Use each stage of the Engineering Design Process to complete a team challenge of building and launching a satellite while making connections to NASA missions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about and use the engineering design process to build and perform a drop test of a satellite using NASA’s BEST activities. Educators will learn how to integrate the process skills of measuring, calculating, designing and evaluating while teaching the engineering design process. Make real-life connections to how NASA engineers use the engineering design process and work as teams to accomplish their mission goals.

SPEAKERS:
Barbie Buckner

Join this workshop and participate in a hands-on activity to help students overcome common chemical equilibrium misconceptions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. take part in a hands-on inquiry activity with a chemical equilibrium having a large K value; 2. learn ways to overcome student misconceptions about equilibrium; and 3. learn to use appropriate technology to facilitate data collection and analysis for an inquiry lab.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory Dodd

Participants will dissect completed three-dimensional lessons written to NGSS standards for grades 6–8 in order to identify and apply each of the dimensions.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. NGSS Performance Expectations can serve as a helpful guide and tool when developing 3D lessons 2. By exploring completed 3D lessons we can build competency in developing our own 3. Inquiry based learning is an excellent way to ensure we are utilizing NGSS 3D Standards

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Ellis, Amy Levine

Learn how a science teacher incorporated HOTS (higher-order thinking skills), technology, and alternative assessments in her classroom and doesn't want to go back to traditional assessments.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Describe higher order thinking skills and how educators need to help students obtain these skills. 2. Show examples of how technology can be used as a tool to help students learn HOTS. 3. See examples of how alternative assessments were used in a science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Emilie Tekely

NITARP (NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program) gets teachers involved in authentic astronomical research. Small groups of mostly high school educators work with professional astronomers for an original research project.

TAKEAWAYS:
A clear understanding of the application process to apply for a NITARP opportunity. An idea of the research experience of a participant involved in this astronomy experience. An awareness of the vast astronomy resources (images and astronomy programs) available for free to educators and their students.

SPEAKERS:
John Taylor

Leverage the power of smartphone sensors in today’s physics classroom so that all students get experience in experimental science. Class-ready materials provided.

TAKEAWAYS:
Phone physics increases equitable access to experimental science in the classroom or at home as a flipped lab or distance learning. Phone sensors match or improve upon precision and accuracy of classic physics equipment. Phone physics has a low floor/high ceiling and is appropriate for all levels.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Tobler

Looking for ways to connect what students learn at school with their home learning environment? This session will provide participants with many overarching hands-on science lessons that integrate the science and engineering practices and can easily be completed at home or school. Materials are cheap and easily accessible for parents/teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Overarching science concepts at each grade band; 2. Connecting hands-on science activities to at-home learning; and 3. Creating at-home lesson templates.

SPEAKERS:
Amber Cobb

Take your students beyond your classroom walls through virtual speakers and field trips with those on the front lines of science, exploration, and conservation.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover the benefits of bringing exciting scientists, explorers, and conservationists live into your classroom through virtual guest speakers and field trips; 2. Explore how easy it is to do with exciting resources like Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants, Explorer Classroom, Google, and more; and 3. What to do before, during, and afterwards so your students get the most from these experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Joe Grabowski

Discover how to successfully launch and retrieve payloads engineered by your students into the stratosphere. In the 21st century, the sky is truly the limit!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to design, predict and track stratospheric ballooning projects. Attendees will learn about the FAA guidelines and regulations associated with unmanned balloons. Attendees will learn about the challenges and pitfalls of gathering data from extreme environments up to 20 miles from the surface of the Earth.

SPEAKERS:
Robert Ferrell, Michael Oberly

Did you realize that elders used inquiry, a multidisciplinary project-based approach, hands-on learning, and innovation? Incorporating these ideas will improve your classroom for ALL students.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. All teachers can adapt their teaching methods to match those of our elders. 2. The sequence and methods that were used by our elders insured that students were active learners. 3. The elders not only had students build a foundation of knowledge, but also they accomplished this by using inquiry, exploring phenomena, implementing a hands-on approach, and concluding with an innovative extension.

SPEAKERS:
Joel Truesdell

Students will explore how that spinning mass/hanging mass lab is built on the same physics that radio astronomers used to discover dark matter.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students will learn: 1. how dark matter was uncovered; 2. that galactic rotational motion follows different rules than either circular motion or Kepler’s planetary motion laws; and 3. by doing hands-on activities that include building graphing and data analysis skills.

SPEAKERS:
John Clark

Successful environmental science education needs to balance data with compassion and equitable sensemaking. How do we manage student anxiety and invite them into the problem?

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will form support groups to recognize their own anxiety in order to prevent burnout and deliver content effectively and sensitively. Subtractive problem solving will be highlighted as a means to ease "hopelessness" in climate discussions. The role of sensemaking, as it applies to students of various backgrounds and with various needs, will be brought into the climate discussion as well.

SPEAKERS:
Margaret Epstein

Practice hands-on strategies for engaging students with scientific notebooks, letters, photos, and drawings; and highlighting scientific practices, nature of science, and connections between science and society.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Access to millions of free, digitized primary sources the Library of Congress has for K-12 science educators, such as: Thomas Jefferson’s weather journal, Robert Hooke’s first drawings of cells, photographs from the Dust Bowl, historic newspaper accounts about lead paint and electric cars, and much more! 2. Multiple hands-on strategies for integrating science-related primary sources in the K-12 classroom, to facilitate student engagement, critical thinking and student-centered construction of knowledge. 3. An understanding of how primary source analysis can lead to unique insights related to the Nature of Science, such as: how scientists and engineers think, practice, and apply scientific principles and discoveries in the real world; how scientific ideas evolve over time; and how science and engineering are related to society.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Apfeldorf

Explore how students can change metal properties through alloying, heat-treating, and cold-work. Classroom activities enhance understanding of both atomic structure and real-world engineering relevance.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Labs for students to deepen understanding of metal properties; 2. Real-world applications for atomic-level changes; and 3. Engineering challenges for students to apply knowledge.

SPEAKERS:
Briana Richardson, Scott Spohler

Unpack executive functioning and best practices for increasing students with learning challenges' efficacy in Project Based Learning. We'll discuss workshop barriers and pitfalls you've experienced.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Unpack executive functioning for students with learning challenges in science education. 2. Identify the best practices, tools and strategies, to help students manage Project Based Learning (PBL) in Science. 3. Model the continuum of more hand-holding to less when facilitating PBL in science education for both primary and secondary students.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Chambers

Fulbright's DAST program is seeking U.S. teachers for two- to six-week projects all over the globe. Come hear from 2020 Uzbekistan Fellow Allan Miller and learn how you can apply.

TAKEAWAYS:
What is the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teacher Short Term Program for US Teachers and how can a teacher apply? An understanding of the presenters experience in Uzbekistan in Jan / Feb 2020 training the first cohort of STEM teacher trainers at the Samarqand Institute for Teacher Education An overview of the 3 Dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards, which served as the foundational learning for grounding the Uzbek Teacher Trainers in an understanding of "What is STEM?"

SPEAKERS:
Allan Miller

We are awash in assessment data, but often it’s overwhelming to make sense of it. Come learn tips and strategies for wrangling data.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore new ways to organize data collection and raw data to aid in exploring the data for stories after it is collected; 2. Acquire skills in tying questions, data types, and data visualizations to enhance your ability to make sense of the assessment data; and 3. Identify next steps to better utilize and leverage your assessment data to help you measure students’ success and know what steps to consider next.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hunter-Thomson

Argument-Driven Inquiry is an instructional model that gives students an opportunity to learn how to use DCIs, CCs, and SEPs to explain natural phenomena and creates a learning environment where students are able to talk, read, and write in the service of sensemaking.

