Wondering where familiar chemistry topics like naming compounds, stoichiometry, and gas laws fit into OpenSciEd High School Chemistry? In this interactive session, we will unpack how, where, and why these “traditional” topics are thoughtfully woven into the five OpenSciEd chemistry units. Participants will explore examples of how topics such as atomic structure, the Periodic Table, acids and bases, and the mole are incorporated into storylines in ways that build coherence and preserve students’ “aha” moments.    For example, atomic structure is introduced in C.2 as students use the movement of electrons to develop models for ions and polar molecules. They use these models to explain a variety of phenomena including lightning. These ideas are then expanded in C.3 as students construct atomic models and use them to explain bonding.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how "traditional" chemistry topics are incorporated into OpenSciEd High School Chemistry storylines without giving away students' aha moments and still maintaining rigor.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Novak, Nicole Vick, Dan Voss

"Wondering where familiar biology topics like cell structure, genetics, and photosynthesis fit into OpenSciEd High School Biology? In this interactive session, we will unpack how, where, and why these “traditional” topics are thoughtfully woven into the five OpenSciEd biology units. Participants will explore examples of how concepts such as ecosystems, evolution, human body systems, and molecular biology are incorporated into storylines in ways that build coherence and preserve students’ “aha” moments. Along the way, participants will reflect on how these decisions were made and consider opportunities to adapt the approach to their own local contexts. Educators will leave confident about blending essential content with phenomenon-driven learning in ways that engage students while ensuring the learning of biology foundations."

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how "traditional" biology topics are incorporated into OpenSciEd High School Biology storylines without giving away students' aha moments and still mantaining rigor.

SPEAKERS:
Erika Palys

Wondering where familiar physics topics like Newton’s laws, energy conservation, and kinematics fit into OpenSciEd High School Physics? In this interactive session, we will unpack how, where, and why these “traditional” topics are thoughtfully woven into the six OpenSciEd physics units. Participants will explore examples of how concepts such as forces, momentum, and energy are incorporated into storylines in ways that build coherence and preserve students’ “aha” moments.    For example, students build ideas about unbalanced forces and energy transfer in unit P.2 and apply in P.3 to investigate momentum and Newton's second law. These foundational ideas are then used to figure out gravity and orbits and the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter from a forces perspective in units P.4 and P.5.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will reflect on how these decisions were made, consider application to their own contexts, and will leave confident about blending essential content with phenomenon-driven inquiry.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Novak, Nicole Vick, Dan Voss

Experience how to take phenomenon-based teaching to the next level by strengthening student-driven sensemaking. Using a practical reflection tool and real-classroom examples, participants will explore four dimensions that “power up” instruction: anchoring learning in rich, meaningful phenomena; building coherence through student questions; driving learning with evidence-gathering and revision; and fostering inclusive classrooms where all students reason together. Teachers will identify where their current practice shines and where small, high-leverage moves can create deeper engagement and understanding. You'll get a look at a free, growing library of short, on-demand videos, tools, and ready-to-use strategies designed to support these transitions. Whether you're exploring new practices or looking for concrete tools and planning strategies, you’ll leave with practical ideas and access to high-quality, open instructional materials that can support your journey.

TAKEAWAYS:
Small, intentional moves can “power up” phenomenon-based, student-centered instruction—helping students drive the learning, use evidence to explain the world, and engage in inclusive sensemaking that deepens understanding.

SPEAKERS:
Renee Affolter

How does computer science integration deepen students’ use of engineering design to solve problems related to early warning systems for natural hazards? Discover what is different in a free, upcoming OpenSciEd 6th-grade middle school science + computer science unit on Natural Hazards. Students investigate the causes and solutions related to one natural hazard - Tsunamis and they use this case study to develop ideas for how to detect, warn, and protect people from other natural hazards over the course of the unit. Hear how students engage with micro:bit devices and sensors to collect and analyze data related to earthquakes and Tsunamis, which supports the development of related Physical Science and Earth and Space Science disciplinary core ideas. See examples of how students reprogram their micro:bits to produce different outputs depending on the thresholds and ranges of inputs that are detected from multiple sensors.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students’ investigations into measuring and responding to changes occurring in Earth systems when a natural hazard occurs are enhanced through the use of computing devices, which also allow for the development of computer science and engineering ideas embedded throughout the unit.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Novak, Nicole Vick, Dan Voss

How does computer science integration deepen student’s use of engineering design to solve water problems for the local community? Discover what is different in a free, upcoming OpenSciEd 7th grade middle school science + computer science unit on Earth’s Resources & Human Impact. Students investigate case studies of several communities throughout the United States facing water problems such as increased flooding or drought. Hear how students engage with micro:bit devices and sensors to collect and analyze data around water, climate, and atmospheric changes, which supports the development of related Earth and Space Science disciplinary core ideas. The program behind the micro:bit and sensors, MakeCode, is explored and edited as students design devices that can be used as solutions to address water problems and carbon imbalances

TAKEAWAYS:
Students' investigations into changing Earth systems (e.g., temperature, water, atmosphere) are enhanced through the use of computing devices which also allow for the development of computer science and engineering ideas embedded throughout the unit.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Novak, Nicole Vick, Dan Voss