SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Allan

Transitioning to online instruction requires educators to employ new digital tools and strategies. We'll focus on an overview of digital tools and strategies.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Making connections between digital tools and strategies for use in student engagement; 2. Becoming familiar with the shared digital tools and strategies for use; and 3. List of online resources for use in online instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Anne Royce

Join us to learn how our district takes over one thousand elementary students into our local wilds and brings the science and technology standards to life. 

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to establish mutually beneficial local partnerships that support science instruction; 2. Discover how to encourage even the youngest students to problem solve local issues and take action in their communities; and 3. Walk away with lesson ideas and strategies for taking learning beyond the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Heather Tarlton, Dana Letts

Find out how to use explore-before-explain learning to flip the traditional teaching script and promote long-lasting understanding in physical, life, and Earth and space science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Why sequence matters—a concise review of cognitive science and science education research explains why the order in which you structure your lessons is so critical; 2. What you need to do—an overview of important planning considerations covers becoming an “explore-before-explain” teacher and designing POE (Predict, Observe, Explain) and 5E (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate) instructional models; and 3. How you do it—ready-to-teach lessons that use an explore-before-explain sequence to provide an experience that meets the Next Generation Science Standards and makes interdisciplinary connections to the Common Core State Standards.

SPEAKERS:
Patrick Brown

How can we support ALL learners as they engage in STEM learning? This interactive session will focus on scaffolding engineering experiences to assist English language learners and other students in need of additional support while enriching the learning for everyone.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore EiE’s considerations for designing fully inclusive engineering experiences; 2. Identify strategies for facilitating accessible STEM activities virtually and in person.

SPEAKERS:
Lorri Coates

Educators will be introduced to PBELL and how it can make science accessible and engaging for all levels of special education and English language learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Similarities in ELL and Special Education Students; 2. Strategies to support ALL diverse learners; and 3. How to embed language acquisition throughout science content making it accessible to all.

SPEAKERS:
Brittney Oden

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

How do we support students to gather a variety of evidence in order to deepen their understanding of phenomena? Join program authors from UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science to experience how a multimodal approach allows students to grapple with phenomena and real-world problems like scientists do. We will unpack structures from the K–8 Amplify Science curriculum and consider how a deep understanding of NGSS can support you in making principled pedagogical decisions.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain a deeper understanding of the role that different sources of evidence play in phenomenon-based teaching and learning; 2. experience an exemplar of how students figuring out investigative phenomena can support their increasing understanding of more complex anchor phenomena; and 3. reflect on how students engage in all three dimensions of NGSS as they gather evidence and grapple with real-world phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Leslie Stenger, Rebecca Abbott

Sponsoring Company: NSTA, Shell Teacher Awards and Competitions

Do you impact your school and community with STEM? If you teach K–12, come learn how to apply to win one of eight Shell-supported awards through this teacher competition.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to apply for a Shell-sponsored award or competition; 2. begin your application or nomination of a Shell-sponsored program and receive a prize; and 3. collaborate with past winners and judges to learn how to strengthen your application.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Upton, Ruth Ruud

Sponsoring Company: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is introducing a collection of immersive underwater experiences to bring these exceptional places to viewers everywhere. Join us on a virtual tour of our underwater parks. Learn what national marine sanctuaries are and dive below the surface to virtually interact with sanctuary sea life.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Take a visual tour of America's national marine sanctuaries and learn more about the conservation of these underwater parks; 2. Immerse and explore these underwater treasures through free virtual reality dives and 360 degree underwater photos; and 3. Walk through at least one NGSS-focused lesson plan for grades 6–8 that complements the underwater VR dives.

SPEAKERS:
Claire Fackler

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes

Engage in strategies to help your ELL population make sense of science concepts and apply their science knowledge to real-world applications. In this session, we will explore a variety of strategies for differentiating instruction so that ELLs within the classroom can build their ability to communicate science concepts effectively.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn strategies to support English Learners; 2. Participate in activities that help scaffold reading and writing for ELs; and 3. Learn how to differentiation ideas

SPEAKERS:
Veronica Burnett, Dr. Kenneth Heydrick

The Elementary Science Expo has adapted the exciting, quick-fire format of the popular Pecha Kucha presentations for the NSTA Engage: Fall20 virtual conference. This "social show-and-tell event" brings together leaders in lower elementary science and STEM education as presenters offer 15 slides for 20 seconds each for a total of 5 minutes. Each five-minute presentation will offer teaching strategies and resources in the best practices in science and STEM education for our youngest learners. Featured materials come from celebrated classroom educators, authors of NSTA Press books and award-winning books, as well as strategies from the NSTA preK–5 journal Science & Children.

