A vision to support collaboration of district teachers, administrators, scientists and educators working to integrate Earth and environmental science phenomena into high school biology, chemistry, and physics courses in Baltimore City Schools. The 5+1 framework guides the integration of earth science by incorporating the following components: 1) 3-Dimensional instruction, 2) phenomenon driven units, 3) student-centered learning (specific to ML with language and content objectives) , 4) responsive instruction with “in the moment” resources, tools, and strategies;, and 5) Earth science content for all students (+1). The framework ensures the curriculum developed is aligned to NGSS, infuses Earth science content, and is accessible to all students. Participants will use the 5+1 model to examine specific unit/lesson examples, in biology, to develop instruction that is responsive, phenomena driven with considerations to use language objectives to build instruction for ML students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using the 5+1 model for Earth science integrated instruction, participants will analyze units and lessons in biology for the presence of key components designed to differentiate instruction for all students with a focus on diverse learners with a specific focus on multi-language learners (ML).

SPEAKERS:
Kevin Garner, Andrew Collins, Edmund Mitzel, Jr., Ph.D.

Take your students on the newest addition to the Crash Science in the Classroom website - an immersive 3D 360° virtual field trip inside the IIHS’s crash-testing facility—normally closed to the public. Designed with scaffolded content, the tour promotes equitable classroom practices by offering multimodal instructional strategies by blending 360° navigation with award-winning videos, guiding questions, exciting demos, English/Spanish captions, and hands-on activities to help include all students in self-paced learning. The tour brings experts on relevant and timely topics (i.e., car crashes, crash dummies, teen driving issues, crash avoidance technologies) into classrooms to integrate multi-disciplinary core ideas with science and engineering practices. This high-interest, place-based experience shows how science, engineering, and technology shape society (NGSS Crosscutting Concept) by driving real-world vehicle safety innovations while equipping students with life-saving knowledge.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants learn how to utilize a placed-based, interactive virtual tour paired with inquiry-based activities to foster students’ engagement and 3D learning by integrating STEM concepts and real-world data with vehicle crashworthiness, crash avoidance technologies, and teen driver safety.

SPEAKERS:
Pini Kalnite, Griff Jones

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Puppies are born to Molly the Labradoodle, and students must use genetics to solve the paternity mystery. Use Punnett squares and DNA gel electrophoresis to track the inheritance of a single trait across the litter. Then decide who’s the daddy: Zeus the Poodle or Otto the Labradoodle?

SPEAKERS:
Allison Nishitani, PhD

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek, Inc.

Explore the world of forensic science with these fun and exciting escape room activities designed to engage your students! In this investigation, you’ll decipher clues, solve puzzles, and unravel evidence to free the innocent. Hands-on techniques include forensic blood detection, blood typing, and DNA fingerprinting using agarose gel electrophoresis, giving students experience with core biotechnology methods. We’ll share tips and tricks for setting up and managing the escape room in class. This sequence of experiments supports critical thinking, collaboration, and the application of scientific principles in a way that aligns with high school life science performance expectations, making it easy to integrate into your existing biotechnology curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Maria Dayton

Explore how place-based and environmental justice focused lessons transform science learning by connecting students’ lived experiences to local water systems. Participants will examine three NGSS aligned case studies: Salmon in the Klamath, San Gabriel Valley groundwater pollution, and Owens Valley water conflict, to see how Traditional Ecological Knowledge, local data collection, and storytelling deepen understanding of Living Earth systems. Attendees will engage in interdisciplinary strategies that integrate biology, earth science, and environmental policy while supporting multilingual and neurodiverse learners through visual data tools, community mapping, and reflective journaling. The workshop models assessments that invite students to think critically, act locally, and communicate scientifically. Teachers will leave with ready-to-use lesson frameworks demonstrating how equity-centered science increases engagement, equity, and agency in the STEM classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will gain ready-to-use, NGSS-aligned frameworks for teaching local water systems through place-based and environmental justice lenses. They will leave equipped to integrate storytelling, data analysis, and traditional ecological knowledge to engage all learners in equitable science.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Ann Ng

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Splash into the molecular world of water and membranes through hands-on learning. Experience simple, powerful models that bring water’s abstract properties to life and reveal how they drive membrane structure and behavior. Step into your students’ shoes as you tinker with models to wonder, investigate, and revise your own ideas about biological membranes. We’ll spotlight strategies that center student discovery and thinking, support NGSS practices, and connect microscopic interactions to big biological ideas. Join us to explore ways to make membrane chemistry tangible, visual, and fun.

SPEAKERS:
Keri Shingleton

Explore interactive strategies to inspire student engagement in complex science discussions. Using genetic engineering as a focus, this session highlights how you can support students in discussing the intersection of innovation with bioethics and public policy. Learn approaches to guide students in researching diverse perspectives on GMOs and CRISPR use and regulations, analyzing case studies, and participating in discussions. Discover ways to foster civil discourse on ethical debates while building independent research and synthesis skills. You will leave with practical tools and free resources to make real-world connections, helping students strengthen communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Aligned to honors and AP Biology (Unit 6), the session also connects to environmental science, ethics, government, and economics, offering interdisciplinary connections for deeper learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn strategies and gain resources to engage students in real-world science conversations, with a specific focus on the intersections of genetic engineering, bioethics, and policy. This is to better support building student research, communication, and critical thinking skills.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Lane

Discover innovative ways to bring bioethics into your classroom through the thought-provoking Playing God? podcast from The Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics. Using real-world stories of medical advancement, this session highlights how storytelling can spark curiosity, invite critical dialogue, and engage all learners in exploring the intersection of science, ethics, and society.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn strategies to use real-life bioethical dilemmas from Playing God? to foster interdisciplinary, inclusive, and participatory science learning that develops students’ critical thinking and global awareness.

SPEAKERS:
Kenji Nomura

This session is for informal educators and K-12 educators interested in connecting with the informal community. We will use an engaging activity used in an informal education setting to explore how informal educators can "talk the talk" with K-12 teachers and align their work with the NGSS.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn strategies for aligning PL activities with the NGSS.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Hays, Leah Litz, Jesse Wilcox

Sponsoring Company: Biozone, Inc.

Science teachers are master problem solvers, yet you’re stuck solving the wrong problems: endless prep, assessment creation, and juggling resources that don’t quite fit together. What if your science resources actually made your job easier? Join us to explore how BIOZONE’s innovative worktext format reimagines teaching with a cohesive suite of print and digital resources that reduce workload while boosting student engagement. Our resources support active, concept-driven learning, and the Teacher Toolkit provides fully built pacing guides, teacher notes, assessments, and slides that cut hours from your week. Paired with BIOZONE WORLD and the Resource Hub, you’ll see how BIOZONE’s system can transform instruction, empower diverse learners, and take the stress out of science instruction, making every student’s experience meaningful. Attendees receive a FREE print copy & 30-day digital access to a title of their choice.

SPEAKERS:
Debi Wilson

Sponsoring Company: PASCO Scientific

Learn how to facilitate simple hands-on photosynthesis experiments with wireless sensors. Help students collect and analyze carbon exchange data from plant leaves in real-time! Dispel student doubts in their understanding of photosynthesis and respiration.

SPEAKERS:
Roger Palmer

This presentation is centered around the 2019 National Geographic Magazine, "The Race Issue". This is a mini-unit that engages secondary students in accountable talk about the science of race, diversity, and genetics. The unit includes microscopy, guided readings, hands-on activities, and discussion. Participants will leave with tools to share with their students that are safe and appropriate. Contextualizing race within the study of genetics allows students, and adults, to speak about misconceptions and experiences. This session will share differentiated lessons for learners at multiple levels (grades, IEPs, gifted). Prerequisites for this unit are an understanding of mitosis and meiosis, experience in accountable talk and microscopy. I have done this unit for 6 years with much success, I teach in a diverse, urban school.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with a "camera-ready" unit, that is relevant and appropriate, to extend their current genetic lessons. The unit engages participants in the science behind the discussions of race, ethnicity, and diversity. The lesson is adaptable for all learners in a 7-12 life science class.

SPEAKERS:
Margaret Busker-Postlethwait

Experience how leveraging complex culturally relevant societal challenges as phenomena in 3D teaching and learning supports student motivation and engagement and develops student agency within and beyond the classroom! The Framework for K-12 Science Education and NGSS call for learning grounded in real world phenomena and problems to ensure that science learning is relevant to all students. The AIL instructional model succeeds the 5Es and utilizes complex and culturally relevant societal challenges to anchor multiple cycles of inquiry and sensemaking, culminating with student explanations/design solutions. AIL employs science education research emphasizing coherence from students’ perspective. In this session, participants will 1) consider their own ideas about teaching complex societal challenges, 2) experience 3D learning, and 3) consider the science concepts of a societal challenge (antibiotic resistance, heart disease, food sustainability, anthropogenic changes to biodiversity)

TAKEAWAYS:
The research-based BSCS Anchored Inquiry Learning instructional model succeeds the 5Es and leverages complex societal issues as anchoring phenomena/problems, culminating tasks, and performance assessments in 3D units of instruction to motivate students and develop agency in addressing these issues.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Gay

Many biology students approach graphing as a purely procedural task, focusing on format selection and adherence to rubrics without fully engaging with its scientific significance. This roundtable session will delve into undergraduates' perceptions of the role of graphing in inquiry, argumentation, and identity within biology labs. Drawing on qualitative data from an introductory lab course and sociocultural theory (Vygotsky), we will examine how students' graphing perceptions may reflect or obscure their epistemic value. The discussion will feature student quotes, connections to identity (Lockhart et al., 2022), and insights into graphing as an effective tool for science communication (Alderfer, 2023). Participants can share strategies for reframing graphing as a meaningful and communicative practice that aligns with the NGSS.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore student perceptions of the purpose of graphing in biology labs, connect findings to science identity and Vygotsky’s theory, and discuss strategies for reframing graphing as a communicative, inquiry-based practice aligned with NGSS.

SPEAKERS:
Adriana Quiros

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek, Inc.

Modern biotechnology has ushered in a new era of scientific discovery, with powerful techniques like genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology transforming research and medicine. These innovations have enabled scientists to manipulate DNA sequences directly, dramatically reducing the time needed to study and improve organisms. Among the most groundbreaking advancements of the past decade is the development of the CRISPR-Cas9 system—a precise, cost-effective, and efficient gene-editing tool that is revolutionizing the field of biotechnology and transforming human health in real time. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore CRISPR-Cas gene editing with fast, hands-on experiments modeling cures for genetic diseases like Sickle Cell Anemia and Cystic Fibrosis. We’ll discuss options for performing authentic CRISPR experiments in your classroom. Bring this revolutionary science to your classroom today!

SPEAKERS:
Maria Dayton

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Join us to explore best practices for using biomedical sensors with Graphical Analysis! We'll cover EKGs, EMGs, and heart rate. Designed for health sciences, biology, and physiology educators, this session offers hands-on experience, Q&A, and support for all experience levels.

SPEAKERS:
Sara Tallarovic

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Science

Join us for an interactive, hands-on model lesson from OpenSciEd for High School to discover how the Carolina Certified Version takes these high-quality instructional materials to the next level— more accessible, more user-friendly, and enhanced for classroom safety. Dive into the Biology 1 unit and experience how the Serengeti board game transforms complex concepts into engaging learning. Participants will leave with practical strategies and valuable resources to energize their classrooms. 

SPEAKERS:
Cory Ort

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Skip the boiling, skip the scrubbing — keep the investigation! Learn fast, low-prep assays for identifying key five biological macromolecules including DNA, using minimal reagents and ZERO test tubes. Then apply these techniques to uncover macromolecules hidden in everyday foods. A clean, efficient, classroom-ready lab that keeps students engaged while saving time, supplies, and teacher sanity.

SPEAKERS:
Erika Fong

This vocabulary strategy engages students in authentic research and visual learning. Using Google and Google Images, students investigate science terms to build accurate definitions and context. They then transform their research into labeled diagrams, comparisons, and sketches, reinforcing meaning through both inquiry and visualization. By moving beyond rote memorization, this method helps students actively “piece together” vocabulary, fostering deeper understanding, stronger retention, and connections between words and concepts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave this session with a ready-to-use vocabulary strategy that combines digital research with visual synthesis, making abstract terms more concrete and memorable for students.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Davis

This interactive poster explores the fascinating world of native bumble bees and discover how creativity can inspire conservation! Visitors will learn to recognize local bumble bee species by their distinctive color patterns, behaviors, and preferred native plants. Participants will design and build “bee bracelets” that mimic real species—like the White-shouldered Bumble Bee or the Golden-belted Bumble Bee—while learning how these color combinations help bees communicate, defend, and thrive in their environments.    Educators and citizen scientists will receive free identification guides, plant lists, and data-collection resources to help them engage in citizen science projects such as Bumble Bee Watch and iNaturalist. The booth invites teachers of all grade levels to connect art, science, and stewardship—leaving with a tangible reminder of local biodiversity and a call to action to go outdoors, observe, and share their bee discoveries to support pollinator research and conservation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to identify native bumble bees by color pattern and behavior, connect these traits to pollination ecology, and engage students or visitors in creative, hands-on activities that inspire participation in citizen science and local pollinator conservation.