TAKEAWAYS:
• How to use this instructional model, or way of teaching, to give students an opportunity to learn how to use the DCIs, CCs, and SEPs to make sense of natural phenomena. • How to give students an opportunity to use their own ideas and ways of communicating to talk, read, and write in the service of sense-making • How to give students more opportunities to decide what counts as valid and acceptable and develop new criteria for what counts evidence in science.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Hutner

This presentation will review the PBL strategy and how it is being used to enhance students’ learning, in-class and virtually, in relation to epidemiology.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Current research supports that project-based learning increases scientific efficacy and an explanation of project-based learning will be included. 2. Science is a collaborative endeavor and educators must teach students how to collaborate; both face-to-face and virtually. 3. Epidemiology is a field of study where many types of scientists must collaborate to solve public health problems and this field is accessible to middle and high school students.

SPEAKERS:
Emilie Tekely

Explore climate science and justice intersections in teaching and learning through practical examples and resources for classroom engagement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Climate science justice Learning activities and resources to build capacity within the educational systems to engage in this much needed work, and specifically to foster inquiry and civic practices for both educators and students. Resources to help educational leaders navigate the implementation of such learning across varied educational systems and community contexts

SPEAKERS:
Deb Morrison, Michael Heinz

The Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science is a network of 150+ science teachers. We have presented over 225 teacher workshops in all 50 U.S. states.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science (TIES) provides high school biology teachers with paid opportunities to present to middle and high school science teachers who need help teaching evolution in an engaging and effective manner. 2. TIES has several FREE, complete evolution units for science teachers to use in their classrooms, including assessments, active learning lessons, online investigations, and bell-ringer activities, along with dozens of other free resources. 3. TIES invites educators, biologists, and science authors to give monthly webinars to an international audience of teachers, students, and science enthusiasts.

SPEAKERS:
Christopher Moran

Participants will explore methods to help all science students create better scientific arguments from data. Presenters will use AP Biology Exam Free Response Questions and Scoring Guidelines to show participants how to evaluate student science writing and engage students in peer review.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to internalize the rubrics as AP Readers do. Use peer review to evaluate student writing. Use tech tools to engage students in analysis of data and self-review of science writing.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Lesh, Amy Inselberger

Reading should not be limited to English courses. Leave with strategies on how to motivate students to explore science through scientific novels. Review three years of qualitative data on how novels increased  literacy, scientific fluency, scientific connectivity, and college preparation in a marine biology course.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will: 1. learn how to use articles to make their content more applicable to the lives of their students; 2. receive strategies on how to get students to read more scientific articles; and 3. receive resources on selecting grade-appropriate scientific articles.

SPEAKERS:
Jonte' Lee

Explore IRIS’s new web-based interactive earthquake lab! Have your students learn and practice earthquake location and analysis techniques with real seismic data! Bring a laptop/tablet!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Analyze and interpret data to help explain how patterns in seismic data allow earthquakes to be located; 2. Construct an explanation of how models of Earth structure are used in conjunction with recordings of seismic waves to calculate earthquake locations; and 3. Investigate how different methods can be applied to the same dataset to calculate earthquake locations using an online toolkit.

SPEAKERS:
John Taber, Wendy Bohon

This workshop focuses on how high-quality instructional materials designed for the NGSS provide for language skills to be developed by all students, including emerging multilingual students, by engaging in Science and Engineering Practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
(1) By engaging with content first before learning science-specific vocabulary, students of varying language proficiencies are provided with an opportunity to express their ideas using the language they have. (2) Implementing meaningful student discourse in the science classroom can shift the focus on science and engineering practices and away from academic vocabulary. (3) Strategies that support emerging multilingual learners actually support all learners in developing proficiency in the science and engineering practices.

SPEAKERS:
Neelo Soltanzadeh

Discover ideas, curricula, and lessons/activities from the Space Station Explorers Program. They inspire curiosity, develop skills, and promote learning in scientific, mathematical, life science, and Earth science spheres by engaging students with the International Space Station.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to access the ideas, curriculum, and lessons/activities of the Space Station Explorers Program How the program integrates appropriately and easily into the classroom (physically or virtually) as well as activities for learning at home. How to become a Space Station Explorer Ambassador

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Pore

Discover Switch Classroom, a free, online, objective curriculum about energy use and nonrenewable and renewable resources centered on AP Environmental Science and NGSS Energy standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore the Switch Energy Alliance resources, including Switch Classroom, energy videos, and full-length documentaries. The Switch Classroom curriculum covers six units of comprehensive lessons detailing renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, energy production fundamentals, and how energy decisions are made; 2. Learn how to set up your own class using Switch Classroom, creating a customized energy unit for your students that includes video and your choice of activities (multiple-choice quizzes, critical-thinking writing and diagramming, and lab and math-based calculation activities); and 3. Increase your students' ability and skills to explain concepts, analyze visual representations, and propose solutions to complex energy decisions in a nonpartisan and objective manner.

SPEAKERS:
Lynn Kistler, Ruthann McComb

Explore how to take advantage of NSTA’s vast resources and pathways—including both asynchronous and synchronous options—to create personalized professional learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover the value of being a School or District NSTA Partner; 2. Explore how to maximize online professional learning for all teachers; and 3. Discover how to utilize NSTA's online learning resources to support in-person professional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Tricia Shelton, Flavio Mendez

Join me for a multidisciplinary, open-ended investigation that incorporates absolute and relative dating, anomalies, historical context, volcanoes, solar proton events, energy cycles, Earth systems, terrestrial events, and supernovas.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students will have a better understanding of the process of constructing knowledge. Students will have to analyze and defend their results. Sometimes there is no answer key, only possible solutions from constructing and analyzing data from several sources that cross traditional disciplines.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young

Discussion centers on tools to properly analyze black students’ scientific work to determine if the misconceptions and misunderstandings are a learning issue or language issue. Emphasis will be placed on the use of language to reduce the ethnic achievement gap in science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Analyzing students’ work from a linguistic lens; 2. Recognizing biases when it comes to student language; and 3. Pushing Black students academically forward without making them feel torn between two language worlds.

SPEAKERS:
Jonte' Lee

Connect the human impact of trash pollution to engineering design. Get your students thinking critically and creatively as they collaborate in real-world problem-solving.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Connecting the human impact of single-use plastics and their effect on aquatic ecosystems; 2. Exposing students to basic coding and engineering design in an NGSS-focused content classroom; and 3. Developing a project that enhances STEM skills in students such as collaboration, curiosity, and creative problem-solving.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Kohout, Stacy Thibodeaux

This session models how to teach Environmental Justice and how to assess student learning. Participants design and test a landfill liner.

TAKEAWAYS:
1-Attendees will learn how to describe Environmental Justice as an environmental ethical principle. 2-Attendees will learn how to design an Environmental Justice lesson, incorporating multiple learning styles. 3-Attendees will learn how to assess student learning of Environmental Justice.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Spike

Historical inquiry allows students to develop understanding by using scientific practices to trace the experiments that led to foundational core ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
--How to design experiences that allow students to trace the thinking that led to foundational scientific ideas --How to create performance-based assessments that allow students to transfer the scientific practices they have learned to novel situations --How to use historical inquiry to demonstrate that our understanding of science is evidence-based, and with different evidence, our conclusions must be different

SPEAKERS:
Josh Goodstein

Participants will learn about the successful and varied informal and formal science partnerships developed by members of the NSELA leadership community.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Successful partnerships between formal and informal science institutions increase student and community engagement in STEM education; 2. Success stories include STEM ecosystems; and 3. The NSELA Learning Center provides resources and support for ongoing learning about formal and informal science partnerships.