NGSS connections to student experiences will be highlighted during each Pecha Kucha presentation. Participants will interact with presenters about science and STEM investigations and resources through a Q&A session at the end of the time block. Presentations will be passionate, funny, informative, and inspirational. Join us for this new format and learn from this fast paced, energy-filled experience and leave with ideas to use with your students and colleagues.

This event is organized by Jennifer Williams, Department Chair, Lower School Science, Isidore Newman School, New Orleans, LA.

NSTA is grateful to Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision for sponsoring the Elementary Science Expo.

SPEAKERS:
Anne Lowry, Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn, Katie Morrison, Jennifer Williams, Acacia McKenna, Belle Akers

The Elementary Science Expo has adapted the exciting, quick-fire format of the popular Pecha Kucha presentations for the NSTA Engage: Fall20 virtual conference. This "social show-and-tell event" brings together leaders in upper elementary science and STEM education as presenters offer 15 slides for 20 seconds each for a total of 5 minutes. Each five-minute presentation will offer teaching strategies and resources in the best practices in science and STEM education for our youngest learners. Featured materials come from celebrated classroom educators, authors of NSTA Press books and award-winning books, as well as strategies from the NSTA preK–5 journal Science & Children.

NGSS connections to student experiences will be highlighted during each Pecha Kucha presentation. Participants will interact with presenters about science and STEM investigations and resources through a Q&A session at the end of the time block. Presentations will be passionate, funny, informative, and inspirational. Join us for this new format and learn from this fast paced, energy-filled experience and leave with ideas to use with your students and colleagues.

This event is organized by Jennifer Williams, Department Chair, Lower School Science, Isidore Newman School, New Orleans, LA.

NSTA is grateful to Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision for sponsoring the Elementary Science Expo.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Sanchez, Erica Smith, Julie A. Smith, Rebecca Garelli, Jennifer Williams, Judith Boyle, Acacia McKenna, Tom Lauwers

The Elementary Science Expo has adapted the exciting, quick-fire format of the popular Pecha Kucha presentations for the NSTA Engage: Fall20 virtual conference. This "social show-and-tell event" brings together leaders in upper elementary science and STEM education as presenters offer 15 slides for 20 seconds each for a total of 5 minutes. Each five-minute presentation will offer teaching strategies and resources in the best practices in science and STEM education for our youngest learners. Featured materials come from celebrated classroom educators, authors of NSTA Press books and award-winning books, as well as strategies from the NSTA preK–5 journal Science & Children.

NGSS connections to student experiences will be highlighted during each Pecha Kucha presentation. Participants will interact with presenters about science and STEM investigations and resources through a Q&A session at the end of the time block. Presentations will be passionate, funny, informative, and inspirational. Join us for this new format and learn from this fast paced, energy-filled experience and leave with ideas to use with your students and colleagues.

This event is organized by Jennifer Williams, Department Chair, Lower School Science, Isidore Newman School, New Orleans, LA.

NSTA is grateful to Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision for sponsoring the Elementary Science Expo.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Scherzinger, Geoff Stonecipher, Rebecca Kurson, Katie Morrison, Jennifer Williams, Ashley Townsend, Acacia McKenna

The Elementary Science Expo has adapted the exciting, quick-fire format of the popular Pecha Kucha presentations for the NSTA Engage: Fall20 virtual conference. This "social show-and-tell event" brings together leaders in upper elementary science and STEM education as presenters offer 15 slides for 20 seconds each for a total of 5 minutes. Each five-minute presentation will offer teaching strategies and resources in the best practices in science and STEM education for our youngest learners. Featured materials come from celebrated classroom educators, authors of NSTA Press books and award-winning books, as well as strategies from the NSTA preK–5 journal Science & Children.

NGSS connections to student experiences will be highlighted during each Pecha Kucha presentation. Participants will interact with presenters about science and STEM investigations and resources through a Q&A session at the end of the time block. Presentations will be passionate, funny, informative, and inspirational. Join us for this new format and learn from this fast paced, energy-filled experience and leave with ideas to use with your students and colleagues.

