sensors to create and explain motion graphs.

SPEAKERS:
Shelly Riley

This presentation explores Newton's Laws of Motion within the framework of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), emphasizing both scientific concepts and their real-world applications. By aligning with NGSS Performance Expectations, such as HS-PS2-1 and HS-PS2-2, educators will gain strategies to guide students in making sense of DCI through the SEP by asking questions, developing models, constructing explanations of the relationship between force, mass, and motion. The session will highlight instructional approaches that foster student engagement through inquiry-based learning promoting the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through practical classroom examples and collaborative discussions, educators will be equipped with physics strategies that nurture students’ ability to apply physics principles beyond the classroom and through the NGSS framework.

TAKEAWAYS:
This presentation equips educators with NGSS-aligned strategies to teach Newton’s Laws of Motion through inquiry-based learning, emphasizing real-world applications, critical thinking, and student engagement using practical classroom examples.

SPEAKERS:
Zahera Zahreldin

Upon witnessing poverty in South Africa 14 years ago and wanting to make an impact, the idea of storing “Sunshine in a Jar” was developed. Through the years, like-minded teachers, engineers, and social entrepreneurs collaborated on the research and development of materials that will empower students across the globe with safer, cleaner solar energy. Participants will convert a glass canning jar into a solar lantern using photovoltaic panels, rechargeable batteries, and a customized PCB. This STEAM based workshop demonstrates how students can construct their personalized take-home solar lanterns with an eye towards a greater good.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to make solar lanterns while addressing the middle and high school NGSS Physics standards as well as the NRC Framework Standards for Matter, Energy, and Human Impacts. Connect this simple lantern to the collective work of teachers and engineers working towards alleviating energy poverty.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Ulicny

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

Upon witnessing poverty in South Africa 14 years ago and wanting to make an impact, the idea of storing "Sunshine in a Jar" was developed. Currently, this solar lantern project is designed to cover the NGSS Physics Standards as well as the NRC Framework Standards for Matter, Energy, and Human Impacts while addressing the needs of those in energy poverty. These lanterns will continue to be developed with the aspiration of providing photovoltaics for underprivileged communities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Hear the story about the collective work of teachers, engineers, and social entrepreneurs working towards alleviating energy poverty, one lantern at a time.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Ulicny

Both charge and energy flow through electrical circuits, energy as an open system and charge as a closed system, but students arrive in physics class with poorly differentiated concepts of charge, energy, current, and voltage and pre-conceived notions involving one quantity flowing as an open system. Through a fun and engaging sequence of activities building circuits to examine evidence, walking classroom-sized circuits using nerf guns to model charge and energy, and creating and narrating claymation videos of charge and energy in circuits, workshop participants will learn how to guide students to understand that energy can enter and leave the system, and charge cannot because circuits are closed systems. The language of closed and open systems references students’ prior experience in biology and chemistry classes, enabling them to more rapidly build a better model of electric circuits. In addition to doing the activities themselves, participants will discuss sample student results.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with a sequence of fun and engaging activities to help students build a model of charge and energy flow in electric circuits, and a deeper understanding of student misconceptions and the pros and cons of different instructional approaches.

SPEAKERS:
Charlotte Kelly, Matthew Greenwolfe

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

Sponsoring Company: Biozone Corp.

Looking for consistency and depth across your science courses? BIOZONE offers a cohesive suite of titles (print + digital) to support teachers delivering at all levels of high school instruction including honors, electives, IB, AP, and NGSS courses. Our beautifully presented titles use our highly graphical, unique interactive worktext approach to deliver biology, chemistry, physics, earth & space, environmental science, and anatomy & physiology content. Engaging visuals and scaffolded activities promote active learning and critical thinking. Lesson planning is simplified with pacing guides, teacher notes, slides, assessments, and a robust digital program. Join us to explore how our print and digital solutions replace traditional textbooks and workbooks, making science teaching more efficient, engaging, and effective. Attendees receive a FREE print copy and a 90-day digital access to a title of their choice.

SPEAKERS:
Debi Wilson

Use STEM web-based analysis software and basic physics gravitation and centripetal acceleration equations to determine if a stellar core is a white dwarf or neutron star.

TAKEAWAYS:
Light curves generated from web-based js9 image analysis software can be used to determine the period of rotation and identify objects as white dwarfs or pulsars using Newton’s Universal Law of gravitation and centripetal acceleration calculations.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Perry

Discover how to foster a classroom culture where students actively contribute to knowledge building in science learning. This session will highlight practices and strategies embedded in the OpenSciEd Electromagnetic Radiation unit.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain insights into facilitating discussions, promoting equitable participation, and supporting sensemaking and explore how to create an inclusive learning environment that empowers students to collaboratively engage in sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Rademaker

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

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

SPEAKERS:
Tom Smith

We will go through a set of hands-on, physical and digital experiences to learn how objects vibrate and make sound, and how that sound can be turned into music. Participants will get access to free curriculum resources and digital tools created by music neuroscientist and sound artist, Victor Minces. In this workshop, participants will learn about the science of sound, waves, and vibrations, and how they relate to music. For this, we will use a series of physical hands-on activities and interactive web applications created by our team at https://listeningtowaves.com/. The applications allow users to visualize, create, and play with sound; they have an associated NGSS-aligned curriculum developed in collaboration with the San Diego Science Project at UC San Diego, and are being widely used in California and throughout the world. Children and teachers love them. The curriculum is focused on 8th grade but it can be easily adapted to other age groups. The workshop will be led by Victor M

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn how to use everyday objects and free digital tools to explore the science of sound and music. You will create beats and sound compositions, and tune an orchestra made with beakers and water as an anchoring phenomenon to bring to your students.