SPEAKERS:
Andy Weatherhead

Learn how to utilize the technology you’ve come to love in innovative ways not discussed by their accompanying user guide for both instructional and noninstructional purposes.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Technological platforms can be used creatively to do more than what each platform is marketed for 2. Technology is beneficial for both instructional and non-instructional practices 3. Technology is a powerful tool for educators whether students are in person or virtual

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Allessio

Learn about the launch lab where s chemistry professor and preservice STEM teachers engaged high schoolers in a summer program filled with experiences centered on aviation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn about collaboration between preservice and inservice teachers and university STEM content experts in designing and facilitating lab experiences for high school students to engage in hands on inquiry; 2. learn about the planning process that maximized the collaboration between different stakeholders at the college, community college, high school, and district levels to ensure student participants could access, engage with, and learn effectively about the aviation concepts and related math and engineering skills; and 3. experience a truncated version of the launch lab and learn about what the students experienced and the reflections of the educators.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Cuddapah, Chris Stromberg

Sponsoring Company: National Geographic Learning | Cengage

As a teacher, connecting with students and connecting students to the curriculum is becoming either more difficult or more effortless, depending on the perspective. The ability to teach students using state-of-the-art technology makes for displaying concepts and topics more efficient than ever. With the global pandemic amidst and with no foreseeable end in sight, we’ve converted to convenient online instruction. But how do we incorporate that meaningful teacher-student social interaction? Carter will pull from his own experience to share the events that sparked his early interest in science and the teachers who curated that spark. He will discuss his current research with the New York African Burial Ground and the importance of listening to students to hear their perspectives and enrich the lesson. Setting a trajectory for students and teachers themselves is a necessary component of academia, and we must introduce students to all career paths and create a solid plan of development to continue evolving as masters of instruction.

NSTA wishes to thank National Geographic Learning | Cengage for sponsoring this speaker.

SPEAKERS:
Carter Clinton

By linking video game design with English, the design process becomes more natural, user friendly, and human centric…and it encourages the practice of computational and critical thinking.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Design video games by describing the logic of the game. 2. Discover the logic behind popular video games. 3. Practice computational and critical thinking

SPEAKERS:
Michael Hsiao

Come join a pharmaceutical research team! Go through the process of making a safe, cheap, and effective antacid while collaborating with your teammates.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Practicing science is more than just knowing content, it requires soft skills; 2. Current good manufacturing processes (CGMP) are required for a reason and students should be familiar with them prior to entering the career field; and 3. There are methods for letting students drive the investigation without losing “control” or instructional time.

SPEAKERS:
Courtney Behrle

Learn how to bring the Amazon to life in your classroom through learning from Indigenous community elders, entomologists, primatologists, ornithologists, other formal and informal educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn how to connect the Amazon to their classroom through engaging, thoughtful activities Develop an understanding of the Indigenous Tribe of the Maijuna people and how we can support them and their work Make connections with scientists in different fields of study to collaborate and engage students

SPEAKERS:
Kate Price

To address the impacts of the pandemic on K–12 education, Congress has made emergency funds available through the American Rescue Plan Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund. In this session for educators and science leaders at the district and school levels, we will discuss how these federal funds can be leveraged to support science education, students, and
teachers, and review the products and services NSTA has available to address learning loss.

TAKEAWAYS:
Information on pandemic relief federal funding for K-12 How this funding can be used for science education NSTA products and services that can be used to address learning loss

SPEAKERS:
Erika Shugart

Learn how to integrate the cultural resources your students bring to class with your science teaching and learning. Come explore equity-based cultural formative assessments.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Resources for instructional leaders and educators to support and create meaningful connections between classroom science concepts and the application of those ideas in everyday situations; 2. Discuss the implementation of these tools and resources in dynamic school environments; and 3. The strategies presented in this workshop can be used with any curricula, at any grade level, and in all subjects of science and engineering.

SPEAKERS:
Lauren Thompson Allen, Deb Morrison

Viruses are everywhere in our world! Engage students in a hands-on NGSS-focused engineering/modeling activity that challenges students to explore the world of viruses.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how: 1. to model virus-cell interactions using everyday household items; 2. to provide students an opportunity to explore the world of microbes and change variables as they engineer their models; and 3. viruses have positive and negative impacts on their local environment.

SPEAKERS:
Robert Ferrell

Model stellar evolution processes using NASA images, plotting H-R diagram transitions, and determining the chemistry and physics of supernovas using NASA STEM image analysis tools.

TAKEAWAYS:
Knowledge of the process of how stars form and change over time ending in catastrophic events, providing conditions for the formation of planets. Students will understand that all knowledge of celestial events is determined by analyzing the light from these events and provide possibilities – not definitive answers, as the data can be interpreted differently. Image analysis software tools allow scientists to gain detailed information of stellar physical and chemical processes and constantly refine our evolving models of stellar evolution.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young

Join us to learn what sensemaking is and how to use research-based resources to engage students in making sense of the world around them.

TAKEAWAYS:
Develop an understanding of what sensemaking is and how it can help build classrooms where students are able to make sense of the world around them Using a Daily Do, explore the four critical attributes of sensemaking: Phenomena; Science and Engineering Practices; Student Ideas; and, Science Ideas See what Professional Learning Units are and how they can help bring sensemaking to your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Tricia Shelton, Elizabeth Allan

Join me for an overview of thermoset versus thermoplastic polymers and hands-on activities to be done in the classroom, including predictive design, calculations, and environmental impact discussion.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Different ways of categorizing polymers; 2. Difficulties with recycling certain polymer materials; and 3. Design and environmental challenges for students.

SPEAKERS:
Scott Spohler, Briana Richardson

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

In this hands-on walk-through, learn about a CRISPR gene editing classroom activity and discuss strategies to reveal student misconceptions with a free paper model set.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Free paper models for teaching CRISPR gene editing and revealing student misconceptions; 2. A deeper understanding of CRISPR gene editing at the molecular level; and 3. Information about a CRISPR gene editing classroom activity.

SPEAKERS:
Tamica Stubbs

Identify elements in the spectra of supernova remnants to determine the properties of collapsed and exploded stars using web-based NASA X-ray data and image analysis tools.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Js9 web-based software can be used to analyze NASA data sets to determine the type of supernova; 2. Js9 provides students with real opportunities to do astronomical research; and 3. Energy spectra from NASA data are used to determine the elements in a supernova remnant.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Perry

Sponsoring Company: Beyond Labz

Built on a platform developed over 20 years, Beyond Labz creates an open-ended environment providing students the opportunity to experiment, practice, fail, discover, and learn.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Beyond Labz simplifies and reduces the cost and expertise needed to provide crucial laboratory experiences and practice for Secondary and Higher Ed students; 2. Attendees will learn how the labs are used for pre- and post-lab experiences, credit recovery and lab make-up, student engagement in class, and meeting NGSS standards; and 3. Basic onboarding and start-up instructions will be provided for drop-in solutions, and instructions for using some of the more sophisticated features will also be described.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Woodfield

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) is a way for students to explain observed phenomena in a scientific way. This structured approach allows students to use observations and data from an investigation. Students use critical reasoning to connect the claim, evidence, and reasoning together. CER is an acclaimed and highly successful instructional strategy that is changing how students understand concepts and write explanations for phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Understand the benefits of using the CER Framework; 2. Construct and critique a scientific explanation; and 3. Develop appropriate scaffolds for scientific explanation skills.

SPEAKERS:
Stacey O'Connor, Dr. Kenneth Heydrick, Pam O'Brien

Curriculum compacting allows students who have shown mastery of course material to challenge themselves and work on more difficult content.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The logistics of how curriculum compacting works 2. Data analyzing the effectiveness of curriculum compacting 3. Pros and cons of curriculum compacting from the viewpoints of the students, the professor, and the teaching assistants

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Hesson, Jessica Fautch

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Explore the properties of water and discover the structure and function of cell membranes with engaging models that allow students to drive their learning!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. learn how modeling the properties of water allows students to predict the structure of cell membranes; 2. use models to explain the structure and function of cell membranes, including the transport of molecules across the membrane; and 3. experience how the use of these models allows student thinking to become visible.