SPEAKERS:
Claire Lannoye-Hall

Faculty websites are often the first entry point for students seeking research opportunities, yet they vary widely in showing inclusive values. We examine how biology faculty websites at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and non-MSIs include elements that welcome students from marginalized backgrounds. The main focus is the presence and content of inclusivity statements, referencing diversity, equity, and inclusion, provide resources, or support underrepresented students. Using qualitative coding, we analyze websites from a random sample of biology departments, examining inclusive factors such as lab member representation, personal information, and explicit anti-discrimination language. Results show that inclusivity statements remain rare overall, with minimal differences between MSI and non-MSI websites. By raising awareness of the role of faculty webpages in shaping belonging, this project advocates for intentional, equitable, and welcoming online spaces in biology education.

TAKEAWAYS:
This project is aimed towards research faculty. It highlights the importance of personal websites, and encourages those without one to create one. For faculty with a website, it is hoped to implement more inclusive and welcoming practices, increasing participation from minoritized groups in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Taona Maphosa

This study examined the perceptions of agriculture and science-technology teachers regarding inquiry-based teaching in elementary schools. Through semi-open interviews with ten teachers, teaching methods and perceptions were explored with an emphasis on developing scientific and emotional identity. The results show differences between the curriculum: while the science-technology curriculum focuses on developing cognitive knowledge, the agriculture curriculum emphasizes emotional aspects and scientific identity. However, in practice, teachers in both fields integrate scientific identity into their teaching processes, emphasizing the connection of science to daily life, critical thinking, and the promotion of environmental values. The study highlights the importance of scientific identity in teaching as a tool for improving student engagement and motivation and recommends expanding the research to all teachers to deepen understanding and improve teaching methods.

TAKEAWAYS:
The research emphasizes the importance of developing scientific identity in inquiry-based learning in elementary school to increase student's engagement and motivation in science subjects. In class, teachers implement approaches that integrate scientific identity with cognitive and emotional skills.

SPEAKERS:
Amichai Yavlovich

The research examined the perceptions of middle school science and technology teachers regarding the integration of bioethical dilemmas in teaching genetics, comparing religious and secular teachers. The qualitative research was based on semi-structured interviews with ten teachers with over five years of experience – five of them religious, teaching in state-religious schools, and five non-religious, teaching in state schools. The analysis of the interviews was conducted using a narrative approach and focused on identifying patterns of ethical thinking and attitudes towards moral dilemmas in the field of genetic counseling. The findings indicate that all teachers attribute importance to ethical discourse, but significant differences were found in the sources of authority and the types of ethical reasoning: the religious teachers relied on Jewish sources and religious considerations, while the non-religious emphasized state laws as a source of authority.

TAKEAWAYS:
Integration of bioethical dilemmas in teaching can contribute to the educational process by encouraging critical thinking and demonstrating the connection between science and society. The study highlights the need for professional development and teaching materials on ethics.

SPEAKERS:
Amichai Yavlovich

Looking to elevate student achievement through immersive learning? Discover how to harness the universal appeal of flight by captivating students with lessons and engaging activities rooted in biology standards while exploring exciting and fast-growing aviation career fields!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn strategies to construct activities resulting in greater interest and mastery of biology for students in grades K-12. Explore distinct professional practices that expand biology standards into unforgettable learning experiences associated with human life, animals, plantlife, and so much more!

SPEAKERS:
Jesse Steiner, Christina Davis

For many urban students, “nature” can feel far away, tucked into forests or national parks. But what if we flipped that idea on its head? This poster highlights a community-based science unit that helps students rediscover the ecosystems woven into their own neighborhoods. Set in Philadelphia, this freshwater ecology unit invites students to explore how rivers, streets, and people form one dynamic, interconnected system. It features classroom-ready examples that blend science, historical data, and art-based activism. The lessons combine three-dimensional NGSS practices with a historical lens to trace how local rivers and surrounding communities have transformed over time. Drawing inspiration from local storytelling and art movements, students design public-facing eco-art that raises awareness about the relationship between the city and nature. This poster is designed to help educators create meaningful community based and culturally relevant experiences for all learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with adaptable strategies for designing place-based investigations that help students see nature and ecological systems not as something distant, but as part of their everyday urban experience woven into the streets, rivers, and rhythms of their own communities.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Szablya

Students will create a Pokémon with specialized structures that assist them with their "powers". This will involve drawing the Pokémon, creating a Pokédex entry, and giving a short presentation about their Pokémon and how its anatomy leads to its function.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn how to make anatomy and physiology more engaging and relevant to students. It will also allow for more creativity to be involved in the science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Laurelin Geno

Explore the rich diversity of butterflies through data-driven conservation! In this hands-on workshop, participants will act as student scientists using real-world datasets—expert range maps, citizen science observations, and historical records—to identify priority areas for butterfly protection at the state level. Using California as a model, attendees will analyze species richness and habitat suitability data to locate biodiversity hotspots, then design localized action plans that maximize butterfly diversity through host plant selection and habitat design. The session models NGSS-aligned practices in analyzing and interpreting data, using models, and designing solutions to real-world challenges. Participants will receive adaptable lesson materials and digital resources to localize the activity anywhere in the country—empowering students to use and collect authentic data to protect butterflies in their community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to use real butterfly biodiversity data to identify conservation priorities, analyze habitat potential, and guide students in designing localized, data-driven actions that protect diverse pollinators—moving beyond individual species to broader ecosystem awareness.

SPEAKERS:
Claire Lannoye-Hall

It is essential for middle school science students to learn to generate new ideas, interpretations, and solutions collaboratively. In this presentation, we first convey a stance that values and leverages multilingualism and multilingual learners' (MLs) lived experiences. We then share work done with science teachers and teacher educators through the federally funded Biliteracy and Content Area Integrated Preparation (BCAIP) Project to translate this stance into moves that mobilize MLs' full linguistic repertoire (i.e., translanguaging). Specifically, we use a middle school science unit, Ecosystem Interactions and Resources, to model how bilingual texts, collaboration norms, and multilingual assessment performances serve as translanguaging moves to scaffold data and text analysis along with collaborative language development. Attendees come away with resources and tips to designing a trajectory of collaborative inquiry for their own classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Multilingual learners benefit when are supported in mobilizing their full linguistic repertoire (i.e., translanguaging) for the purpose of generating new ideas, interpretations, or solutions collaboratively.

SPEAKERS:
Edward Lyon

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Join us as we explore the phenomenon of lactase persistence in humans and engage in the science practices of asking questions, analyzing data, and developing scientific explanations using free resources from BioInteractive. Participants will explore the underlying genetic mechanism of lactase persistence and analyze data from human populations to make sense of how natural selection drove its evolution. Educators will have opportunities to consider ways to adapt the resource for their particular teaching contexts, sharing ideas with and learning alongside other educators. Participants will deepen their understanding of the phenomenon and walk away with new strategies and classroom-ready resources.

SPEAKERS:
Kristen Short, Kathlyn Van Hoeck

Consumer DNA testing sits at the intersection of cutting-edge genomics and personal identity. This session pulls back the curtain on how direct-to-consumer tests generate and deliver results, from raw genotyping data to ethnicity estimates and migration inferences. We’ll explore scientific concepts such as reference populations, SNP arrays, population structure, and statistical modeling that underlie tools like ancestry composition and historical matching. Alongside the science, we’ll examine the powerful implications of these results—how they shape students’ understanding of uniqueness, shared origins, and global connections. Attendees will gain strategies for translating the science of commercial DNA testing into classroom lessons that are rigorous, relevant, and resonant.

TAKEAWAYS:
Understand the testing methodology behind consumer DNA tests and how they can be used to teach both genetics and human connection.

SPEAKERS:
Diahan Southard

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek, Inc.

Imagine you’re a wildlife conservator preparing to introduce captive-bred lions into the wild. But before setting them free, there’s one crucial question: Do these lions actually belong in this habitat? Using phylogenetics, scientists analyze markers within a lion’s DNA to match the individuals with their compatible wild populations. In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore the use of RFLP analysis and phylogenetics in conservation biology. We will analyze the DNA samples of two lions and compare them to common genetic types across the continent of Africa. Your results will guide the decision to return these animals to their native habitats to help rewild the area. Can you send these lions back to their ancestral home?

SPEAKERS:
Maria Dayton

This session demonstrates sensemaking in action by integrating all four pillars: phenomena (observable oxygen changes during breath holding), science practices (authentic data collection and analysis with pulse oximeters and Python), student ideas (predictions about body system responses), and core disciplinary ideas (cellular respiration and homeostasis). Participants will experience a complete research-validated lesson where students collect their own physiological data, use Google Colab for visualization, and connect personal observations to ATP production and cellular processes. The lesson includes real-world biomedical applications through a hydrocephalus case study featuring VP shunts with Doppler sensors. Successfully implemented with 36 diverse high school students, this approach makes abstract molecular concepts tangible and personally relevant. Participants will leave with ready-to-use materials, including a 5E lesson plan, pre-written Python code, and samples of student work

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will gain practical, research-backed strategies to make cellular respiration tangible and relevant through authentic data collection, technology integration, and real-world biomedical connections.

SPEAKERS:
Demvia Maslian

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

In the late 1980s, only 22 California condors remained in the wild. Their survival—and the health of the ecosystems they support—depended on conservation biologists to come up with innovative strategies. In this session, discover how genetics helped bring these iconic scavengers back from the brink. Explore how scientists manage breeding programs, track gene flow, and protect populations from environmental toxins. Learn how to engage students in authentic conservation challenges while showing how biology can save a species when time is running out.

SPEAKERS:
Erika Fong

Yale professor Laurie Santos' course "Psychology and the Good Life" became a campus phenomenon in 2018, attracting nearly 25% of Yale undergraduates. Its free Coursera version has since enrolled almost 5 million people worldwide. This workshop offers educators a condensed experience of the science behind happiness and well-being through targeted mini-lessons and interactive activities. Drawing from Santos' research and "How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier," participants will explore why our intuitions about happiness often mislead us and examine the cognitive biases that distort our expectations. The seminar introduces evidence-based strategies from gratitude science and positive psychology for authentic happiness. Teachers will gain practical tools to implement these techniques in their personal lives and classrooms, fostering student well-being and creating school communities that promote genuine flourishing and positive habit formation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn evidence-based strategies to enhance personal well-being and discover practical tools to implement happiness science in their classrooms, helping students develop authentic happiness practices while addressing common misconceptions about what truly drives human flourishing.

SPEAKERS:
Stephen Kos

This workshop introduces an innovative online platform coupled with in-class activities to engage students in STEMM. Each module is anchored in a real-world case study woven into a story where students assume the role of scientists or clinicians, making decisions using authentic data from pediatric research. The modules build scientific literacy and problem-solving by utilizing inquiry-based modules, classroom discussion and manipulatives. Students are guided through diagnostic reasoning, data analysis, and treatment exploration leading to a deeper understanding of research. The interactive workshop will demonstrate how narrative-driven learning makes complex biomedical concepts accessible while highlighting emerging areas such as genomics, gene therapy, and data science. Participants explore strategies for integrating the platform into science curricula to inspire curiosity, connect the classroom to current research, and promote career pathways in health and biomedical sciences.

TAKEAWAYS:
This workshop highlights an online platform that uses narrative-driven learning modules about pediatric cases to teach life science concepts. Teachers will learn practical ways to integrate the modules into their courses to inspire curiosity and health science career interest.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Etherington, Summer Jasper, Kyle Bichsel

Pandemics are complex phenomena that can be understood only by combining data, analyses, and insights from multiple scientific fields in truly interdisciplinary fashion. To set the stage, evidence-based storytelling about past pandemics can convey the magnitude of threats posed by pandemics and their long-lasting societal effects. Enhancing student awareness of the power of pandemics to change the course of human history can galvanize challenging exploration of data and insights from several fields. Host-pathogen interactions involve both pathogen physiology and host immune responses. The spread of disease depends on population dynamics of both pathogens and hosts, individual host behavior, and societal responses to outbreaks that include public health practices, vaccine availability, medical treatments, and communication about all of these dynamic processes. Only by combining all these perspectives and insights can society effectively address current and future global health crises.