This event is organized by Jennifer Williams, Department Chair, Lower School Science, Isidore Newman School, New Orleans, LA.

NSTA is grateful to Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision for sponsoring the Elementary Science Expo.

SPEAKERS:
K. Renae Pullen, Susan Bickel, Erin Boyett, Julie A. Smith, Acacia McKenna, Britt Miller, Amy Thomas, Jennifer Ramsey, Jennifer LaBombard-Daniels, Rob Wallace, Jennifer Williams

The Elementary Science Expo has adapted the exciting, quick-fire format of the popular Pecha Kucha presentations for the NSTA Engage: Fall20 virtual conference. This "social show-and-tell event" brings together leaders in upper elementary science and STEM education as presenters offer 15 slides for 20 seconds each for a total of 5 minutes. Each five-minute presentation will offer teaching strategies and resources in the best practices in science and STEM education for our youngest learners. Featured materials come from celebrated classroom educators, authors of NSTA Press books and award-winning books, as well as strategies from the NSTA preK–5 journal Science & Children.

NGSS connections to student experiences will be highlighted during each Pecha Kucha presentation. Participants will interact with presenters about science and STEM investigations and resources through a Q&A session at the end of the time block. Presentations will be passionate, funny, informative, and inspirational. Join us for this new format and learn from this fast paced, energy-filled experience and leave with ideas to use with your students and colleagues.

This event is organized by Jennifer Williams, Department Chair, Lower School Science, Isidore Newman School, New Orleans, LA.

NSTA is grateful to Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision for sponsoring the Elementary Science Expo.

SPEAKERS:
Kimberly Swan, Tom Lauwers, Rob Wallace, Godwyn Morris, Jennifer Williams, Acacia McKenna, Amanda Souza, Amanda Glover

Introduce students to ways we use energy—exploring thermal energy transfer, electricity, lighting, and more! Learn great investigation activities for both the home and school!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to use energy management tools to measure energy use in the school and at home; 2. Describe efficiency and conservation, and categorize an energy-saving measure as either efficiency or conservation; and 3. Teach students how to measure and calculate which devices use more electricity than others and which cost more than others.

SPEAKERS:
Tyler Cvitkovic

Environmental/instructional strategies will be addressed to help teachers reduce risk and provide for safer lab activities in on-site school science labs and virtual formats.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Five effective ways of reducing health risks during the COVID-19 pandemic; 2. Facility environmental concerns and ways to make them safer; and 3. Instructional strategies to reduce risk for safer lab activities.

SPEAKERS:
Kenneth Roy

Concerned about the STEM achievement gap? Learn about the latest data, as well as experience a strategy for facilitating equity conversations and its use with students or colleagues to develop equity leaders.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. To obtain the latest national data on the STEM achievement gap; 2. To experience a strategy for facilitating discussion of difficult equity issues; and 3. To be invited to become an equity leader, given the need and resources available.

SPEAKERS:
JERRY VALADEZ, Gary Nakagiri

In this engaging and informative online session, Michael will offer a conceptual landscape on which you'll construct a valid understanding of COVID-19. Using a PowerPoint deck populated with richly illustrated and animated slides, Michael will facilitate this essential experience in a manner that's engaging and not intimidating. Through this understanding, you'll become empowered to teach the applicable concepts of COVID-19 literacy, resulting in a student population that is better informed to make critical decisions, especially those that impact their health.

TAKEAWAYS:
After attending this session, attendees will be empowered with an understanding of COVID-19 on which to: 1. increase classroom effectiveness in teaching appropriate disciplinary core ideas of life sciences; 2. apply 3-D learning to understanding the biology COVID-19 virus and the resultant pandemic; and 3. apply crosscutting concepts along with science and engineering practices to an understanding of COVID-19.

SPEAKERS:
Michael DiSpezio

Live webcams provide easy access to wildlife around the world…without leaving the classroom. Find out how these webcams can help students better understand animal behavior.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. define ethology and ethograms and provide at least two real-world examples; 2. demonstrate how to develop grade-level appropriate ethograms and use these tools to study animal behavior in the classroom; and 3. identify at least two free webcams that can be used to address grade level–specific DCIs related to ecology and/or adaptations.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Proctor

Join NSTA President Dr. Elizabeth Allan as she interviews Dr. Leana Wen, a practicing physician who has been a leading expert on health policy and public health during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
 
In the wake of COVID-19, educators are facing unique challenges. At the top of that long list are problems associated with the interruption of established in-classroom practices and routines to remote learning, the emotional toll of physical separation due to social distancing, and, as they face the inevitable challenges associated with returning to in-person instruction, the concern and unpredictability about personal safety and health.
 