SPEAKERS:
Keri Shingleton

We present the EQuIPD coaching model used in establishing collaborations between teachers and coaches in a professional development to improve teaching practices and student outcome.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The attendees will learn how coaching can foster collaborations among teachers and coaches to effect improvement in teaching practices. 2. The attendees will reflect on their practices by engaging with a facilitative coaching method by EQuIPD experts. 3. The attendees will learn the critical features of the EQuIPD facilitative coaching model.

SPEAKERS:
Nancy Ruzycki

Content experts have developed processes for creating inquiry-based lessons. Participants will learn how to integrate technology in order to create engaging science lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the major components of inquiry-based science instruction. Participants will learn how to develop inquiry-based science lessons. Participants will learn how to incorporate technology into inquiry-based lessons to promote student engagement.

SPEAKERS:
Ann Williams-Brown, Tonya Woolfolk

The challenges presented to our students by the world in which they will live require committed problem solvers with the academic, life, and social skills promoted through an education utilizing design learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how each step of the design process can promote essential skills in their classroom. Attendees will learn where effective and appropriate technology use enhances the design process and problem solving. Attendees will learn how design learning fosters leadership skills in those facilitating the learning and in those participating in the challenges.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Chad LeDune

Hear about various NSTA competitions and how they can bring STEM and the NGSS into the classroom, as well as give students and teachers a chance to earn recognition and prizes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn: 1. about NSTA competitions; 2. how NSTA competitions help integrate STEM and NGSS in the classroom; and 3. how students and teachers can win recognition and prizes.

SPEAKERS:
Acacia McKenna, Winnie Boyle

Learn about interdisciplinary projects that have been used in a variety of science content areas (Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science, and Horticulture) to reach all students, from English language learners to AP Biology. Brainstorm and create your own ideas for projects in your classroom. The focus will be on creating games, children’s books, skits/videos, and more.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Interdisciplinary connections; 2. Project ideas; and 3. Reaching all students.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Cykert

Participants will learn about the key pedagogical model of CT and see how it can be incorporated into lessons by teachers at all grade levels.

TAKEAWAYS:
Critical Thinking Coastal land erosion phenomenon ake a complex problem, deconstruct it, and use data to reason a testable answer

SPEAKERS:
Jamie Mixon, Tana Luther, Molly Talbot, Michelle Lewis

What is bioinformatics? This session introduces bioinformatics with the goal of identifying organisms from lists of DNA sequences, providing real-world context to classroom DNA extraction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. Learn how the classroom DNA extraction is an important stepping stone to discoveries in biology and genetics through bioinformatics. 2. Explore public databases that provide free tools to submit and analyze DNA sequences and require only a computer with internet capabilities. 3. Connect biology and computer science departments at a time when biology is becoming an increasingly collaborative and digital discipline.

SPEAKERS:
Zack Bateson

Connect to nature, explore biodiversity data, and build science practices with eBird citizen science. Use free apps to discover birds and beyond, wherever you are. Participants should bring their own device to this session.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to: 1. use the Merlin bird ID app to identify birds and create a list of the most 10 common birds in their area, and to use the eBird citizen science app to submit a checklist of birds; 2. define citizen science and describe how it can help students develop data literacy, deepen understanding of biodiversity, uncover real-world patterns and trends, and support conservation efforts; and 3. name and access at least three freely available resources (such as apps, online interactives, videos, lesson plans, data visualizations, and projects) that are suitable to use in their classroom to diverse learners in citizen science.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Schaeffer

Dr. Michael Wysession, NGSS co-author and geophysics professor, explores creative storylines for integrating up-to-date, research-driven climate science into high school chemistry courses.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Climate-related storylines provide powerful frameworks for students to learn fundamental chemistry core ideas and reinforce understandings of crosscutting concepts and science and engineering practices; 2. The wealth of Earth-orbiting NASA satellite data now available in real time provides us with an unprecedented understanding of the science of climate change and also provides many opportunities for student experiential learning; and 3. The latest advances in climate modeling can allow students to both see the impact that humans are currently having on Earth systems and to build a sense of hope in how future changes in human practices can reverse current impact trends.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Wysession

Connect your school with local colleges and STEM employers using relevant, standards-based, hands-on activities that spark interest in science and STEM careers. Sample activity included.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to identify and reach out to potential community and industry partners How to build a program or event that meets the needs of all stakeholders Developing authentic learning experiences to impact student perspectives of locally available STEM careers

SPEAKERS:
Bethany Kenyon

Increase student engagement in analysis and evaluation of real data. Engage students of different ability levels in mathematical models with measurements not previously accessible in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Combine graphing calculators with handheld sensors to maximize class time; 2. Use real data to develop mathematical models; and 3. learn how to test your hypothesis by doing an experiment and analyze your results.

SPEAKERS:
Karlheinz Haas

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Reduce your prep and integrate technology to take the mess and stress out of transformation with the Let it Glow™ Bacterial Transformation MiniLab.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to: 1. reduce the mess and stress of bacterial transformation; 2. use a PCR System to perform transformation; and 3. use The Winston, The MiniOne PCR System, and gloTrays to replace ice buckets, heat baths, and petri dishes.

SPEAKERS:
Callen Hyland

Keep your pets safe from being left in hot cars by using automatic sensors to design an alarm that could save their lives.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Solve a real-work problem with coding and engineering design, no prior experience needed; 2. Learn about inputs from sensors (temperature) and if-then-else decision logic to control an output (sound or color LED) based on the sensor readings; and 3. Gain exposure to possible STEM careers in automobile design features.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Kohout, Stacy Thibodeaux

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Let’s explore several intervention strategies to help struggling students in STEM. We'll move beyond differentiation and scaffolding. Come learn other proven intervention techniques to help students. Let’s modify our traditional outreach to connect with students so that they gain greater understanding.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore several intervention strategies to help struggling students in STEM; 2. Compare differentiation and scaffolding strategies and learn successful adaptations of each strategy; and 3. Explore effective intervention strategies that are built into the STEMscopes curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Stacey O'Connor, Dr. Kenneth Heydrick, Pam O'Brien

In July, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine issued the report Call to Action for Science Education: Building Opportunity for the Future . In the report—funded by the Carnegie Corporation—leading scientists, educators, and other key stakeholders identify effective science education practices and lay out the major challenges educators face to implement a coherent K–16 science education program.

The report provides recommendations that call on federal agencies, state and local governments, and other stakeholders to elevate the status of science education and make science education a core national priority, and empower and give local communities the resources they need to deliver equitable science education and to track progress. Panelists will provide key highlights from the report, share their vision for the future of science and STEM education, and discuss what educators can do to help implement the report’s recommendations.

SPEAKERS:
Heidi Schweingruber, Erika Shugart, Jim Short

Sponsoring Company: The NEED Project

Engage in hands-on, critical-thinking activities to help students explore the technology, siting considerations, and benefits of floating offshore wind turbines.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to describe and measure wind speed and why that is important for siting a wind turbine; 2. Be able to test, modify, and re-test a design to learn how wind can do work; and 3. Learn about free NGSS-focused curriculum resources.

SPEAKERS:
Kimberly Swan

Gain important insight on how to easily and gently integrate lessons on Climate Education and Environmental Justice using project-based and class-tested activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to offer students ways to understand events, make changes and be a voice for changing the current climate dilemma and environmental injustices. Attendees will learn about activities that can be used to support students to drive social change or offer citizen science. Attendees will be inspired by the innovative ways shared on best practices to communicate effectively with students.

SPEAKERS:
Lolita Kiorpes

How does toxic ammonia from fish waste end up serving as a nitrogen source for plants? Attend this informative session to learn about aquaponics.