SPEAKERS:
Victor Minces, Victor Minces

Minnesota’s 2019 Science Standards have separate benchmarks for chemistry and physics. Sounds great - but what do you do when the NGSS instead has “physical science “ and nationally available 3-dimensional curricula (built on the science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas) don’t fully match with Minnesota’s specific benchmarks? Or feature local phenomena? In this session, we will explore how to select curricula aligned with the shifts of the 2019 standards - and how that process might have different “look-fors” than past curriculum adoptions. Using a variety of examples, we will also examine some of the points where textbooks, older top-notch resources, and exemplar materials aligned with national standards are likely to require some adaptation. Finally, we will reflect on what types of modifications are most important to serve student learning of the standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
Minnesota’s physics and chemistry standards provide some unique challenges, but ultimately are best served by curricula that are-student driven and centered in making sense of phenomena and problems.

SPEAKERS:
Dan Voss, Haley Kalina

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

Get a backstage view of a student led science demonstration show. The show "...welcomes you to join students as they share the extraordinary science of thermodynamics, kinetics, acid and bases, vacuums and high pressure. Bring the whole family and enjoy an evening of rainbow liquids, vortex cannons, frothing bubbles, colorful flames and luminescent solutions." The session will share: video of numerous demonstration shows, documents and tips on how to safely engage learners, and examples of student learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
See examples from 20 years of a student led science demonstration show.

SPEAKERS:
Jason Just

In this dynamic, hands-on session, participants will explore how drone technology can be integrated into inquiry-based STEM learning to engage students in meaningful, real-world investigations. Through interactive activities, educators will experience student-centered lessons that combine drone flight, authentic data collection and analysis. Participants will explore relationships by collecting data using drones and analyze their findings to draw conclusions. The session will also cover beginner-friendly drone programming tools and strategies for scaffolding coding skills to support students at different levels. Emphasis will be placed on aligning activities with science and math concepts, promoting student agency, and using technology to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Drones should not be seen as supplementary tools but as essential resources in teaching math and science. By integrating drones into lessons, educators can create immersive, inquiry-driven learning experiences that deepen student understanding and bring core concepts to life.

SPEAKERS:
Adam Pennell

I describe the design of a robotic kinematic apparatus and a curriculum designed to make use of its unique features to shape the inquiry process. Participants will get a chance to program the robot themselves by drawing inematic graphs on a computer and watch as the robot precisely produces the motion, providing immediate visual feedback.  A physics apparatus that provides control of error minimizes the need for teacher intervention and improves student absorption in inquiry.  The turn-around time of several minutes to analyze a mistake and test a new idea encourages students to learn from their mistakes and really think things through.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how robots can help teach kinematics in a fun, engaging and effective manner.

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Greenwolfe

Learn how to take your students on an immersive virtual field trip of a crash-testing facility to explore the science and engineering behind crash tests, crash-test dummies, vehicle safety features, and how vehicles are rated for safety. Discover how to integrate free Crash Science in the Classroom resources to create immersive, placed-based, virtual experiences including participating in the free, annual LIVE online field trip with an exclusive view of a crash-test and a Q&A with crash science engineers. This year’s virtual field trip will be held on December 11.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participant will learn how to access a placed-based, video-supported experience and inquiry-based classroom activities to foster students’ engagement and 3D learning by integrating key STEM concepts with vehicle crashworthiness, crash avoidance technologies, and teen driver safety.

SPEAKERS:
Pini Kalnite, Griff Jones

In this interactive session, attendees will take a learner stance and complete a murder mystery from the student perspective. The primary focus will be on strategies designed into this experience that can help motivate ALL students to take the lead in questioning, collaboration, and critical thinking as it applies to the content of the course. While the topic of this lesson ("The Kinematics Crime Scene") will focus on physics and kinematics, there is no expectation of a physics background required to attend this session. Materials for this and other murder mystery lessons will be provided with a discussion about how to incorporate a similar format into any content area.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will experience a group-worthy content task in the format of a “murder mystery”. In addition to receiving the materials for this and other murder mystery lessons, attendees will learn strategies for group-worthy lesson design that can be applied to other classroom tasks.

SPEAKERS:
Joe Cossette

Looking for high-quality instructional materials that are NGSS-aligned, engaging, and FREE? Khan Academy’s hands-on science activities are the solution! Our activities guide students to conduct investigations, develop models, analyze data, and more. Each activity is anchored in a compelling real-world phenomenon and requires only accessible, low-cost materials. We offer middle school activities in life, physical, and Earth and space science, and high school activities in biology, chemistry, and physics. In this workshop, you’ll step into the role of a student as you try a high school Khan Academy science activity. Together, we’ll explore both the student and teacher guides and see how the activities support the three dimensions of the NGSS. You’ll gain practical strategies for classroom implementation, and learn how to access the diverse collection of activities we offer. Join us to explore how these free, high-quality resources can bring out the joy in your science classroom!

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how free, phenomenon-driven science activities from Khan Academy make 3D learning accessible and engaging with practical, ready-to-use classroom tools.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Cizmas, Iman Brodsky, Molly Sauder, Katherine Capp, Megan Cohn, Donna Figenshu, Timothy Williams

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

This interactive workshop will explore how Project-Based Learning (PBL) can serve as a transformative strategy to make physics education more inclusive, culturally relevant, and student-centered. Participants will explore two projects that foster cultural expression, The Physics of Art Virtual Museum and Cultural Festival Light-Up Clothing. They will then engage in collaborative lesson design that centers students’ cultural identities and lived experiences while fostering deep engagement with physics content.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave the workshop with strategies to build connections between physics content and students' real-world experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Avery Travis, Shari Weaver