Why do mammals drink milk? Why can some people digest milk throughout their lives while others cannot? In this interactive session, participants experience the Illinois AgBio Milk Storyline, where everyday food becomes the entry point for rich, three-dimensional science learning. Experience how students investigate real-world phenomena through modeling, data analysis, and evidence-based explanations while building understanding of digestion, genetics, natural selection, and human biology. Along the way, discover how food science naturally sparks curiosity, empowers students to ask meaningful questions, and connects classroom learning to authentic careers in agriculture, nutrition, genetics, healthcare, and food science. Leave with practical strategies and a classroom-ready approach that uses familiar, relevant phenomena to make science engaging, accessible, and meaningful for all learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Experience how everyday food can spark meaningful science learning. Explore the Illinois AgBio Milk Storyline and leave with practical strategies for using familiar phenomena to engage students in three-dimensional learning while connecting science to real-world careers.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Embry Mohr, Zoe Evans

How did corn become one of the world's most important crops? How will it meet the challenges of a changing climate? Through the Illinois AgBio Corn Storyline, participants investigate how genetics, environmental pressures, engineering design, and technology work together to improve crop production and address challenges such as climate change. Educators experience instructional strategies that engage students in using evidence to explain agricultural phenomena while exploring innovations in precision agriculture, biotechnology, data-driven farming, and genetic modification. Participants will leave with a classroom-ready storyline that connects to NGSS performance expectations and Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Cluster pathways and helps students see the science behind one of the world's most versatile crops.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore the surprising science behind one of the world's most important crops. Experience a classroom-ready storyline that uses corn to spark curiosity, investigate real-world challenges, and connect science learning to biotechnology, engineering, and STEM careers.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Embry Mohr, Zoe Evans

Why doesn't an apple seed grow into the same kind of apple? Explore this surprising question through the Illinois AgBio Apple Storyline, where an everyday fruit becomes the foundation for investigating genetics, heredity, plant reproduction, and engineering design. Experience how students use models, evidence, and problem-solving to discover why grafting preserves desirable traits, how new apple varieties are developed, and how engineers and scientists address challenges in modern orchards. Along the way, explore how food production connects biology, engineering, and innovation while highlighting careers in horticulture, biotechnology, agricultural engineering, and plant science. Leave with a classroom-ready storyline that brings genetics to life through an authentic agricultural phenomenon.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how an everyday apple can unlock big ideas in genetics and engineering. Experience a classroom-ready storyline that helps students investigate heredity, innovation, and food production while connecting science learning to authentic STEM careers.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Embry Mohr

How can we help students see themselves in STEM careers they may have never considered? In this interactive session, participants will engage in hands-on activities, learn strategies for facilitating meaningful classroom conversations about STEM careers, and explore free resources that help students connect science learning to authentic opportunities beyond the classroom. Discover how career exploration can become a natural extension of science instruction while helping students understand the people, technologies, and innovations that shape the world around them. Leave with ready-to-use tools and resources that make career conversations engaging, relevant, and accessible for all learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn practical strategies for making STEM career exploration a meaningful part of science instruction. Leave with ready-to-use resources, conversation tools, and activities that help students connect classroom learning to future opportunities.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Embry Mohr