TAKEAWAYS:
How the nitrogen cycle influences both plant and fish health. How to use a modular design philosophy to allow students to innovate and create an aquaponics system in the classroom. How to incorporate Virginia's Trout in the Classroom program into your aquaponics system.

SPEAKERS:
Eric March, Kristen Oberhofer

Sponsoring Company: American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture

Designed to address the Next Generation Science Standards, this workshop will focus on using agriculture to increase the relevancy and authenticity of content in science classrooms, provide valuable resources, and introduce attendees to professional learning opportunities.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How NGSS can or will incorporate agricultural content to create relevant and authentic content for students; 2. Learn about the developed resources available for science teachers to integrate science into their classrooms through the lens of agriculture (middle and high school); and 3. Explore professional development (CEU credit events) available to science teachers through AFBFA.

SPEAKERS:
Jenna Large, Craig Rebich

Use your smartphone to see geomagnetism through a 3-D immersive experience and explore how planetary magnetic fields are used in space science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Visualize the Earth's magnetic field, including dip angle (inclination) and declination. Describe the shape of a magnetic field around a simple dipole. Explain how magnetic field sensors are used by spacecraft to make conclusions about the nature of planets (including their suitability for life).

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Vieyra, Chrystian Vieyra

Multiple lessons were learned with remote instruction that can be transitioned into the face-to-face classroom and support blended science instruction. Examples, tools, and strategies provided.

TAKEAWAYS:
1). Discuss the lessons learned during remote instruction that have the staying power and should be part of blended instruction. 2). Identify positive instructional strategies that maximize technology and digital tools and determine the best way to transition those tools into the blended classroom. 3). Engage in example activities where connections between digital tools and strategies for use in student engagement are made.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Anne Royce

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Mitosis, meiosis, chromosome structure, and crossing over will be explored in this hands-on modeling event. Bring your student hat and be ready to engage.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Model chromosome structure and anatomy; 2. Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis; and 3. Model mechanisms that contribute to genetic variation.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Williams

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Model the cellular processes of DNA replication, transcription, and translation using manipulatives that support NGSS three dimensions, most notably the science and engineering practice of developing and using models.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. work together to practice model DNA replication as well as transcription and translation, while learning how this approach deepens student inquiry and understanding; 2. investigate how a mutation in DNA can result in a change in the protein produced; and 3. consider how this modeling approach to DNA function works well with phenomenon-driven lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Keri Shingleton

Sponsoring Company: BIOZONE International Ltd.

BIOZONE has published two new exciting titles for the latest CEDs. Listen to the publisher explain their features and get a one-year FREE eBook license.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover how the new titles have been structured to follow the latest CEDs; 2. Inquiry, case studies, and data analysis are used to develop enduring understanding of key concepts; and 3. Personal Progress Checks prepare students for the AP exam.

SPEAKERS:
Maureen Rich

Learn about the partnership between a school system and a field research station and our modification and collaboration of outdoor field activities to virtual teaching.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to create budget-friendly virtual field investigation kits for at home learning. Gain knowledge on teaching collaboration virtually (How we separated the instructional duties.) Examine examples of kit materials and come away with ideas on how to produce their own for their teaching situation.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Ford, Stephanie McLain

This workshop explores a myriad of simple ways science classroom teachers can differentiate their lessons/units/curricula to meet the needs of highly able learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Highly able leaners often require differentiation to achieve their full educational potential. There are simple strategies that can be employed to enrich the education of high achieving students without adding hours to a teacher’s workload. Using a variety of strategies, teachers can adapt their lessons, units, and projects to meet the needs of highly able learners.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Ellis, Alaina Piek

This session will take a deep dive into how to engage students experiencing chronic trauma in the science classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Participants will be exposed to the signs and impacts of chronic trauma on science students. 2. Participants will be provided with strategies for engaging these students in the science classroom. 3. Participants will be provided with ideas and techniques for developing a science classroom environment that supports students living with chronic traums.

SPEAKERS:
Ann MacKenzie

Participate in hands-on activities focused on data literacy to engage students in questioning, analyzing, and using mathematical thinking around historical primary sources.

TAKEAWAYS:
• Free online resources from the Library of Congress for K-12 science and math teachers to use with their students. • Activities and resources to develop students’ data literacy skills. • Hands-on, concrete strategies for using primary sources with your students.

SPEAKERS:
Peter DeCraene

Participants explore using a "Chemical Reaction of the Week" to target SEPs and CCCs. Related activities require students to connect their thinking to multiple disciplines.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. identify SEPs and CCCs for students to practice and refine and will develop activities related to a chemical reaction that explore those practices; 2. experience the activities from the perspective of a student, responding to prompts, drawing models, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence; and 3. make transdisciplinary connections for themselves and their students by exploring various applications of the components of the specified reaction.

SPEAKERS:
Dina Dormer

Explore NSTA’s NEWProfessional Learning Units. Discover these bite-sized asynchronous professional learning experiences that support student sensemaking to earn credit to submit to your school or district.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover how NSTA can provide asynchronous and bite-sized continuing education credit options (2 hours per PLU); 2. Explore how each PLU contains reflections or tasks connected to the classroom that are submitted to NSTA for review or feedback; and 3. Explore how we can support professional learning for individuals or schools/districts, including the flexible options available for Professional Learning Unit topics, and how these fit into our Professional Learning pathways.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips, Elizabeth Allan, Tricia Shelton

In this workshop, participants will discuss how NGSS-focused instructional materials can support an equitable classroom that empowers all students to design solutions to real-world problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
(1) In the NGSS, problems are defined as “situations somebody wants to change,” which is different from construction or design projects, where the ultimate goal is achieving a design or tinkering. (2) Problems that describe real-world situations grounded in compelling contexts that students care about can create intrinsic motivation for all students to learn science and engineering ideas. (3) The presence of an authentic and compelling problem in instructional materials is not enough; it also needs to be used in instruction in a way that will effectively support students’ learning and motivation.

SPEAKERS:
Neelo Soltanzadeh, Jenn Brown-Whale

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Come learn several strategies to help students organize their learning. Transform the old composition notebooks into a useful and engaging tool that incorporates technology and multimedia. Interactive student notebooks use various modalities and a left/right–side format, and offer students an electronic portfolio of learning. Join us!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn: 1. several strategies to help students organize their learning; 2. how to adapt old student notebooks into digital interactive portfolios with Slides, Jamboard, Flipgrid, Padlet, and Screencasify; and 3. how to structure notebooks for left-side "Output" and right-side "Input."

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kenneth Heydrick, Pam O'Brien, Stacey O'Connor

If you’re new to coding, then come get up to speed! By combining coding and hands-on activities, you can learn how to program a robotic vehicle to perform different challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:
• Bring coding and hands-on science learning together; • Learn creative ways to use the engineering design process to teach science; • Write simple code to use a Rover to explore the relationship between speed, distance, and time.

SPEAKERS:
Karlheinz Haas

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

Attendees will explore disease modeling through the use of ZOMBIES!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. This session will explore disease-spread modeling using fictional zombies; 2. Attendees will also see how using Hollywood themes combined with actual STEM careers can be a fun way to engage students in learning science and STEM; and 3. Attendees will find out about free science and STEM lessons from Texas Instruments.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Lukens, Jessica Kohout

Explore STEM with concrete, metal, and clay. Apply math concepts and pull in lots of real-world examples. Supplies are cheap and students love destructive testing.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Basic properties of materials science categories—metals, ceramics, polymers, composites; 2. Affordable labs exploring these properties and ways to adapt these labs for specific classroom needs; and 3. Real-world applications for these materials and lab concepts, focusing on the iterative design process.