TAKEAWAYS:
Understanding pandemics requires interdisciplinary knowledge and skills from multiple scientific fields and humanities. Storytelling about past pandemics enhances science understanding about disease emergence, spread, and consequences, and the importance of science policy, and societal action.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Levine

Explore the evolution of life on Earth by constructing a "tree of life" -- metaphorical art that arranges groups of organisms by characteristics and when scientists think they first evolved. Build from life's beginnings in the ocean to beloved animals living today using cut out puzzle pieces and/or an interactive online puzzle. The first 30 participants can even receive beautiful "Tree of Life" posters by award-winning artist Ray Troll, complements of Shape of Life [shapeoflife.org]! Learn about other free lessons created by Engaging Every Student with Shape of Life and other partners, including one with an interactive animation about the tree of life and cartoon-creator activity, and the "Exploring Ocean Mysteries" curriculum created in partnership with NOAA and National Geographic Society.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn hands-on strategies to engage students in the mysteries of evolution and other ocean-related phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Rick Reynolds

Lost or abandoned crab pots pose both environmental and navigational risks and can continue to catch animals or "ghost fish" long after they are lost. During this shar-a-thon, Delaware Sea Grant will share their newly created Ghost Fishing activity. In this lesson for middle and high school students, participants engage in an activity that simulates ghost fishing by derelict crab pots. This activity is based upon data collected during Delaware Sea Grant's annual derelict crab round-up. In addition to this activity, Delaware Sea Grant will be handing out copies of their 3D Horseshoe Crab Model activity and 3D Dogfish Model activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about ghost fishing by derelict crab, how this can affect ecosystems and populations of aquatic organisms, and how teachers can use this new created activity in their classroom.

SPEAKERS:
David Christopher

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) website has a wealth of ocean resources but was previously difficult to search and use. We cataloged the content based on alignment with NGSS and Ocean Literacy Principles as well as topic and type of media and created a searchable database. This “Ocean Learning Hub” is now a searchable database that provides easy and fast access to the content as well as a bookmarking system so you can collate your resources for future reference. We will walk you through this updated website as well as provide an overview and demonstration of one of our available lesson plans developed with a WHOI researcher that explores ocean currents and specifically “underwater waterfalls”, i.e., overflows in the North Atlantic. I will share editable slides that include a quiz, instructions for a hands-on experiment, and two videos. The slides are annotated with teacher notes to help with narration, background information, and conduction of the experiment.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn how to navigate the new standards based, educator-friendly WHOI Ocean Learning Hub website, gain ocean resources to use in their classroom and for outreach use, and all ages will understand the ocean’s role in our planet’s future.

SPEAKERS:
Grace Simpkins

Bring climate education to life through seed saving! Learn how schools can establish seed libraries, track local adaptations, and build authentic connections between environmental science and community resilience.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave understanding how seed saving can empower schools to teach climate adaptation through hands-on, place-based science—while building student stewardship, preserving local biodiversity, and creating sustainable school seed libraries that grow learning year after year.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Newburn

SWMEA is a chapter of the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA), and consists of individuals and organizations found in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. Our mission is to provide a forum for formal and informal educators to develop and exchange strategies to encourage learning and stewardship of marine and aquatic ecosystems.

TAKEAWAYS:
SWMEA plans to share curriculum and opportunities (volunteering, community science) to connect with local marine organizations.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Runyan

Dive into the world of whale science with this interactive session designed for educators eager to bring authentic marine biology into their classrooms. Join us as we share innovative lessons, classroom activities, and take-home resources that immerse students in the study of baleen whales, with a special focus on the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale, one of the most critically endangered large whale species in the world. Our session offers a mix of hands-on learning, digital media, and inquiry-based activities that help students explore how scientists study whales in their natural habitats. Participants will leave with free, ready-to-use materials and online tools that connect students directly with real data, real science, and real conservation issues. By studying baleen whales, students learn not only about marine biology but also about the broader scientific process, including observation, data collection, pattern recognition, and informed conservation decision-making.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave this session with classroom-ready materials, including handouts, short videos, and links to resource lists, as well as strategies for integrating whale research into science, geography, and environmental studies curricula.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Kennedy

Sponsoring Company: Anatomy in Clay

In this workshop, attendees will build replicas of human anatomy using clay and a specially designed skeletal model in a classroom setting. Educators will learn how to implement a unique curriculum system which helps students create a kinesthetic map of the human anatomy. They will acquire the knowledge to engage science students with immediate, hands-on learning using a proven method that is nationally recognized to increase student retention and test scores.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Simonsen

This session introduces “A Misadventure in Teaching,” a Unit 5 storyline for AP Biology. Attendees will view a video about a biology student who learns she is colorblind and the unexpected turn of events that follow when she tells her parents. After the creation of a driving question board (DQB), participants will engage in inquiry activities, collect and analyze data, examine strategies to integrate FRQ practice with interactive notebooks, explore the use of SpiderWeb discussions, and learn how to apply initial and final models in storylining pedagogy. A brief question-and-answer session will conclude the session.

TAKEAWAYS:
After an introduction to the Lab Hamster AP Bio Unit 5 storyline, participants will leave with advanced knowledge and skills needed to implement student inquiry activities, apply science practices, and use pedagogical strategies that boost student engagement and reduce teacher workload.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Christiansen, Chandra Mitnik, Kristin Clements, Noel Pauller

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

What do whale songs and elk calls have in common? In this cross-disciplinary workshop, we'll 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:
Sara Tallarovic

Capture your students’ imagination with a journey into the world of bats! From blood-loving vampires to tiny bumblebee bats and giant flying foxes, this unit explores the science behind these misunderstood creatures while answering the question, “Why should we save bats?” Students dive into science, engineering, math, and literacy activities, learning about bats’ structure, function, and role as keystone species. The session highlights how to use trade books to teach science and literary standards. The culminating activity—a Save the Bats Breakout—immerses teachers in an escape-room style challenge that applies ELA standards, Greek/Latin stems, science, and math. Along the way, students uncover how misconceptions create prejudice and how knowledge empowers them to advocate for positive change. Fly away with a unit full of unforgettable, hands-on learning!

TAKEAWAYS:
This integrated STEAM/Literary unit immerses learners in the fascinating world of bats to explore science, math, engineering, and literacy. Discover how bats function as keystone species, bust myths, and learn how to use argumentation to advocate for this misunderstood creature.

SPEAKERS:
Wendy Wing

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek, Inc.

At the intersection of art, science, and technology is Bio-Art, the creation of works of art using living matter. One common way to create Bio-Art uses bacteria transformed with DNA codes for brightly-colored proteins – the same bacteria that you’re already working with in your classroom! In this hands-on workshop, we will dive deep into bacterial transformation experiments to ensure success with this experiment in your classroom. We’ll discuss the science behind transformation and genetic engineering, share tips and tricks for the experiments, and explore ways to make the experiment more inquiry-driven for AP Biology. Then, you will use your transformed bacteria to paint on our petri dish canvasses and create your own living artwork. Ways to exhibit your Bio-Art will be discussed!

SPEAKERS:
Maria Dayton

Sponsoring Company: Dean Vaughn

Dean Vaughn's Medical Terminology by Body Systems course in a one of kind tool to help students master the memorization and pronunciation of complex Greek and Latin words. Set your students up for future success by learning how to make Medical Terminology less intimidating for students while ensuring it sticks the first time.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory Newcomb

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Science

Construct an eco-column to model ecosystem interactions and human impacts. This workshop provides materials and experiment ideas—such as testing fertilizer effects on water quality—while connecting investigations to NGSS concepts like energy flow and matter cycling. Ideal for middle and high school science.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Stubbs

Sponsoring Company: FLINN

Discover how algae beads can transform the way students explore photosynthesis and cellular respiration. In this interactive session, participants will design experiments to test how light intensity, wavelength, and temperature influence these biological processes. Experience a hands-on investigation that helps students visualize complex concepts while practicing authentic scientific inquiry.

SPEAKERS:
Marissa Zefeldt

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Experience new ways to support student thinking with HHMI BioInteractive’s Model Builder. This free digital tool helps make student thinking visible as they model scientific phenomena. After an introduction to Model Builder and its library of resources, participants will experience a sample lesson sequence for the classroom, using Model Builder to model the evolution of the rock pocket mouse. They will then engage in strategies that help students use their models for learning and consider how to adapt the resources and strategies for their own contexts. Please bring a laptop or tablet if you have one.

SPEAKERS:
Marisa Alvarado, Deanna Digitale-Grider

Learn how your eyes perceive light and color from your phone’s screen. Join us as we investigate how your eye–brain system sees your phone through fun, content-rich, easy-to-do, NGSS-aligned hands-on activities from the Exploratorium Teacher Institute. All materials are designed to be effective, inexpensive, and easily obtainable. The Exploratorium is a hands-on science museum located in San Francisco, CA. The Teacher Institute has been a home for professional development for teachers since 1984.

TAKEAWAYS:
The technology in your phone is based on how your eye–brain system perceives the world. We’ll explore how various wavelengths of light (PS4.B) interact with specialized cells in your eye (LS1.A) and influence the engineering and technology (ETS1.A) of your phones' display (PS4.C).

SPEAKERS:
Desiré Whitmore, Eric Muller

Sponsoring Company: FLINN

Are you struggling with instructional materials that feel overly scripted, too complex, or lack the essential background students need to succeed? This session introduces a new line of science kits designed for ease-of-use and student buy-in. We move away from sprawling, complicated sequences in favor of short, modular kits that focus on real-world science students care about. Explore context-rich investigations into the energy of lithium-ion battery fires, the molecular architecture of NSAID drugs, and the stoichiometry of Hollywood practical effects. Discover how these streamlined science kits provide the necessary support and high-interest phenomena to keep students engaged without the burden of heavy, inflexible curriculum. These manageable, hands-on experiences are designed to make modern science more accessible for students while maintaining clear alignment to NGSS standards.

SPEAKERS:
Mike Marvel, Ph.D.

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Science

Participants will make and use alginate beads containing algae and alginate beads containing yeast. They will learn how the beads can be used to model the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

SPEAKERS:
Crystal Risko

Sponsoring Company: Biozone, Inc.

Science teachers are expected to do it all, prep lessons, keep students motivated in any setting, and design assessments. Imagine if your digital tools finally helped lighten that load. Discover how BIOZONE WORLD transforms instruction with a cohesive platform built to reduce workload and elevate learning. Jump straight into ready-to-use activities, presentation slides, and rich media from the integrated Resource Hub, including videos and 3D models that bring complex concepts to life. Support multilingual learners instantly with in-platform translation, and use the Teacher Toolkit’s pacing guides, notes, and assessments to streamline planning and maintain instructional consistency. Our print and digital resources are identical, so whether you teach in-person, hybrid, or fully online, BIOZONE WORLD empowers you to work smarter, keep students actively engaged, and deliver science lessons that truly resonate. Attendees receive a FREE print title & 30-day digital access.

SPEAKERS:
Debi Wilson

Teaching about global change is challenging. The interdisciplinary science is complex, because it involves far more than “just” climate change —infernally complicated on its own. As important as climate change is, its effects on ecosystems and the biosphere act alongside other anthropogenic alterations to the biosphere including land-use change, industrial and agricultural practices, and more. To make things even more difficult, today’s students need the cognitive and analytical tools necessary to handle a tidal wave of misconceptions, misinformation, and disinformation. Misconceptions arise from gaps in knowledge. Misinformation and disinformation arise from intentional distortion for political, economic, or ideological reasons. So we must help students achieve functional scientific literacy: the ability to evaluate sources, interpret data, recognize logical fallacies or manipulative rhetoric, and make scientifically-informed decisions aimed at sustainable societal goals.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teaching about global change requires a full-court press to create an interdisciplinary effort involving ecology, geology, climatology, earth science, population biology, oceanography, atmospheric science, as well as socially-informed efforts to counter rampant misinformation and disinformation.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Levine

Sponsoring Company: PASCO Scientific

PASCO’s Wireless CO2 Sensor provides an excellent way to measure and display carbon dioxide as a product or reactant of chemical reactions. In this workshop, you will learn how to facilitate hands-on student labs with user-friendly data collection sensors and analysis software. We will monitor CO2, oxygen, and water vapor levels as we explore several naturally occurring reaction types of respiration, photosynthesis, decomposition, and (small) combustion.

SPEAKERS:
Roger Palmer

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Tired of textbook diagrams showing DNA to RNA to protein? Bring the central dogma to life with a hands-on experiment to visualize transcription and translation using low-cost tools. Or engage in a virtual activity to explore real gene expression data, with no lab needed.

SPEAKERS:
Katy Martin

This session showcases how a single anchoring agricultural phenomenon can launch and sustain a coherent storyline across a unit. Participants will experience a sample lesson from a high-quality genetics unit, focusing on a phenomenon of the influence of genetics and environment on cattle growth over time. Activities include observation of an agricultural phenomenon, modeling predictions, and developing a Driving Question Board. Teachers will reflect on how anchoring phenomena can be used in their own classrooms and receive a one-page snapshot mapping the phenomenon to NGSS dimensions and teacher moves.

TAKEAWAYS:
Anchoring phenomena rooted in agriculture topics can spark curiosity and drive coherence across lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Angela Gulotta

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Science

Join the excitement, escape the rat-race, and experience the superior quality of Carolina's Perfect Solution® specimens with our preserved rat dissection! Engage 3D instruction as we discuss the relationship between structure and function, as well as the interdependence between systems. During this hands-on guided dissection, each participant explores the rat’s external anatomy, internal body systems, and individual organs. These specimens are economical, simple to dissect, and great mammalian models for your next lab!