SPEAKERS:
Briana Richardson, Scott Spohler

Scientists are interested in the land cover (water area) where mosquito larvae are found, so they can automate image classification using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Connect yourself and your students with an active citizen science program and contribute to science!

TAKEAWAYS:
Your phone is a powerful data collection tool. NASA satellite data can be connected to the data you collect on mosquito habitats and landcover. You can make observations, Ask questions, Construct explanations, and collect and analyze data using the GLOBE Observer app and the Mosquito Habitat Mapper and Land Cover tool.

SPEAKERS:
Cassie Soeffing

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Modeling CRISPR technology engages students in understanding the foundational concepts of molecular biology and biotechnology through two-dimensional and three-dimensional representations of the CRISPR/Cas9 protein.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Receive professional development in the endogenous CRISPR/Cas9 system and learn how it can be incorporated into your current biology curriculum; 2. Use models to investigate how the mechanism of the CRISPR/Cas9 system are used to edit genomes; and 3. Discuss the ethical issues related to using gene editing technology.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Williams

Discover how to implement three-dimensional learning into any science curriculum, all while engaging learners to become phenomenal!

TAKEAWAYS:
How to use SEPs to drive student instruction. Molecular level modeling of processes using data to support claim

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux, Jessica Kohout

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Using the MiniOne System, develop an understanding of forensic science and gel electrophoresis while investigating the mystery of who killed Dr. Ward.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how you can use electrophoresis to teach real-world forensic science to students in grades 9–12; 2. See how the MiniOne System has significantly reduced prep work for teachers by allowing students to get hands on with every step of the lab process; and 3. Understand how electrophoresis can be engaging and lead students toward careers in STEM fields.

SPEAKERS:
Callen Hyland

This session presents an eesmarts activity using the popular “escape room” format in which students solve clues using science knowledge to complete the challenge.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Using an escape room to explore the concepts of energy transformation and its environmental impact 2. Ideas to enhance distance learning through competitive activities/gamification 3. Suggestions for using and adapting escape room format with eesmarts or your existing curriculum

SPEAKERS:
Kathleen Brooks, Rebecca Tonkinson, Sharyon Holness

Let’s make a pocket solar system scroll. Come learn how to apply ratios to create a scale model of the planets based on your height.

TAKEAWAYS:
With a properly scaled solar system scroll, participants will identify inner and out planets and readily SEE why they are named as such (ESS1, ESS2). Understanding the concept of rations and fractions, part-to-whole, participants will leave being able to create a proportional solar system in their classroom, on a football field, or across their state. This activity takes unique NASA content, places it in context within the curriculum, and makes applications beyond the solar system that include scientific inquiry and scientific discovery while using mathematics to show proportions and relate to the overall structure of our solar system (ETS2)

SPEAKERS:
Barbie Buckner

Join us as we explore how NSTA’s three-dimensional resources can be utilized to enhance your teaching. Walk away with effective strategies for science teaching and learning and hear from educators as they provide tips for using these resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Hear from classroom teachers about how they are using NSTA Press publications; and 2. Leave with top-notch teaching tips and innovative lesson plan ideas that promote imaginative learning and student engagement.

SPEAKERS:
Tricia Shelton, Wendy Binder

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

A COVID-19 outbreak among restaurant customers has researchers puzzled. It's time for your students to analyze DNA samples by electrophoresis and propose evidence-based explanations.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Walk through a hands-on classroom lab activity to teach about SARS-CoV-2 detection methods; 2. Learn about a case study, based on a publication in 2020, in which researchers analyzed diagnostic data from patrons of a restaurant to learn about how SARS-CoV-2 spreads; and 3. See how students can use classroom lab results to propose evidence-based explanations for how SARS-CoV-2 may have spread in the case study scenario.

SPEAKERS:
Tamica Stubbs

Try our version of virtual STEM that allowed continued collaboration with a community project to help minority students plan for the future.

TAKEAWAYS:
• Virtual events have led to reaching communities that were difficult, for various reasons, to visit in person. • Simple modifications can be made to numerous activities that allow for safe implementation at home. • Student engagement was just as high, sometimes more, as it was during in-person events.

SPEAKERS:
Courtney Behrle

EdReports is expanding into high school instructional materials reviews. Learn about the High School Learning and Listening Tour, provide feedback on our current thinking, and hear about opportunities to become a reviewer.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Build an understanding of the challenges educators face in finding quality materials and how EdReports aims to address those challenges; 2. Learn about the expansion into High School science and develop an understanding of the findings from our High School Learning and Listening tour, characteristics of alignment to the NGSS and usability, and discuss smart adoption processes; and 3. Hear about opportunities to engage as an EdReports reviewer in upcoming reviews, which includes NGSS training, an extended learning community, and a paid stipend.

SPEAKERS:
Teresa Eliopoulos

Let's discuss ways to get students excited about independent scientific research.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Attendees will learn ways to incorporate independent research in their classroom. 2. Attendees will learn about the opportunities that are available to students who are involved in independent scientific research. 3. Attendees will review what paperwork and student developed materials are necessary for a middle/high school science fair and where to obtain needed resources.

SPEAKERS:
Emilie Tekely

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Explore the forces that determine protein shape by actively modeling protein structure! Then explore a particular class of proteins—enzymes—by playing with models.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Protein shape is determined by interactions between amino acids that are specifically ordered in the primary structure of proteins; 2. Protein shape is critical for proper functioning of the protein; and 3. Enzymes are a type of proteins that interact with their substrates in specific ways.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Avery

Explore caloric and nutritional values of space food. Discover a menu of inquiry activities/resources to integrate into the classroom to satisfy your STEM appetite.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore NASA STEM activities that investigate space food and nutrition for astronauts living on the Space Station. Construct sample space food menus to develop a better understanding of nutrition for human space exploration. Make connections between math, science, nutrition and exercise while exploring the impact of living in space and in our gravity filled environment here on earth.

SPEAKERS:
Barbie Buckner

Participants will learn about how some districts around the country are using an asset approach to post-COVID learning and will collaboratively share ideas with others.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Some districts around the country are focusing on an acceleration rather than a remediation post-COVID approach to learning; 2. An asset approach to learning and learners supports social and emotional well-being; and 3. The NSELA Learning Center provides resources for continued learning about asset versus deficit approaches to learning.

SPEAKERS:
Andy Weatherhead

Join us to strengthen STEM in your classroom by STEMifying a Daily Do.

TAKEAWAYS:
3 Key Takeaways: 1. Sensemaking in your classroom using NSTA Daily DOs 2. How Daily DOs and other lessons can be modified to include more STEM 3. How to design for equity in STEM/Science classrooms

SPEAKERS:
Tricia Shelton, Elizabeth Allan

Participants will build a multisensory temperature detector that will be used to determine if your beverage is too hot, too cold, or JUST RIGHT!

TAKEAWAYS:
Create a multi-sensory temperature detector. Implement coding in python into the STEM / Science / Mathematics classroom. How to give students ownership in their projects.

SPEAKERS:
Brad Posnanski

It takes a village to build and sustain formal and informal environmental educational partnerships. Join the nonprofit ShoreRivers, Maryland's Wicomico County Public Schools, and funder The Chesapeake Bay Trust, as they share how the "Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience Academy" created 15 unique partnerships and curricula that support Next Generation Science Standards and Maryland's Environmental Literacy Standards, and connected students with their communities.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience provides a curriculum framework that embraces and enhances formal and informal partnerships that support Next Generation Science Standards. 2. Formal and informal educators can collaborate to support Environmental Literacy through local issue investigations that culminate in students doing science while engaging directly with field professionals and community networks while advocating for community solutions. 3. Best practices for informal and formal collaborations and funding opportunities to support systemic and sustainable partnerships.

SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Sullivan, Mairin Corasaniti, Hemalatha Bhaskaran

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

Attendees will explore a virtual decomposing corpse along with other clues to solve a mystery.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Data-assisted problem solving; 2. The science behind decomposition and variables that affect it; and 3. Storytelling is a powerful way to engage students into learning science concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Lukens, Jessica Kohout

Share our Vermont middle school journey implementing project-based learning and the “ best of times, worst of times" in units involving podcasts, student science videos, and design challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:
What are the key design elements for technology-rich project based learning units? How can a project drive student learning and still keep content learning targets in the center? Is it possible video production, podcasting or engineering design challenges might enhance students’ proficiency based learning in my classroom - and if so, how?

SPEAKERS:
Damon Tighe

Join this workshop to learn about the chemical properties of copper using appropriate technology in this hands-on activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn to research and design an inquiry experiment; 2. use technology to gather and analyze data from the inquiry; and 3. visualize what occurs on the submicroscopic level by employing particulate drawings.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory Dodd

Join us as we share our journey of collaborating with science leaders to recognize and design quality professional learning to advance 3-D science teaching and learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. An understanding of the science leader’s role in putting the pieces of the NRC Framework together for a coherent science program. 2. Ways to strategically plan and prioritize professional learning based on system and individual teacher needs. 3. Ways to approach addressing what teachers need to know and be able to do if students are to achieve our vision for science learning.

SPEAKERS:
Tonya Woolfolk, Patricia Morgan

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Join us as we use a variety of physical models of student-centered DNA activities to explore the structure and function of this amazing biomolecule.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. practice their understanding of the structure of DNA while transferring their knowledge across different models of DNA; 2. consider how a model-based approach to investigating DNA deepens student understanding and inquiry; and 3. investigate the differences between RNA and DNA while examining models.

SPEAKERS:
Keri Shingleton

Are you looking for climate change lessons to engage high school students? Discover activity-filled lessons that explore natural cycles, proxies, and ways to minimize human impact.

TAKEAWAYS:
1) Participants will take part in activities that demonstrate how and why Earth’s climate has changed over time. 2) Participants will learn about activities that show how energy and matter are conserved throughout the Carbon Cycle. 3) Participants will explore proxies and how they can give us information about Earth’s history.

SPEAKERS:
Karin Jakubowski

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Excite your students with hands-on science, whether you’re in the classroom or teaching remotely through collaborative data collection and real-time analysis. Seeing data collected right before their eyes using the Vernier Graphical Analysis™ Pro app gives students the ability to connect abstract concepts to real-world applications. Learn how to use our app to energize your classroom through data sharing, interactive sample experiments with synced data, custom videos, and more.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Educators can create experiments and share the data with students in real time; 2. Seeing data collected right before their eyes gives students the ability to connect abstract concepts to real-world applications; and 3. Graphical Analysis Pro helps students experience three-dimensional learning.

SPEAKERS:
David Carter

High school biology students use an inquiry-based approach to investigate the impact of five-minute mindful meditation in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. about the statistically significant impact short amounts of mindful meditation have in a classroom setting, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic; 2. about connecting mindfulness to physiological factors, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate; and 3. to recreate this experiment with their own classes and integrate this activity into a biology or life sciences curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Dana Bunnell-Young

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Research has shown that the actual doing of science or engineering will pique students’ curiosity, capture their interest, and motivate their continued study. Combining this information with simple shifts in instructional sequencing will help students construct scientific meaning. Are you ready to open your eyes to a whole new world of scientific inquiry!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore the research-based 5E instructional model with adaptations for acceleration and intervention; 2. Learn several techniques to embed hands-on learning experiences in various classroom environments; and 3. Learn how to make simple shifts in your instructional plan and sequence to foster better student understanding of concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kenneth Heydrick, Pam O'Brien, Stacey O'Connor

Explore innovative approaches to incorporating vocabulary and text in the science classroom using strategies encouraging reflection, critical thinking, communication, and consistent connection to content.

TAKEAWAYS:
1) Immediately applicable, engaging activities that can be used at any grade level 2)How to help students connect what they are doing in science to themselves, their world or the world around them 3) How to create a space in your classroom for weekly vocabulary in order to ensure all students have the same base of information for classroom discussions, activities and content instruction

SPEAKERS:
Kate Price, Kim Patterson

The Atlas is a set of 62 maps of the elements of the core ideas, practices, crosscutting concepts, connections to nature of science, connections to engineering, and performance expectations described in NGSS and other standards based on the Framework for K–12 Science Education. See how elements of the dimensions relate to and build on each other. Come learn how to use this powerful tool for interpreting standards to support work in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to read, analyze, and interpret an Atlas map How to use the maps and other resources in the Atlas to unpack, clarify, and interpret an element of the three dimensions How to use the maps and other resources in the Atlas to help with decision about sequencing of instruction

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard

Integrating literacy into science classrooms increases both literacy and STEM skills. Come see how NASA resources and easily implemented tools and techniques can transform any STEM learning environment.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about and practice implementing literacy techniques into hands-on STEM activities 2. Be introduced to free existing NASA materials that focus on and support STEM and literacy 3. Examine ways literacy in a STEM classroom enhances NGSS Science and Engineering Practices skills

SPEAKERS:
April Lanotte, Rachel Stagner

The Crosscutting Concepts will be used to thread Disciplinary Core Ideas together in a meaningful way. This is for intentional integrated science instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
The Cross Cutting Concepts will be explained and illustrated. Practical examples will be given how to combine seamingly different lessons into novel ways. Comparison strategies will be used in a fun game way.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Allison, Aaron Buchman

Participants will utilize the new Framework for P–12 Engineering Learning to analyze one school's journey with high-altitude balloon research and its accomplishments and shortfalls.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: engage with examples of high school STEM research, collaborate with other participants to enhance personal growth in cross-curricular activities, identify small steps to work toward their larger STEM education goals

SPEAKERS:
Erich Sneller, Seth Shantz

Use STEM web-based analysis software and real data to determine the rate of a supernova remnant expansion and its uniformity.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Astronomical observations with the same parameters separated by time can be used to study the dynamics of a supernova remnant; 2. Expansion velocity of a supernova remnant can be used to determine its age and perhaps connect it to historical observations of such; and 3. Js9 web-based software provides students with real opportunities to do astronomical research.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Perry

Participate in a discussion of how to purposefully integrate problem-based learning into life science instruction while leveraging student choice as part of the assessment process.

TAKEAWAYS:
What problem-based learning looks like in a biology/life science classroom. How to make assessment authentic and as real-world as possible for high school students. The role of student choice in assessment and what that looks like.

SPEAKERS:
Dennis Dagounis

Give students memorable experiences by providing opportunities for learning that extend beyond the classroom through meaningful connections with community partners.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Community partners can come from unlikely places. 2. Partnerships benefit not only students but educators as well. 3. Teachers will learn how to plan and approach building a network of community partners.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Niemi

Discover safe ways to lower the barriers to a fair and equitable science education for student groups who have been excluded or marginalized.

TAKEAWAYS:
- Activities that build a positive student/teacher relationship as well as a positive classroom community - Activity to nurture challenging but achievable student created goal building -Activity to differentiate your current science lessons

SPEAKERS:
Donna Kaiser

Learn the rationale behind hypothesis testing methods like the Student’s t-Test. A classroom activity comparing surface areas of sun and shade leaves will be presented.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will understand… • the logical reasoning underlying hypothesis testing. •how to compare the means of two samples, for example, an experimental and a control group, to see if there is a significant difference between them. Participants will be able to apply… •a simple and elegant procedure for determining the surface area of leaves which is useful in the sun leaf vs shade leaf activity, as well as in activities determining the rate of transpiration of leaves.