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau

One of the hardest things to accomplish in the classroom environment is engaging students in the true nature of science. Not the cookbook labs that many of us grew up with (the ones where we knew the answer before we even set foot in the lab) but the adventure of experimental design, data analysis, failure, and success. Real science is messy and there is no substitute in science education. It is something that we all strive for, engaging students in real science, but is much harder in practice. In this presentation, teachers will be provided with real examples of application within the classroom, across various levels of biology. Activities such as strawberry DNA extraction, project based science learning, citizen science opportunities, and student lead scientific research projects will be featured. By analyzing activities, scaffolding, rubrics, and student examples, teachers will leave with the knowledge of how (and when) to implement participatory science in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will leave with a clear understanding of participatory science, examples and provided activities (Google Drive Folder), and an increased comfort/confidence about integration in their own classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Marissa Hamilton

Bring ecosystems to life with “Ecosystem in an Envelope,” an interactive, NGSS-aligned lesson that turns students into ecologists. Designed as an anchoring phenomenon for ecology units, this activity engages learners in analyzing real ecosystems from around the world to explore how biotic and abiotic factors interact to shape stability and change. Participants will experience how students model ecosystems, apply data analysis and argumentation, and use sensemaking to explain energy flow and matter cycling. Leave with classroom-ready strategies that make ecology engaging, evidence-based, and memorable.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how to use “Ecosystem in an Envelope” as an NGSS-aligned anchoring phenomenon to help students model real ecosystems, analyze interactions among biotic and abiotic factors, and use data and argumentation to explain energy flow and matter cycling.

SPEAKERS:
Shane E Raggio

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

How does the food we eat fuel our bodies’ activities? Join us for a hands-on experience using HHMI BioInteractive’s free Biomolecules on the Menu Click & Learn activity to explore digestion, metabolism, and how nutrients fuel cellular processes. Educators will gain ready-to-use strategies for teaching metabolism and cellular respiration along with lesson ideas that support student engagement and deepen understanding. Experience how collaborative discussion and interactives can deepen students’ understanding of the overall function, inputs, and outputs of cellular respiration and how cells use nutrients to produce energy.

SPEAKERS:
Michele Koehler, Mark Eberhard

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Valley Fever, a respiratory infection caused by soil-dwelling fungi, is quietly spreading beyond the Southwest as climate change alters ecosystems. In this hands-on workshop, participants explore case studies, examine symptomology and risk factors, and discuss genetic susceptibility. Simulate environmental testing by using PCR and gel electrophoresis to detect fungal DNA in soil samples, then compare results with regional data. Gain classroom-ready strategies that connect evolution, environments, public health, and climate impacts through engaging, authentic and pop culture scenarios.

SPEAKERS:
Erika Fong

Sponsoring Company: Discovery Education

Step into the role of a research scientist. In this interactive breakout session; you’ll experience a classroom-ready lab activity designed to mirror authentic biomedical research practices. Led by Discovery Education and a Charles River scientist, this hands-on experience immerses educators in the scientific habits that drive innovation in real laboratories. Participants will explore core scientific practices, examine why precision and sterile technique are essential for reliable results, and uncover how these methods reflect the realities of today’s research environments. Drawing on insights from Charles River’s work, this session bridges classroom instruction with the authentic processes used in biomedical research. You’ll leave with practical strategies, ready-to-use resources from the STEM Careers Coalition, and a deeper understanding of how scientific rigor and ethical research practices fuel the innovations that improve lives every day.

SPEAKERS:
Carrie Willis, Caitlin Arakawa

Model organisms may be small, but they’ve unlocked some of science’s biggest discoveries—from genetics to epigenetics and beyond. In this engaging session, explore five model organisms and discover how they can bring authentic science into your classroom. Participants will examine real-life research examples, engage in hands-on demonstrations, and walk away with free resources to adapt for their own teaching. Learn how model organisms connect directly to NGSS practices, inspire curiosity, and show students how scientists investigate questions that impact human health.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with resources and strategies to use model organisms as powerful tools for teaching genetics, epigenetics, and the nature of science in engaging, NGSS-aligned ways.

SPEAKERS:
Cory Kavanagh

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek, Inc.

Color plays a major role in the way we enjoy our food. Since ancient times, people have not only savored the flavor and texture of food, but we’ve also made it look as appealing as it tastes. For centuries, humans have used dyes from natural ingredients to add color to food, drink, clothing and more. In this workshop, we’ll extract food dyes from candy and analyze their composition using agarose gel electrophoresis and paper chromatography. In your classroom, you can extend the exploration to other foods and drinks that use natural and artificial colorants. We’ll share classroom-tested strategies and suggestions that encourage your students to design and test hypotheses based on the colors of their favorite treats. We’ll also show you how to collect data and analyze the data using authentic STEM techniques.

SPEAKERS:
Maria Dayton

Sponsoring Company: FLINN

Experience Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) for yourself in this interactive, hands-on session. Learn how this student-centered strategy builds critical thinking, teamwork, and conceptual understanding through guided inquiry.

SPEAKERS:
Mike Marvel, Ph.D.

Our fingers help us play instruments, game, communicate, and hold our favorite beverage. How do fingers function when they have no muscles? Using this relatable, everyday phenomenon, students explore the structure and function (DCI LS1.A) of fingers by sharing their own experiences with how they use their fingers in everyday life, asking questions to explain the phenomenon, digging into the histology of the different tissues that make up the parts of the finger, and developing and using models (SEP) to explain their findings. Intentional engagement which encourages students to share their personal experiences as they relate to their own cultural and linguistic norms, including translanguaging, will be explored and modeled. Alternative activities are provided for classrooms that do not have access to microscopes or the needed histology slides. Attendees will participate in the student experience. This lesson is structured to align with NGSS Performance Expectation HS-LS1-2.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be provided with a hand-on experience and lesson plan to explore the structure and function of the fingers. We will use the pillars of sensemaking to study histology. This lesson is relevant to those who teach Anatomy & Physiology.

SPEAKERS:
Sophia Garcia

Science teachers juggle endless demands such as labs, grading, and emotional challenges that can leave their nervous systems in constant overdrive. This interactive session explores the science of calm through simple, evidence-based chair yoga and breathwork routines designed for the classroom and beyond. Participants will learn how breathing patterns and gentle movement activated the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce cortisol, and restore focus. No mats or special clothing required, just your breath and a chair. Educators will experience accessible techniques to pause, release tension, and reset between classes. They will also craft personal “I Choose To” statements to build sustainable wellness habits and receive a printable “Calm Cycle” routine for daily use. These practices foster calm and balance in teachers and students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will leave with a neuroscience-informed “Calm Cycle” of chair yoga and breathwork practices that can be applied during classes or shared with students to support focus, emotional regulation, and sustained joy in alignment with NGSS Science for All.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Ann Ng

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Science

Join us for an interactive, hands-on model lesson from OpenSciEd for High School to discover how the Carolina Certified Version takes these high-quality instructional materials to the next level— more accessible, more user-friendly, and enhanced for classroom safety. Dive into the Biology 1 unit and experience how the Serengeti board game transforms complex concepts into engaging learning. Participants will leave with practical strategies and valuable resources to energize their classrooms. 

SPEAKERS:
Cory Ort

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek, Inc.

Over the past century, genetic research has shown how variations in our DNA genome change the way a person perceives their environment. A classic example is sensitivity to the bitter compound Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC). Some people find it bitter, while others can’t taste anything. The ability to taste PTC is linked to variations in the TAS2R38 gene, which codes for a taste receptor protein. TAS2R38 has two alleles: the dominant taster allele (T) and the recessive non-taster allele (t). The combination of these alleles, or the genotype, determines their phenotype: in this case whether a person is a “taster” or “non-taster”. In this workshop, you'll use the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis to identify TAS2R38 alleles, then connect genotype to phenotype by tasting the PTC paper. The experiment connects students to techniques that are used in biotechnology research, transforming abstract genetic concepts into concrete understanding.

SPEAKERS:
Maria Dayton

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Explore real CRISPR technology with a hands-on DNA experiment. Program Cas9 to cut DNA, make predictions using sequence analysis, and verify results with gel electrophoresis. This activity is an engaging way to show how CRISPR works and why it’s such a groundbreaking tool for genome editing!

SPEAKERS:
Alexandra Dainis

This session introduces “Survivor–American Southwest,” a Unit 1 storyline for AP Biology. Attendees will view a video showing challenges faced by desert rodents and participate in activities, including building a driving question board that increases motivation for inquiry. Participants will conduct an investigation to collect data for statistical analysis and graphical interpretation to answer questions about the benefits of crypsis. A related investigation of the hygroscopic properties of seeds will show how students explore burrowing behavior while connecting to water properties, macromolecules, statistics, and natural selection. Sample student lab CER posters and impacts on exam performance will be highlighted. The session will end with a question and answer session.

TAKEAWAYS:
After an introduction to Lab Hamster’s AP Biology Unit 1 storyline, participants will leave with the knowledge and skills needed to implement student inquiry activities, apply science practices, and use pedagogical strategies that boost student engagement and reduce teacher workload.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Christiansen, Chandra Mitnik, Kristin Clements, Noel Pauller

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Explore quorum sensing and cell signaling pathways in this hands-on workshop using Vibrio campbellii to investigate bioluminescence through engaging, classroom-ready experiments.

SPEAKERS:
Leigh Brown

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Discover how DNA technology has reshaped forensic science and the courts. Through case studies and hands-on investigation, participants examine how cognitive bias, witness error, and flawed evidence can lead to wrongful convictions. Learn how post-conviction DNA analysis can confirm or overturn a case, and explore teaching strategies that integrate inquiry, statistics, argumentation from evidence, and ethical reasoning. Leave with meaningful activities that empower students to see science as a tool for justice.

SPEAKERS:
Erika Fong

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Life happens in water – and therefore many teachers consider water to be the first molecule of life. But there are four other small molecules that make up the major constituents of a living cell. These other molecules include (i) amino acids – which become proteins, (ii) phospholipids – which become membranes, (iii) carbohydrates – which become cell walls and food, and (iv) nucleotides – which become DNA and RNA. This workshop will explore physical models of these molecules of life and how they can be used to introduce your students to the molecular basis of life. This session will present teacher-tested suggestions for how these Molecules of Life can be used to introduce virtually any topic in a high school biology curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Why are some coral and fish species disappearing? In this 3D lesson, biology and environmental science students use real-time data to explore how excess CO2 in water affects the pH. Using their findings, students can model how these changes impact interdependent relationships in ocean ecosystems.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel

Sponsoring Company: PASCO Scientific

Writing a balanced chemical reaction and seeing that the prefixes relates to amounts of chemicals present in the reaction can be quite the though leap. Many textbook problems are easy as they give exactly the amount needed of both reactants without having something left over. Why doesn’t adding more reactant always lead to more product? Help students develop a better understanding of mole ratios, stoichiometry and limiting reactants through this hands-on activity using household chemicals and a wireless pressure sensor. One participant will win a wireless sensor!

SPEAKERS:
Roger Palmer

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Science

Come show us your surgical skills in this engaging, hands-on workshop! Participants dissect several mammalian organs and explore the important link between their anatomy and physiology. We explore real-world examples while connecting structure to function in several mammalian organs from different body systems, including the nervous (cow eye), cardiovascular (sheep heart), and reproductive (bull testicle) systems! Use these workshop objectives to bolster your 3-dimensional instruction

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau

Sponsoring Company: FLINN

Students to explore microfiber pollution released from synthetic clothing during washing. Participants will simulate laundering, visualize fibers with fluorescence and microscopy, and compare shedding across fabrics and brands. Drawing on current research, the unit connects environmental science, chemistry, and biology while helping students evaluate evidence and consider the science behind everyday consumer choices.

SPEAKERS:
Mike Marvel, Ph.D.

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Wondering how you can better support your students to effectively analyze and interpret data? Join us as we engage with HHMI BioInteractive’s Data Explorer, a free, student-friendly tool, to visualize and analyze changes in atmospheric carbon. In this session, we will journey beyond the Keeling Curve and explore data at different scales and time periods to develop a deeper understanding of how data informs climate science. This session will be of particular interest to those who teach life or environmental science with a quantitative focus or those who want to incorporate quantitative skills.

SPEAKERS:
Kathlyn Van Hoeck, Jim Lane

Explore “The Spirit Bear Phenomenon,” an interactive, NGSS-aligned genetics lesson that connects heredity, probability, and data analysis through the real-world mystery of the Kermode bear. Participants will experience how students use Punnett squares to model genetic outcomes, calculate trait frequencies, and represent data with bar graphs. Through hands-on inquiry and sensemaking, learners explore dominant and recessive inheritance patterns while linking abstract genetics concepts to meaningful, observable phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
Experience how to teach heredity and probability through the real-world mystery of the Kermode bear using NGSS-aligned modeling and data analysis—helping students build sensemaking skills and connect genetics concepts to observable phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Shane E Raggio

Sponsoring Company: Biozone, Inc.

Science teachers know that the most memorable learning happens when students can see and build a concept for themselves. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create a 3D paper model you can use in your own classroom, plus take home a ready-to-run student activity that brings the model to life. But this session is more than crafting. As we build, we’ll explore BIOZONE’s interactive worktext approach and unpack a student-centric approach to learning, breaking down how thoughtful scaffolding turns a simple model into a powerful conceptual anchor. You’ll see how the Teacher Toolkit supports every step with pacing guides, teacher notes, and assessments, and how our digital platform BIOZONE WORLD and the Resource Hub add depth through interactive media and flexible delivery options. Leave with a classroom-ready model, an adaptable activity, and a toolkit of strategies to make hands-on science both engaging and easy to teach. Attendees receive a FREE print title & 30-day digital access.