SPEAKERS:
Robert Cooper

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Spark questions with the Synapse Construction Kit© and model activities to achieve Concept Explanation and Visual Representation goals in a topic that students find interesting.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Model neuron and synapse structure and anatomy; 2. Model mechanisms of membrane transport and cell-to-cell communication; and 3. Explore the drugged synapse.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Williams

In this hands-on lesson, students will use an inexpensive student-built radio telescope to collect information about the rotation of the galaxy. This information will be used to determine galactic velocity.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Students get to do real astronomy with a telescope they built; 2. Radio astronomy can be done during class time as radio wave detection is not affected by daylight; and 3. Students will learn about the unique nature of galactic rotational behavior.

SPEAKERS:
John Clark

Students bring amazing intellectual resources to make sense of natural phenomena. Come learn how to notice and leverage these resources in your teaching.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. identify equity dimensions of sense-making through the science and engineering practices 2. learn to see different ways students contribute to making sense of phenomena - and connect to science. 3. better appreciate that navigating multiple ways of knowing is the basic human condition, not the exception.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Heinz, Lauren Thompson Allen, Deb Morrison, Tana Luther

Does your district have limited support for science in elementary schools? Come explore development of a science teacher leader community to support instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
1 - Ideas for starting and maintaining a community of science teacher leaders that can increase student performance/interest in science; 2 - Benefits of having science teacher leaders to support science programs in elementary schools; and 3 - Strategies for developing these science teacher leaders: fostering a science community among educators, enhancing their capacity in science education best practice, and developing their leadership skills.

SPEAKERS:
Amy Reese, Jenn Brown-Whale, Linda Wilson, Kelley Hatcher

Love teaching 6–12 climate? Hate it? Stop by either way! We'll share ideas for weaving e-justice into climate change for middle school on up through APES!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Environmental racism has already created a need for environmental justice. 2. Climate change is exacerbating the need for e-justice by making inequities sharper. 3. Climate justice is, therefore, environmental justice, and we as science educators need to carefully choose our climate change lessons, data, and resources to include e-justice through the lens of climate change.

SPEAKERS:
Christopher Duvall, Steven Sygowski

Research has demonstrated the connection between color and recall of information as well as the reduction of stress and anxiety. During COVID, a biology teacher and IB Biology student combined the two to create a resource for students. This is their story.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The health benefits associated with coloring; 2. The connection between color and the recall of information; and 3. The creative journey taken by a teacher and student to bring these benefits together for future Biology students.

SPEAKERS:
Breanna Calkins, Kaleea Korunka

Learn how a research-backed approach to project-based learning is the best way to develop students who are ready to tackle Earth’s biggest environmental challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn simple yet powerful strategies for integrating PBL into environmental science classes and lessons. Leave with resources you can use to immediately improve how you approach standards focused on environmental science at the secondary level. Learn the results of recent research which proves PBL results in better environmental science learning outcomes for all students, even those furthest from opportunity.

SPEAKERS:
James Fester

Explore proven methods for developing collaborative relationships between students and professionals to utilize science and engineering practices to address authentic challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Attendees will be given clear examples of impactful collaboration between formal and informal educators and professionals through interactive activities; 2. Through a guided work burst, participants will use a framework to develop their own written products to use with their students to develop collaborative relationships with informal educators and professionals, which can be assessed by a single point rubric for their effectivenessl and 3. Attendees will participate in an open panel discussion with experts and seasoned educators to address challenges and concerns, and how to create learning opportunities.

SPEAKERS:
Lauren Milord

Let's explore student interest and perceived barriers to careers in STEM education and engage with potential STEM teacher candidates through interdisciplinary urban ecology modules.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Generating interest in STEM education through curriculum innovation; 2. Barriers to careers in STEM education; and 3. Developing STEM education recruitment pipelines.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Stabile, Margaret Smith, Benjamin Gaines

A hands-on beam lab produces graphs critical to understanding beam properties for engineering. We'll focus on making, interpreting, and teaching the graphs in a classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Cheap and effective beam and bridges labs; 2. Graph analysis and real-world applications; and 3. Iterative engineering design to improve results.

SPEAKERS:
Briana Richardson, Scott Spohler

Learn how to effectively integrate free science-based resources from public land agencies into engaging and rigorous project-based learning experiences for students of all ages.

TAKEAWAYS:
- Learn how to access free lesson plans, data sets, multimedia resources, and experts that can help you create authentic projects focused on NGSS-aligned learning goals. - Learn about recent research that shows how a high-quality project-based learning framework provides the best learning outcomes for science students of all ages. - See exemplar projects that illustrate why PBL is a natural fit for learner-centered, experiential, inquiry-based lessons.

SPEAKERS:
James Fester

This session engages participants in the exploration of middle school–oriented, classroom-ready, interactive, online, data-driven, three-dimensional activities and visualizations that present how sea level rise is caused by climate change, how NOAA monitors and measures these changes, how U.S. coastal regions are dangerously impacted by it, and how teachers can get up to $5000 for their school to mitigate its impacts.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Educators will explore a middle school oriented classroom-ready multimedia module, and use data-driven NOAA websites which explain and visualize how climate change is causing sea levels to rise globally, impacting all U.S. coastal areas, and straining community resiliency. 2. Educators will explore NOAA’s classroom-ready, Data in the Classroom modules: Investigating Sea Level Using Real Data, and learn how their students can use data from NOAA’s satellites and coastal stations, to do the analysis to see sea level changing, to understand the impacts on communities, and to learn how they can integrate its inquiry based resources into their classrooms today. 3. Educators will learn about NOAA Planet Stewards, a Federal program which offers educators up to $5000 to engage in hands-on stewardship activities to mitigate climate change and its impacts in their communities.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Moravchik

Emphasis will be placed on five-minute daily strategies that will get students to become fluent in scientific vocabulary.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Develop students’ critical-thinking skills through the use of scientific vocabulary words; 2. Provide teachers with five-minute daily strategies to strengthen students’ scientific vocabulary usage; and 3. Provide teachers with exercises that will help students recognize the difference between Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary words.

SPEAKERS:
Jonte' Lee

We will present the efforts of six secondary schools and lab-based partners at Stanford University to create relevant, impactful research-based learning curricula in the field of genetics. Learn how you can too!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Through Stan-X, middle school and high school students learn science through authentic, open-ended, publishable research; 2. Coordination between schools, both public and private, across the world can enhance scientific learning and research opportunities for your students, while also building a supportive network for teachers interested in providing these opportunities to students; and 3. Instructing teachers in the "process" to develop student-based classroom research is the crucial step in providing meaningful experiences in research-based classes.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Lantz

Educators who specialize in the teaching of students with dyslexia describe vocabulary modifications, schema development, kinesthetic activities, and methods to modify science content for students with language-based learning differences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to: 1. craft well written vocabulary definitions; 2. use kinesthetic activities to help students gain understanding of vocabulary and complex science concepts; and 3. create a structured word wall that supports students.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Zito, Clinton Kittrell

Find out why by studying the phenomenon of the urban heat islands using the GLOBE Urban Protocol Bundle and My NASA Data. Training and ongoing support offered virtually.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Science content on heat islands, cloud formation, Earth’s energy budget, and NASA satellites collecting this data; 2. Face-to-Face interactions in collecting data (clouds and air and surface temperature) using the GLOBE Observer App; and 3. Instructional materials from GLOBE and NASA to teach the science content and protocols aligned to NGSS.

SPEAKERS:
Janet Struble

Climate change is a global human issue that affects each and every one of us, yet disproportionately impacts some of us. During the closing keynote speech, Jasmine Sanders will speak to attendees about this intersectional, complex issue, its various impacts, how educators are part of the solution, and the organization she leads working with young people on an everyday basis to advocate for change. "Imagine the possibilities when we use our power as educators and tap into young bright minds to make a difference."

SPEAKERS:
Jasmine Sanders