SPEAKERS:
Debi Wilson

Although genetic engineering and molecular biology have been part of the biology curriculum for decades, the past several years have seen the introduction of new techniques that dramatically alter the landscape of human biology. These now include the possibility of directly modifying the human genome using CRISPR to treat diseases that previously were beyond the reach of medical science. This possibility has now become reality with the cure of an infant suffering from a fatal genetic disorder by CRISPR-mediated genetic editing. We will examine how these powerful techniques work, suggest ways to incorporate them into the curriculum, and explore the promise and peril that awaits the brave new world of human genetic modification. Participants will be engaged in an interactive discussion about current events in biology and share ideas about how to incorporate phenomena in their classrooms. Participants will receive case studies to bring back to share with their students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be introduced to high interest case studies/phenomena that will engage their students in biology, demonstrating that biology is both dynamic and relevant to their lives.

SPEAKERS:
Kenneth Miller

Discover the Health DataWell instructional materials, co-developed by HESI and NSTA, to address the lack of materials focused on public health. Research shows that high school is a key time in career awareness and preparation. These materials provide students with an opportunity to expand their understanding of health professions and to consider the roles of community members in promoting public health. In this session, you will hear from teachers who implemented the materials (Health Data Well Ambassadors) and gain practical strategies for connecting students to public health roles in their communities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with practical strategies and resources to help students explore public health careers and understand the impact of community roles in promoting health.

SPEAKERS:
Malalai Sayedi, Lena Cosentino

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Who has time to write high quality, aligned assessment items?! In this session, participants will learn how to use the Assessment Builder Tool to access and export a variety of assessment items that can be modified for use at the HS level. Engage with HHMI BioInteractive activities that bring vetted assessment items into the hands of students. Participants will have access to all the free materials, including 600+ assessment items.

SPEAKERS:
Samantha Johnson, Dawn Norton

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Discover how DNA evidence contributes to selective breeding strategies to benefit both farmers and consumers, and health mangement of dairy cows. In this hands-on workshop, participants use agarose electrophoresis to genotype bulls and cows for a gene linked to high-value milk protein used in cheese production. Analyze your results, apply Punnett squares to predict offspring outcomes, and make evidence-based recommendations to a dairy farmer. Learn how to bring authentic biotechnology and agricultural problem-solving into your classroom—and identify the ultimate Ca$h Cows!

SPEAKERS:
Erika Fong

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek, Inc.

Food and environmental allergies are a growing health concern worldwide. In this workshop, you’ll learn about the steps an allergist takes to diagnose and treat these dangerous reactions. First, you will review the patient's symptoms and meal history to identify potential triggers from their diet. Next, you’ll perform simulated skin prick and component-resolved blood tests to distinguish true food allergies from cross-reactivity like oral allergy syndrome. By analyzing the results and presenting their conclusions, students model the process that health professionals use to diagnose and treat allergies.

SPEAKERS:
Maria Dayton

We will introduce our NSTA book containing a collection of units and resources to help teachers engage students in three-dimensional learning through model-based inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about four biology model-based inquiry units for rigorous and equitable instruction. Developed with secondary science teachers, the session guides three-dimensional learning, anchoring phenomena, modeling, and scientific explanations.

SPEAKERS:
Audrey Baird, Ron Gray

Native fish provide authentic, place-based phenomena that support student sensemaking and NGSS integration. I created the Glass Eel Project with Save Coastal Wildlife to give schools an alternative to Trout in the Classroom, a program that—despite its popularity—often introduces non-native trout and can harm local ecosystems. In this project, students raise glass eels—an iconic migratory species—while practicing observation, data collection, and scientific modeling before releasing them back into the wild. Participants will see how this approach builds NGSS-aligned science practices, cross-curricular connections (art, statistics, coding in Python/R), and environmental stewardship. Most importantly, the model can be adapted with native fish in every state, giving teachers a framework for engaging students with their own local ecosystems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using native fish as classroom phenomena fosters NGSS-aligned science practices, cross-curricular learning, and environmental stewardship, with adaptable models for every region.

SPEAKERS:
Ashley Taylor, Angela DiPaolo, Stephen Knott

Bricks can be used as models to represent simple sugars. Students build macromolecules as they link these sugars together. Models may be simple or complex, and complexity can assist students’ understanding of molecular function. The simple sugar, glucose, can form the complex carbohydrate starch, which stores energy, or form the structural carbohydrate, cellulose. Certain polygons can form tessellation patterns and are used to show how simple cellular functions lead to organism complexity. Tessellation patterns may be discussed in Mathematics and Art classes as simple 3- and 4- sided polygons can be transformed into works of art. Students participate in activities and extrapolate chemical and life science concepts using English, too. Engaging in multiple learning styles assists a wide range of student learners. Simple models are terrific tools for addressing science misconceptions like there is only one way to illustrate a concept or idea.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students discuss how 3-D molecular structures affect their chemical properties as they “Act as Enzymes”. The students use geometric shapes to create tessellation patterns (X-cutting concept) and English analogies to explain cellular processes and growth. Students learn in inclusive environments.

SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Cunningham

This workshop will engage teachers in critical dialogue (Socratic seminar) facilitation techniques to add to their teaching toolbox. A variety of topics will be presented including should we bring back the woolly mammoth. These discussions help students develop their critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and ability to evaluate evidence. They also strengthen communication and active listening skills as students articulate ideas, challenge assumptions, and explore diverse perspectives. By choosing real-world science-based topics, students are engaged and further develop their scientific literacy. These discussions are evidence-based and require student preparation including readings and interpretation of data (graphs/tables) to support their evidence-based thought and discussion. The workshop will include examples of seminars done with both middle and high school students, as well as time to practice the presented facilitation skills with other teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will be introduced to and practice critical dialogue (Socratic seminar) facilitation techniques using science topics which they can then use with their students to strengthen critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and data evaluation skills along with communication and active listening.

SPEAKERS:
Alison Seymour

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Explore Ozempic's dual action on diabetes and weight loss. Learn about semaglutide's role in blood sugar and appetite regulation through hands-on ELISA simulations.

SPEAKERS:
Leigh Brown

Come discover how free, NSF-funded simulations and curricula from The Concord Consortium can add all three dimensions of the NGSS to your physics, physical science and chemistry teaching, with a special emphasis on the Science Practices and AI integration. Bring a device to this interactive session and take away free tips and resources that you can use immediately to bring NGSS to life in your classroom! This session will demonstrate a wide variety of materials using free simulation software for data exploration and science investigation developed by The Concord Consortium across decades of NSF funding. Participants will explore molecular models, biology models, earth science models, data exploration tools and more, and learn how they can be used to enhance use of three-dimensional learning in the classroom. Examples and hands-on interaction will engage participants in using models and simulations for powerful NGSS-aligned teaching and learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will demonstrate a wide variety of free simulation software developed by The Concord Consortium over a decade of NSF funding. Participants will explore molecular models, authentic biological simulations, physics interactives, and integrated data exploration opportunities.

SPEAKERS:
Chad Dorsey

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Proteins power everything from enzymes to immune responses—and understanding their structure helps all students appreciate their importance. In this hands-on session, you’ll build amino acids, link them into chains, and explore how simple interactions help those chains fold into working proteins. You’ll use 3D Molecular Designs models the way students do—tinkering, spotting patterns, and revising your ideas as structure and function emerge. Along the way, we’ll share strategies that spark curiosity, support key science practices, and keep the focus on meaningful big ideas rather than memorizing terms. You’ll leave with adaptable modeling activities and fresh ways to make protein structure concrete, visual, and engaging in any biology classroom, from introductory to advanced.

SPEAKERS:
Keri Shingleton

How can we redesign a better school lunch to meet the nutritional needs of all students? In this workshop, participants will explore a 7-lesson high school biology unit that engages students in authentic sensemaking by connecting biochemistry, nutrition, anatomy, and engineering design to their own school meals. Built using OpenSciEd design principles, the unit launches with an anchor phenomena routine where students investigate USDA changes to school lunches and create timelines of how meals have evolved. Lessons then examine added sugars, how carbohydrates fuel the body, balancing energy from macronutrients, protein sources, and the impact of cooking on nutrition, culminating in student-designed lunch menus. Participants will engage in key routines, analyze student-generated questions, and take part in a gallery walk of student work, assessments, and redesign projects. All student-facing slides, worksheets, rubrics, and assessments will be shared as open educational resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
Experience an OpenSciEd-inspired anchor phenomena routine and leave with a complete, freely available 7-lesson biology unit—featuring 3D assessments, student work, and strategies to adapt length and scaffolds to support all learners.

SPEAKERS:
William Baur

In an age when biology is taught in silos and students face an onslaught of misinformation, The Flow of Information reframes stimulus–response as an interdisciplinary story. This 60-minute workshop makes visible the hidden steps—sensory organs → brain and neurotransmitters → endocrine hormones → DNA regulation → RNA → proteins → response—showing how molecular events scale into behavior. By weaving biology, neuroscience, and psychology, the unit helps students see how perception, signaling, and cellular change interlock to shape actions. Participants will experience model trackers, data-driven labs (reaction time, glucose regulation, stress response), and iterative model revisions that mirror student learning. To ground the session, teachers will also create a sample artifact that parallels student work. They will leave with practical resources, interdisciplinary strategies, and a framework for helping students understand the power of their own minds and the solace science provides.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students leave this unit seeing the hidden steps between stimulus and response, realizing the power of their own minds. By tracing biology through neuroscience and psychology, they gain solace in science and a deeper sense of agency over their thoughts, feelings, and actions.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Hirsch

A Zombie Pandemic is raging. It seems as if nobody is safe from its effects. It's time to keep our wits, work together and strike back! Using Zombies as our model, we will scientifically and mathematically analyze the spread of a disease through a population. Along the way, we will learn about humans while having fun with Zombies! By making use of pop culture trends, we can raise the levels of engagement and interest in our STEM-based classrooms. In recent years, very few trends have been as wildly or widely popular as Zombies. In this session, we will use Zombies to model brain anatomy and physiology and then develop a model for the spread of a "Zombie Virus" in a population of humans.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will participate in mathematically and graphically modeling the spread of a disease through a population, using "Zombie-ism" as the condition that is being spread.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Lukens

"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

Discover the Health DataWell instructional materials, co-developed by HESI and NSTA, to address the lack of materials focused on public health and data literacy. The materials provide opportunities for students to build data literacy by analyzing complex public health data, using statistics and computational models, and comparing sources to develop evidence-based explanations and solutions. In this session, you will hear from teachers who implemented the materials (Health Data Well Ambassadors) and gain practical strategies for utilizing complex public health data analysis tools with your students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain practical strategies for implementing the Health DataWell instructional materials, focusing on using real-world data and data analysis tools to identify disparities in health outcomes.

SPEAKERS:
Robert Palmer, Jentry Yard, Crystal McDowell

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

During this workshop, we will use a set of free, classroom-ready resources to explore CRISPR-Cas9. Participants will use hands-on paper resources as well as an interactive module to obtain first-hand accounts from scientists employing this revolutionary technology, understand CRISPR-Cas9’s practical applications, and model the CRISPR-Cas9 molecular tool. Together, participants will not only discover how these materials can help their students grasp the mechanics of CRISPR-Cas9 but also how to help them think and work like real scientists.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Wuerth, Katherine Ward

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Investigate how a single taste receptor gene influences bitter perception. Participants use Punnett squares, pedigree analysis, and gel electrophoresis to trace inheritance of a gene responsible for bitter sensitivity within a family. Compare predicted outcomes to DNA results and uncover how genotype and phenotype relate to food preference. This workshop gives teachers a relatable, classroom-ready genetics investigation students love—connecting DNA, personal traits, and everyday eating habits.

SPEAKERS:
Erika Fong

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

DNA is everywhere in biology—but do students really understand its structure beyond base pairing? In this hands-on session, you'll build nucleotides, connect base pairs, and assemble the double helix using 3D Molecular Designs models. Along the way, you'll explore what makes DNA flexible, antiparallel, and replication-ready—and how it differs from RNA. We'll also discuss the strengths and limitations of different DNA models and how they shape student thinking. You'll leave with active learning strategies, ready-to-use modeling challenges, and fresh ways to make DNA structure feel accessible, accurate, and engaging for all your biology students.

SPEAKERS:
Keri Shingleton

When students are given authentic opportunities to act as scientists, science becomes relevant, engaging, and meaningful. This session explores how phenomena, practices, students, and science ideas can be integrated into lessons and assessments to create equitable opportunities across diverse classrooms. Presenters will share strategies that align with the Framework for K–12 Science Education, Georgia Standards of Excellence, and NGSS Science and Engineering Practices. Lessons will show how small adjustments—such as offering open-ended inquiry or added scaffolding—can make the same activity accessible to gifted, general education, and co-taught classes. Equity will be emphasized through culturally relevant pedagogy, scaffolding, and differentiation so all students have an entry point. Classroom examples from Biology, including Protein Synthesis, Evolution, and Ecology, will anchor the discussion. Participants will leave with adaptable strategies and tools to support all learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover strategies to equitably engage gifted, general ed, and inclusive classrooms. See classroom examples of student work and assessments that show learning in action. Leave with tools and frameworks to adapt these strategies for your own teaching.

SPEAKERS:
Madison Shelton, Holly Lewis

How do we get students to focus more on the learning and less on the grade? The traditional points system makes this challenging. In this session, learn how to use Learning Progressions to assess student learning without points, including how to help students self-assess their own learning throughout a unit. This session will provide concrete examples, templates, and organizational systems currently being used in high school Biology & Astronomy classes (though this can be applied to other subject areas as well). Come get ideas for moving away from a points-based, grade-focused system and refocus students on the content and skills they are learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to use Learning Progressions to assess student learning without points or percentages.

SPEAKERS:
J. Palmer

Step into the role of a student scientist and uncover the hidden world of bats through sound! This hands-on workshop introduces educators to bioacoustics, the study of sound in nature, as a powerful tool for participatory science. Participants will analyze real ultrasonic bat recordings, visualize calls as spectrograms, and interpret how sound data reveal species diversity and ecosystem health. Using free digital tools and open-access datasets, educators will experience how students can collect, analyze, and contribute to authentic biodiversity research. The session models NGSS-aligned practices—asking questions, interpreting data, and constructing evidence-based explanations—while highlighting connections across physics, biology, and environmental science. Participants will leave with classroom-ready materials, citizen science pathways, and strategies to help students become acoustic explorers who connect technology, storytelling, and conservation through the science of sound.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to use bioacoustics—the science of sound—to engage students in authentic, data-driven investigations of bat biodiversity, connecting NGSS practices with citizen science and conservation to make science learning locally relevant and engaging.

SPEAKERS:
Claire Lannoye-Hall

Sponsoring Company: NOAA

NOAA’s Ocean Service has a number of activities and lesson plans focused on ocean and climate literacy. We also know the value of using multimedia in the learning settings to teach not only complex topics, but to also reach visual learners. A new component of our education materials will include hands-on demonstrations to accompany the lesson plans and activities that so many educators already use. This session will provide a sneak peek into the brand new videos and gauge interest on which topics should be prioritized for additional content.

SPEAKERS:
Symone Barkley

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Science

Participants will make and use alginate beads containing algae and alginate beads containing yeast. They will learn how the beads can be used to model the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

SPEAKERS:
Crystal Risko

The story of the double helix is standard fare but is usually told in a cursory and superficial way. The actual story, however, can be brought into the classroom in a way that excites students and shows the scientific process, warts and all, in a manner that promotes equity, inclusion, & science. I will describe how clues to DNA’s structure were developed over several decades and how they came together over six remarkable months in 1952 and 1953. I will focus on new research regarding Franklin’s role in the discovery and will examine how the race for the double helix fits into our usual understanding of the scientific process. I will also examine how this remarkable story can be brought into the biology classroom in a way that energizes students and provides them with a more realistic understanding of the human side of scientific discovery.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be presented with a realistic narrative that departs from the usual step-by-step version of the scientific method, addressing what this work and the reaction to it illuminates about the role of women in science and ethical values in research.

SPEAKERS:
Kenneth Miller

Participants will explore how students make sense of agricultural genetics through data, models, and discussion. Using a gene mapping activity from an EQuIP-badged genetics unit, teachers will experience strategies like jigsaw sharing, color coding, and whole-class reflection. The session defines sensemaking around an agricultural phenomena and highlights teacher moves that support student reasoning. Teachers will leave with a structured template to adapt these strategies to their own classrooms and phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
Sensemaking is about students figuring out phenomena with evidence and reasoning — teacher moves create the space, but students do the explaining.

SPEAKERS:
Angela Gulotta

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

In this hands-on workshop, explore how vaping affects the human body at the molecular and genetic levels. Learn how ELISA is used to detect biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress and how gel electrophoresis can be used to examine genetic predispositions to vaping-related harm. Analyze real-world case studies and get some fresh ideas for bringing health science into your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Damon Tighe

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Make environmental science local! Learn how Vernier sensors support long-term indoor and outdoor monitoring as students investigate natural and human-influenced phenomena like storm systems, watershed water quality, heat islands, and traffic pollution. Includes a look at the new Air Quality Sensor!

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel

This poster presents a structured group learning activity for teaching PCR, restriction enzymes, and gel electrophoresis in microbial genetics. Students assume defined roles (Encourager, Recorder, Time Keeper) while working through progressively complex scenarios involving primer binding, exponential amplification, and DNA fragment analysis. The activity integrates multiple molecular techniques and includes advanced concepts like DNA methylation effects. Initial implementation showed an increased in student engagement and understanding compared to traditional lectures.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to implement structured group roles and scaffolded activities to improve student engagement and understanding of PCR, restriction enzymes, and gel electrophoresis integration.

SPEAKERS:
Louis Bru

This study investigate the use of Alaskan blueberries as a natural and sustainable alternative to commercial pH indicators by creating a homemade pH test papers. The objective was to determine whether the blueberry juice, rich in anthocyanin, a class of naturally occurring plant pigments. This research also aimed to explore their practical applications in educational and environmental contexts. This project demonstrates pH paper production using locally sourced plant, offering an alternative indicators. In addition, this experiment presents valuable opportunities for hands-on learning in classrooms. Overall, the research highlights a simple yet effective way to merge environmental awareness with scientific inquiry by utilizing native resources for chemical testing. The researcher finds a potential feasibility of Alaskan blueberries as a natural alternative pH indicator. It can change a color and determine the acid and basic solutions.

TAKEAWAYS:
The attendees will learn that being able to deliver a lesson with the used of localized materials with the used of localized and cultural-based resources can play a vital role in students' s learning success which can lead also to have a meaningful science experiment.

SPEAKERS:
Nova Paul, Skyla Frank-Young, Allison Demit, Adrian Suladay

There are limited resources to aid students in learning challenging concepts in higher education. The lack of educational tool development may originate from assumptions that gamification of learning is elementary at this level or does not convey the rigor of the material to be learned. A course critical for the majority of STEM majors is biochemistry, which often lacks engaging learning resources. One of the fundamental concepts in biochemistry is learning the twenty common amino acids. Inspired by the popular New York Times word game, our team has developed an online gamification tool for the purpose of aiding students in learning the twenty amino acids. Using our program, Aminole, students are provided a way to improve their recall of amino acids in an engaging and repetitive way. Currently, the application is being piloted in large lecture introductory biochemistry courses. The long-term goal of this work is to make this tool a widely available resource for college students.

TAKEAWAYS:
We have developed a fun and interactive game to aid students in learning biochemistry concepts through repetition. While this game is specifically designed for biochemistry, the goal is to spark conversations and ideas on development of similar tools for students in higher education.

SPEAKERS:
Janie McDonald, Sydney Kaminsky, Cooper Gill, Heidi Anderson, Davis Katz

The use of noninvasive insects, order Blattodea, is an excellent way to teach life cycles, biomass, food waste composting, and biophilia. Attendees will be shown the comparison between vermicomposting and blatticomposting. Information on six neotropical species currently being researched/used will be shared. Of the 4,500+ species, 30 are found to be USA pests. The four top species are the American cockroach, German cockroach, Oriental cockroach, and the brown-banded cockroach. None of which should be used. Noninvasive roaches are perfect models for phenomena and science ideas in sensemaking. We are working with Green Banana roaches (Panchlora nivea), Death’s Head roaches (Blaberus craniifer), Ivory Head roaches (Eublaberus distanti), Argentinian Wood roaches (Blaptica dubia) and Madagascar Hissing roaches (Gromphadorhina portentosa). Blatticomposting enclosures are placed in school districts, used to create the state’s ITP test questions, and mentored to interested individuals.

TAKEAWAYS:
An IKEA-like plan, and NGSS-aligned lessons, will be shared to recreate hands-on, noninvasive, blatticomposting enclosures currently being used in K-12 educational settings.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Bechtel

Students love labs. Students love food. How can we use both to transform students’ ideas about what “doing science” is and can be ? How can we do so while keeping up rigor and preparing students for more advanced science classes? See how to build foundational science skills & practices, connect science to students’ everyday lives, and leverage students’ unique backgrounds & ideas through food-based phenomena. Hear from teachers in different classrooms across the U.S. to get a taste for what using food-based phenomena can look like with a variety of student populations and needs, and get answers to questions like: How can we draw on students' interests and experiences outside the classroom effectively? How can we encourage student curiosity? What does this look like logistically? What does grading look like?

TAKEAWAYS:
Hear from teachers in different classrooms who have used lessons and units centered around food-based phenomena like tea, syrup, popcorn, salt, bread, pancakes, and more. Learn how this has helped student engagement, understanding of science concepts, and students’ ideas about what science is.

SPEAKERS:
Miriam McMillian, Ashley Vandgrift, Shawn Boggs, Kate Strangfeld

Discover the Health DataWell instructional materials, co-developed by HESI and NSTA, to address the lack of materials focused on public health and data literacy. The materials provide opportunities for students to build data literacy by analyzing complex public health data, using statistics and computational models, and comparing sources to develop evidence-based explanations and solutions. In this session, you will hear from teachers who implemented the materials (Health Data Well Ambassadors) and gain practical strategies for utilizing complex public health data analysis tools with your students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain practical strategies for implementing the Health DataWell instructional materials, focusing on using real-world data and data analysis tools to identify disparities in health outcomes.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Lewis

Objective: Despite the growing importance of bioinformatics in modern biology and medicine, few undergraduate science programs provide instruction in this field. Bioinformatics involves using computer technology to extract information from DNA and protein sequences including evolutionary relatedness and genetic predisposition to certain diseases. Methods: This learning unit consists of video tutorials, written instructions for the laboratory activity, and a post activity review video. The effectiveness of the instruction is evaluated using pre assessment and post assessment questions, performance of the bioinformatics tasks, and a survey assessing the students’ attitudes toward the learning unit. Results: The module was tested with Guttman Community College biology students. The participants responded favorably to the learning unit and successfully achieved the learning objectives, gaining familiarity with fundamental bioinformatics concepts and their application.

TAKEAWAYS:
Despite the growing importance of bioinformatics in modern biology and medicine, few undergraduate science programs provide instruction in this field. This learning unit is a promising tool for introducing science students to the field of bioinformatics and data science.

SPEAKERS:
Edimarlyn Gonzalez

Freshwater salinization has been an increasing issue as the use of road salts has become more abundant. Many studies focus on the impacts of salinization on aquatic invertebrates and neglect the impacts on aquatic plants. Additionally, less is known how the formulation of the road salts impact the growth of the aquatic plants. The objective of the current study was to evaluate road salt formulations on Lemna minor survival and growth. If freshwater salinization from various road salt formulations impacts L. minor survival and growth, it may not only impact the health of this species but also pose a threat to other freshwater species in aquatic ecosystems that rely on aquatic plants.

TAKEAWAYS:
By looking at how road salts impact freshwater plants, this opens the question as to what else the addition of the road salts may do to the environment. This can connect to the high school setting, as students can get hands-on experience while seeing things that directly impact their environment.

SPEAKERS:
Myah Shier

Undergraduate students often struggle to connect abstract biochemical concepts with dynamic physiological processes. To address this challenge, we developed Cardio Chemistry: The Human Element, a guided-inquiry biochemistry lab activity in which students collected and analyzed their own physiological data during controlled exercise. Implemented in an upper-level laboratory course at a Primarily Undergraduate Institution, the intervention was evaluated using pre/post assessments, surveys, reflective responses, and exam comparisons. Results showed significant gains in conceptual understanding of the Bohr effect, increased familiarity with physiological metrics (p < 0.001), and higher final exam scores among participants. Student reflections emphasized enhanced engagement and clinical relevance, suggesting that integrating wearable sensors and personal health data into biochemistry instruction fosters interdisciplinary learning and improves knowledge transfer to real-world contexts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how using wearable technology and personal health data in undergraduate labs bridges abstract biochemical concepts with real physiology, leading to measurable gains in comprehension, engagement, and applications of oxygen delivery.

SPEAKERS:
Corey Damon

Discover the Health DataWell instructional materials, co-developed by HESI and NSTA, to address the lack of materials focused on public health and data literacy. The materials provide opportunities for students to build data literacy by analyzing complex public health data, using statistics and computational models, and comparing sources to develop evidence-based explanations and solutions. In this session, you will hear from teachers who implemented the materials (Health Data Well Ambassadors) and gain practical strategies for utilizing complex public health data analysis tools with your students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain practical strategies for implementing the Health DataWell instructional materials, focusing on using real-world data and data analysis tools to identify disparities in health outcomes.

SPEAKERS:
Madison Staton

Discover the Health DataWell instructional materials, co-developed by HESI and NSTA, to address the lack of materials focused on public health. Research shows that high school is a key time in career awareness and preparation. These materials provide students with an opportunity to expand their understanding of health professions and to consider the roles of community members in promoting public health. In this session, you will hear from teachers who implemented the materials (Health Data Well Ambassadors) and gain practical strategies for connecting students to public health roles in their communities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with practical strategies and resources to help students explore public health careers and understand the impact of community roles in promoting health.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Di Silvio

In the Genetic Counselor Challenge performance assessment, the students will demonstrate they understand genetic terminology, a specific genetic condition, Punnett squares, pedigrees and professional writing skills. Students are allowed a lot of choice which makes them engaged and invested in their final project. They will be creating a report for Claire and Ed to see the likelihood of them having a child with a certain genetic condition. Two possible options will be presented for the genetic condition: cystic fibrosis and hemophilia. However, teachers could use others. Students will create a pedigree using Punnett squares before writing a professional report for Claire and Ed. Students will be able to make the project their own by creating the family structure, which may include variations like twins or same-sex relationships. In addition, students are able to pick their challenge level, which allows some students to take it farther.

TAKEAWAYS:
Through the challenge problem, students will demonstrate their creativity, understanding of genetic terminology, Punnett squares, pedigrees and writing skills. This can be used as a summative, performance assessment. Teachers can make simple alterations to have it fit in with their curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Kaitlyn Johnson

The research was based on a questionnaire administered to 74 high school biology teachers (State or non-religious, n=47, Religious, n=27). The study examined the relationships between sector, tenure, and teacher's role perceptions with their attitudes regarding the teaching of reproduction. Through factor analysis, three constructs with high internal reliability were identified: teacher anxieties, the importance of teaching reproduction, and teacher's perception of student interest in the subject. Significant differences were found as that high school teachers in the religious education system expressed a higher level of anxiety compared to teachers in the state education system. 60% of teachers in the state education system integrate the teaching of contraception, compared to 26% in the religious education system. The results indicate the importance of adapting professional development and teaching materials to the teacher's culture and values.

TAKEAWAYS:
The results indicate the importance of adapting professional development and teaching materials to the teacher's culture and values, while influencing teacher's role perceptions to promote engagement with sensitive socio-scientific issues as teaching reproduction in biology classes in high school.

SPEAKERS:
Amichai Yavlovich

It’s no question that humans have vastly changed the landscape of local and global environments. Pollution has many detrimental and unintended impacts throughout ecosystems. What remains less understood is how organisms adapt to these changes. Pollution Evolution invites students to analyze data on peppered moths and draw conclusions about how organisms adapt to human-caused changes. This lesson plan follows the following standards: first, from NGGS HS-LS4-3. Apply concepts of statistics and probability to support explanations that organisms with an advantageous heritable trait tend to increase in proportion to organisms lacking this trait; second, Alabama’s SC15.BIO.14 Analyze and interpret data to evaluate adaptations resulting from natural and artificial selection that may cause changes in populations over time.. This lesson utilizes a simulation lab developed by askbiologist.asu.edu that students follow along with a lab worksheet.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers should take away that this lesson is about connecting environmental science with evolutionary biology, while students are encouraged to think critically about human impacts on nature.

SPEAKERS:
Brianna Santallana, Jonathan Scott

This poster presents a 7th-grade PBL unit integrating Western science and Native Hawaiian knowledge to restore ecosystems at Kalauhaʻihaʻi. Students investigate biodiversity, energy flow, and human impacts, conduct field studies, test models of structures like kuapā walls, engineering, and present solutions to community experts. The project shows how culturally grounded, place-based science fosters engagement, collaboration, and stewardship.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to design NGSS-aligned, phenomenon-driven PBL units that integrate Western science and Native Hawaiian knowledge, using real-world ecosystem restoration to foster student inquiry, cultural relevance, and community stewardship.

SPEAKERS:
Shawna Nishimoto

This poster aims to provide insight into how scientists answer biology's most fundamental questions, “Who is there and what are they doing?” The activities shared will encourage learners to explore innovative methods for obtaining this critical information through environmental DNA (eDNA). Through a series of guided inquiries, learners discover how DNA barcoding is applied to ecological studies. As a culminating activity, learners will use Google My Maps to create map layers to display existing species data (expert range maps, participatory science observations, and historic records) and propose locations for eDNA collection for a locally selected species. These activities emphasize the importance of sampling and the value of multiple lines of evidence in allowing scientists to conclude, while acknowledging potential problems that could arise. Visitors to the poster receive all materials and a structured framework to be localized to serve their practice.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore how eDNA can be used in conjunction with participatory science and historical surveys to provide multiple layers of evidence, thereby maximizing conservation efforts.

SPEAKERS:
Claire Lannoye-Hall

Students in physiology encounter different ways that homeostasis can be affected in the body. One interesting example is hyponatremia. Understanding homeostasis is an essential part of a physiology course, and finding ways to make this concept more accessible and engaging for students is important to instructors. This project uses hyponatremia to demonstrate a disruption to homeostasis in the body. A combination of pre-/post- multiple-choice quizzes and a free response question to evaluate students’ learning gains through novel exercises associated with hyponatremia using water beads to simulate human cells. This poster focuses on the methods used to collect and analyze data from various classes from the 2021-2025 school years, as well as initial findings for student learning gains. This data will inform our understanding of what students learn from these activities and how to refine future iterations of the activities that support learning about homeostasis in physiology courses.

TAKEAWAYS:
By using these novel experiments, students demonstrated statistically significant educational gains in understanding the topic of hyponatremia.

SPEAKERS:
Jason Meza, Ryan Somers

Students begin introductory biology labs with their own conceptions about science constructed over years of learning scientific models in other classes, life experiences, family origins, and the company they keep (Smith, 1998). Their conceptions can represent an inaccurate reflection of the nature of science. When students view science as absolute facts or a set of fabricated data instead of tentative models and believe that close following of the scientific method will yield these facts, they are misunderstanding the nature of science. Our college introductory majors biology lab aims to challenge these misconceptions. In Fall 2025, we added simple targeted interventions to a DNA extraction lab exercise to help students see science as a process of developing and refining models. This poster shows the results of these interventions on student understanding of the nature of science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Simple targeted instructional interventions designed to illustrate science as a process of developing and refining models were added to a college introductory biology DNA extraction lab exercise. This poster shows the results of these interventions on student understanding of the nature of science.

SPEAKERS:
Erin McNally-Goward, Jennifer Cymbola

Drosophila Melanogaster, a well-established genetic model organism, provides powerful tools for studying cancer biology. I plan to explore how tumor-like growth can be induced and observed in Drosophila larvae, offering insights into cell proliferation, migration, and tissue invasion. The simplicity of the larval system, combined with the fruit fly’s conserved genetic pathways, makes it an accessible and cost-effective model for investigating mechanisms underlying cancer progression. By examining parallels between fly tumor biology and human cancers, everyone can gain an appreciation for how this model organism continues to advance biomedical research as well as education. My presentation will highlight the importance of model systems in bridging basic research with translational insights into human health.

TAKEAWAYS:
Studying cancer cells in Drosophila larvae reveals certain mechanisms of tumor growth and offers an accessible model for understanding human cancer biology.

SPEAKERS:
Emery Breitbarth

This poster showcases the use of inquiry-based learning in biology labs to allow students to learn about core concepts through research and experimentation while promoting student engagement. For a cell biology lab, Argument-Driven Inquiry (ADI) was utilized to let the students actively conduct research on the effects of caffeine on HeLa cells and then report their research to their peers. Although this study found no significant differences in terms of quantitative data, the qualitative data showed students were more engaged in the classroom activities and material. Pulling from this study, inquiry-based learning will be applied to a human physiology postsecondary lab. By utilizing inquiry-based activities that would simulate real-world experiences, it is predicted that students will be more engaged in class material leading to greater conceptual understanding over time than students not in an inquiry-based lab.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover ways to implement inquiry-based learning into biology labs to help promote student learning and engagement. This approach emphasizes collaboration, research, and real-world applications to better equip students for life after graduation.

SPEAKERS:
Allison Grieshop

Discover the Health DataWell instructional materials, co-developed by HESI and NSTA, to address the lack of materials focused on public health and data literacy. The materials provide opportunities for students to build data literacy by analyzing complex public health data, using statistics and computational models, and comparing sources to develop evidence-based explanations and solutions. In this session, you will hear from teachers who implemented the materials (Health Data Well Ambassadors) and gain practical strategies for utilizing complex public health data analysis tools with your students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain practical strategies for implementing the Health DataWell instructional materials, focusing on using real-world data and data analysis tools to identify disparities in health outcomes.

SPEAKERS:
Shanna Bohrer

How do students learn biology best? The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) scaffolded students in science, if used. Scaffolding information continues as students enter college. Most scaffolding occurs in courses students want to take for their majors. Sometimes science is a general education requirement and not a desired goal. Data collected from a three-year study on student perceptions of their learning in a non-major’s biology class has directed a foundational class and laboratory. A prominent theme in the data emerged, as students want to participate in their learning process. This poster represents one of the class topics presented with multimodal strategies. The lecture focuses on the immune system using lecture, films and games. The lab focuses on viruses using individual virtual work, which can be paired-checked for thoroughness before submission and a group hands-on activity where students become more collaborative as they must decide where a virus originates.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to use multimodal learning instructional strategies to encourage differentiated learning in science without differentiating students.

SPEAKERS:
Tamera Klingbyll

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Tired of complex, low-yield transformation labs? Meet an easy-to-implement transformation where students change bacteria from white to blue. Enjoy a simple teacher prep, a 45-minute student protocol, and minimal equipment. We will raffle a Cozy Cube™ Incubator in this session!

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hennessy-McDonald, PhD

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Human expansion into wild habitats creates conflict—but science can help mediate it. Learn how DNA forensics allows wildlife biologists to determine which bears are responsible for neighborhood mischief and make informed management decisions. Step into the role of a conservation scientist as you investigate case scenarios and propose solutions that protect wildlife while keeping communities safe. Bring home a classroom-ready activity that links genetics to environmental stewardship.

SPEAKERS:
Erika Fong

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

This hands-on session will challenge participants to create and interpret models to illustrate the diversity of structures and functions of life at the cellular level. Participants will be given a brief overview of the Cell Modeling Kits and then a challenge to create a cell model of a specific type of cell, provided only its function. Participants will then evaluate and revise their models as they walk through David Goodsell's Molecular Landscape.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman

This presentation revisits what counts as real-world and relevant in the science classroom. The ubiquitous terms are often used to describe instruction that is both meaningful and leads to content learning outcomes. Yet, the chosen examples do not always resonate with students as intended. Attendees will consider factors that make learning relevant and how to situate real-world examples. We will start by asking whether Fat Bear Week in Alaska is relevant to students in any classroom. This example might not reach all students if they are neither interested in bears or geographically nearby. Planning strategies that peak the curiosity of students with varied interests and experiences to make real-world examples more relevant and meaningful for students will be shared. One strategy is to identify anchoring questions that connect at the local and personal level. Attendees will leave with tools to be intentional when selecting real-world examples to support student learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn factors that make learning relevant and leverage tools like anchoring questions to help connect real-world examples in personally impactful ways for students. Small lesson planning moves can make learning more meaningful and lead to deeper content understanding.

SPEAKERS:
Takumi Sato, PhD

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

Roll up your sleeves and get into the lab! See what high school science looks like when students learn by doing. In this exclusive Savvas and Flinn Scientific collaboration, you’ll participate in an interactive workshop and explore how phenomena, investigation, and explanation come together in real instruction. You’ll leave with student-ready resources and practical ideas you can use right away, plus a sneak peek of Miller & Levine Experience Biology, Savvas’s newest next-generation high school science program.

SPEAKERS:
Obie Martin

Learn more about this game-based method to introduce computational biology concepts in your life science classes. The comic book-style FILTERED puzzle games help students grasp the function of programs used to analyze DNA. Get your FREE teacher account and be ready to save the world!

TAKEAWAYS:
FILTERED: a story-driven digital learning platform for bioinformatics is an online module that introduces students to the biological concepts and logical thinking skills used in the field of bioinformatics and DNA analysis.

SPEAKERS:
Madelene Loftin

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Decoding bacterial “conversations” offers insight into new strategies for treating chronic infections, such as those associated with cystic fibrosis (CF). In this hands-on workshop, participants use bioluminescent bacteria to investigate quorum sensing and model the signal transduction pathways that regulate virulence and biofilm formation in CF airways. Through pathway modeling, co-plating experiments, and testing quorum-sensing inhibitors, participants explore how disrupting bacterial communication—rather than killing cells outright—can alter disease progression and outcomes. The session emphasizes classroom-ready approaches for teaching cell communication and gene expression and for connecting microbial signaling to therapeutic innovation.

SPEAKERS:
Damon Tighe

Models are more than pictures, they are powerful tools for making student thinking visible. In the classroom, models can be used as sensemaking tools that evolve as students’ understanding of scientific concepts deepen. Using examples from Earth-science integrated physics and biology curricula, participants step into the role of students to experience creating, revising, and refining models to gain deeper insight into how modeling supports sensemaking, reveals misconceptions, and highlights shifts in students’ understanding. Integration of student discourse and scaffolded writing strategies offer participants additional opportunities to support students in creating more robust models and using those models to communicate their understanding of complex everyday phenomena. Through experiential understanding, participants will leave with a clear vision for designing lessons that empower learners to engage in authentic modeling practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will engage in modeling from a student perspective and reflect as teachers through collaborative discussion—sharing experiences and gaining practical strategies to support authentic modeling that makes student thinking and sensemaking visible in the science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Carpe, Nina Groseclose

Sponsoring Company: FLINN

Discover interactive activities that spark curiosity and bring science to life. This session highlights microscope-based explorations, hands-on investigations, and engaging STEM challenges that promote creativity and critical thinking. Students move beyond passive learning to do science—examining real specimens, collecting and analyzing data, solving problems, and collaborating with peers. By blending experiments, technology, and inquiry-based activities, learning becomes dynamic, memorable, and fun while building the skills scientists and engineers use every day. Handouts included.

SPEAKERS:
Jodi Knabe

The results of a sensemaking research study shall be presented addressing how teaching without attention to relevance results in decreased motivation for learning and negative attitudes toward science in a high school classroom. Modeling of selected activities from study will engage participants in an instructional method incorporating physical, sport-related activities as used for the study's initial phenomena to develop relevance and therefore enhance achievement in science as compared to typical/traditional instructional methods that was a follow up to integrate science and engineering practices. This experimental method consisted of Relevance Integration for Teaching Science using Sports Exploration (RITSSE) involving novel data sets of kinesthetic data sets through sports experiences as a means to enhance the Nature of Science and the frameworks of NGSS. For students and teachers not interested in the modelled sports, alternatives will be discussed for increased equitability.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will take the role of students and participate in selected research studies activities using sport as a mechanism for the introduction of science concepts. Participants will also discuss adaptations to RITSSE curriculum design to accommodate their preferences of relevance connection.

SPEAKERS:
Erin Roades

Dive into the ocean and discover awe inspiring phenomena that will inspire your students. In our hour session we’ll explore shark teeth and shark buoyancy, whaleometry, plankton design, island ecology, wave science, and physical oceanography. The ocean connects your science subject matter to real-life contexts and provides learning experiences to engage student interest and supports their motivation. The ocean is not merely water - it is a cradle and a crucible where life dreams, where storms rage, and where horizons tease us with the ability to bring our science instruction to life.

TAKEAWAYS:
Good phenomena can make or break science instruction. Attendees will learn how to use ocean based phenomena to enhance Next Generation Science units. In addition, activities and labs will be presented on marine life and physical oceanography that are engaging to students and easy for teachers.

SPEAKERS:
William Brooks

Join us for an interactive session that will empower you to bring the rich, student-centered learning experiences called for by the NGSS into your own classroom. In this workshop, you'll engage in collaborative, small-group activities designed to deepen your understanding of how to use meaningful tasks to spark productive and inclusive student conversations. You'll walk away with practical strategies for designing lessons that foster active sense-making through talk, as well as routines and norms that ensure every student has a voice in the discussion. Here’s what you can expect: • The Power of Talk in Learning (10 min): Why meaningful conversations are essential for student growth. • Hands-On Experience (30 min): Engage in two examples of tasks that encourage inclusive, collaborative student discussions. • Designing for Engagement (10 min): Learn key principles for structuring discussions that increases participation and sensemaking. • Next Steps (5 min): Resources you can use

TAKEAWAYS:
The establishment of routines and norms and the use of meaningful tasks are critical for increasing productive participation in small group and whole class discussions.

SPEAKERS:
Victor Sampson

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

How did humans evolve diverse skin colors across the globe? Engage with free resources from HHMI BioInteractive to gather evidence for how natural selection has led to the diversity of human skin color seen today. We will use the short film “The Biology of Skin Color” to engage students in the phenomenon, along with companion resources that feature primary data and pedagogical scaffolds to support students in developing an evolutionary explanation. Participants will experience an interactive, phenomenon-based lesson sequence and have opportunities to discuss ways to adapt the sequence to fit their own instructional contexts.

SPEAKERS:
Kristen Short, Deanna Digitale-Grider

This presentation will showcase three web-based educational simulations that demonstrate how AI can rapidly transform complex scientific concepts into interactive learning experiences. Using AI, these tools were created to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The PCR & Gel Electrophoresis simulation allows students to virtually perform laboratory techniques often inaccessible due to equipment costs. The Lac Operon simulation provides hands-on exploration of gene regulation mechanisms that are typically only taught through static diagrams. The Psychology Chatbot enables clinical interview practice with realistic patient interactions impossible in traditional classroom settings. AI streamlined the creation of those simulations and help connect scientific principles to real-world applications.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will see how AI can rapidly create interactive simulations that help students get hands-on learning experiences in science.

SPEAKERS:
Louis Bru

Discover how mastery learning and AI can support equitable 3D science assessments. Use provided learning scales and AI tools to build NGSS-aligned tasks. Engage in hands-on practice and leave with ready-to-use strategies and assessments for your classroom or team. This workshop is deeply rooted in the belief that all students deserve access to meaningful, rigorous, and transparent science learning experiences. By centering mastery learning and learning scales, we create a framework where success is not based on one-time performance but on clear pathways toward growth—supporting equity over uniformity. Key ways this workshop supports access, inclusion, diversity, and equity: Transparent Expectations: Learning scales break down abstract standards into student-friendly, observable progressions, helping all learners—especially multilingual students, students with IEPs, and those historically underserved in STEM—understand what success looks like and how to get there.

TAKEAWAYS:
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to: Understand the role of learning scales in mastery-based instruction and assessment.; Use learning scales aligned to NGSS SEPs to create assessment tasks; and use AI tools to generate and refine 3D assessment items.

SPEAKERS:
Chrystal Anderson, Tamara Alt

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

The carbon cycle connects all systems together! But how?! Explore a new way to frame photosynthesis and cellular respiration for students. In this workshop, we’ll use real-time data to explore these biological processes and connect them to the carbon cycle and energy transfer in ecosystems.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel

Using publicly released assessment items from the Maryland High School Life Science assessment, participants will analyze how each of the 3 dimensions are being assessed. Participants will focus on designing assessment items equitable for all learners, specifically for multi-language learners (MLLs). Participants will analyze questions to determine the language demands and objectives, using these demands and objectives to inform instructional design. Participants will examine accommodations and modifications that can be made to assessment items to make them more accessible for MLLs. Assessment items must focus on one language demand at a time for MLLs, ensuring that language objectives align with what is being assessed. Participants will explore sample items and learn to revise their own assessment items to allow students to write explanations which are reflective of their current writing abilities, allowing them to demonstrate their understanding of the 3 dimensions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use the 3D Framework of NGSS to analyze publicly released items from MD Biology Assessments for components that could present challenges to diverse groups of learners with a specific focus on multi-lingual learners. Specific strategies to develop 3D assessments and support diverse learners.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew Collins, Edmund Mitzel, Jr., Ph.D.

Everyone is familiar with the effects of perspiration on the skin. The cooling effect is very refreshing on a hot summer day. But what if we perspired some liquid other than water? Would we cool off more rapidly? Would we heat up? The goal of this activity is to help participants use the 3-D model to understand the "magic" of the water molecule. Without water and its incredibly unique characteristics, life as we know it would be impossible. In this session, we will experimentally address the question, "What if we perspired some liquid other than water?" On a grander scale, since Earth is covered mostly with water, the overall global temperature remains pretty constant. What if there were less water? Or what if, instead of water, another liquid were the norm? We will hypothesize an answer to these questions and then experimentally test those hypotheses.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this hands-on workshop, attendees will discover the evaporative cooling properties of water through experimental discovery.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Lukens

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

The T4 bacteriophage is a fantastical E. coli killing machine. It has evolved – over several billion years – the ability to walk around in the tall grass that covers the outside surface of an E. coli cell until it finds its specific receptor protein embedded in the E. coli outer membrane. This binding of the long, spindly legs of the T4 phage with its receptor then triggers the subsequent events that results in the efficient infection of the E. coli cell. Once the T4 phage has injected its DNA into E. coli, it begins choreographing the many processes that lead to the replication of hundreds of new T4 phage particles. In the last phase of the T4 phage infection cycle, the infected E. coli bursts open releasing hundreds of new phage particles. This session will introduce a physical model of a T4 phage that students can use to explore all phases the phage’s life cycle. This model is enhanced by a digital exploration of a molecular landscape of the T4 Life Cycle by David Goodsell.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman

Unfortunately, public health measures taken during the pandemic and post-pandemic years have engendered widespread political and public hostility. This workshop will explore how effective Biology education can counteract these trends by promoting student understanding of disease mechanisms and of the scientific tools available to safeguard human health. Every crisis brings opportunity, and behind the challenges we face as science educators is a looming opportunity to engage our students in some of the most important questions that affect their lives. Even our youngest students are acutely aware of the ways in which the Covid pandemic has impacted their lives, and this awareness provides a genuine opportunity to engage students with the scientific process. The ways in which diseases such as cholera, smallpox, the flu, and Covid affect the human body will be explored in light of recent research. The science of specific countermeasures for each will be review

TAKEAWAYS:
The application of core biological principles to the challenge of disease presents a unique opportunity to engage students with topics of interest that are deeply relevant to their everyday lives. As a result, they can be used to enhance student interest and teaching effectiveness.

SPEAKERS:
Kenneth Miller

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Learn how to reveal the molecular basis for the purple phenotype in Rapid Cycling Brassica's! Students will score the "purpleness" of seedlings and using PCR and electrophoresis will determine the genotype of each sample. Students can then compare the genotypes to the amount of purple in the plant. By sharing their data in a common database, students will help determine if there is any correlation between homozygous/heterozygous and the amount of purple seen on the seedlings.

SPEAKERS:
Whitney Hagins, Erika Fong

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Science

Helping students design experiments and understand variables can be challenging, especially when moving beyond step-by-step labs. This workshop offers a structured approach to teaching experimental design through observation, questioning, and hands-on investigation. Participants will practice guiding students in developing testable questions, identifying variables, and creating controlled experimental plans. To model the process, we will use a simple plant system with a rapid life cycle that allows quick data collection and clear results. The session will also include strategies for scaffolding inquiry, supporting student independence, and aligning activities with NGSS. Participants will leave with practical tools for introducing experimental design in middle and high school classrooms, along with ideas for extending short investigations into student-driven projects.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Stubbs

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Experience CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing experiments designed for your students' learning! In this hands-on workshop edit a chromosomal gene, complete with essential experimental controls, using the same cut-and-repair technology used in medicinal and agricultural applications.

SPEAKERS:
Damon Tighe

The Emerging Leaders in STEM program combines virtual STEM career workshops with in person biotechnology laboratory sessions to build a sense of community and belonging in students to increase their confidence in pursuing a career in STEM. This model combines lessons in career education, speaker sessions with STEM professionals and the technical skills and knowledge required in a STEM career to better prepare students to be internship and college ready. By using a hybrid model, the program is scalable to so the program can be run in different communities and adapted to local needs by using training teachers locally to run the summer sessions.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will go over how the Emerging Leaders in STEM program is run, discuss techniques that can be used in informal and formal education, and discuss the teacher training model.

SPEAKERS:
Ashley LaVerdure, Benedetta Naglieri

Primary scientific literature is difficult for non-specialists to understand. One method of reading scientific literature, the CREATE (Consider, Read, Elucidate the hypotheses, Analyze the figures, Think of the next Experiment) method, has had success in college classrooms. In this workshop, you will learn how the CREATE method can be adapted to a high school audience. Students are provided with assignments for each step of the method, culminating with a mini grant panel where they propose experiments and evaluate each other’s work. You will read a paper on CRISPR methods as if you were the student in the classroom, completing the activities in real time. You will leave the workshop with easily adaptable resources to use with any primary science article of your choosing. We will also discuss and share strategies and resources for identifying and choosing primary science articles to include in your curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how the CREATE method can be adapted to the high school classroom, providing a clear and systematic approach to reading primary science literature.

SPEAKERS:
Shelby Montague

Investigate the role of scale, quantity, and proportion during an interactive activity. Explore how to make simple, but useful, estimates of quantities that are too large to observe directly. The activity is part of a new free high school curriculum called Scientific Thinking for All: A Toolkit. The course provides a toolkit of cognitive strategies applied to real-world issues such as water quality, energy use, and student well-being. Students utilize scientific approaches for interpreting evidence, engaging in probabilistic reasoning, identifying sources of uncertainty, and developing iterative solutions. They develop skills in reasoning and collaboration, equipping them to deal with the challenges of the 21st century. The material is an adaptation of a University of California, Berkeley course created by Nobel Prize winner Saul Perlmutter and is being developed by the UC Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Investigate the role of scale, quantity, and proportion during an interactive activity. Explore how to make simple, but useful, estimates of quantities that are too large to observe directly. The activity, a part of a 10-lesson unit on modeling in the context of ecology, is free for download.

SPEAKERS:
Janet Bellantoni, Sarah Metz