During this interview, Dr. Wen will respond to questions on how to best support teachers’ well-being as they simultaneously create positive learning environments for their students.

NSTA’s Chief Safety Compliance Adviser Dr. Kenneth Roy will join Dr. Allan immediately following Dr. Wen’s interview to discuss lab safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SPEAKERS:
Leana Wen, Elizabeth Allan, Kenneth Roy

Sponsoring Company: The Kavli Foundation

Soon after Pluto's discovery in 1930, astronomers noticed that it did not behave much like a planet: its orbit was highly inclined and so elliptical it even crossed the orbit of Neptune. Pluto’s image as an oddball persisted until the 1990s, when it was found to be part of the Kuiper Belt, a large population of icy bodies beyond Neptune consisting of material left over from the planet formation process. The discovery of the Kuiper Belt permanently changed our view of how the solar system formed, and showed that Pluto was not so odd after all. The Pluto–Kuiper Belt story is the quintessential example of how science works: change—whether we like it or not—is the only way science goes forward. 

NSTA wishes to thank The Kavli Foundation for sponsoring this speaker.

SPEAKERS:
Jane Luu, Elizabeth Allan

Join Dr. Mike Marvel to hear about new angles on traditional science topics that your students can use in their homes to keep their experimental design and scientific reasoning skills active. Mike will pass on several ideas that use inexpensive, common items to explore topics such as thermodynamics, intermolecular forces, and acid-base indicators. For example, students can compare the food dyes present in M&M’S™ and Skittles® using paper towel chromatography, and evaluate the thermal conductivity of materials with paper plates. You’ll see how you can use these activities at all levels, to probe concepts extensively or keep things light.

SPEAKERS:
Mike Marvel, Ph.D.

Join Michael as he addresses questions you may have on the science, spread, therapies, and prevention of COVID-19. At the beginning of this lightning chat, you can post your own question, which will be queued with unaddressed questions from his previous session entitled “The Science of COVID-19—From Virus Basics to Vaccinations” (Friday, 5:45–6:30 PM).

SPEAKERS:
Michael DiSpezio

This chat will provide an opportunity for educators to share their success and challenges around distance learning. They will be met with two facilitators who have experience regarding digital technology and supporting sensemaking in a remote setting. Educators will be given the opportunity to meet and network with others while having discourse around distance learning and five common missteps when using technology in the classroom.

Conversation Based Around 5 Traps Article:

• Even in virtual learning, making sense of phenomena should be the goal of science educators. What strategies are you using to avoid the content trap?
• Having the opportunity to share ideas and negotiate their thinking is an essential part of sensemaking. How are you avoiding the isolation trap with your students?
• A trusting environment and strong classroom community is necessary for students to collaboratively build their ideas. How are you avoiding the learning-is-serious trap?

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Holman, Brianna Reilly Oliveira

Let FLINN Scientific take you on a tour of the multiple resources available for you to help make informed decisions surrounding the learning continuum of your students in science and STEM programs. James Palcik and Vikki Myers will help you evaluate what you can use to have the most authentic, engaging science program possible regardless of the learning environments. There are plenty of curated resources that exist that may be useful for you to use in helping your students achieve their goals in their forward trajectory through postsecondary and into careers in STEM.  Let us explore some practical web-based resources and activities together.

SPEAKERS:
James Palcik

Join us to hear about the work we have been doing to support science teachers in designing NGSS units that support literacy development as well as three-dimensional learning, and watch as we demonstrate how teachers can utilize rich science texts and online tools for annotation and collaborative meaning making.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Greenleaf, Heather Howlett

During this lighning chat, we will discuss:

• How can education support our students to be ready for the jobs that come with climate action?
• Do your Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs focus on climate-related careers?
• What are some of the jobs that are being created to address climate change in your community? (Hint: Check out renewable energy and energy efficiency jobs to start.)
• What is your community or state doing to address climate change? Do you see a role for education to support these plans?

SPEAKERS:
Frank Niepold

Don't let distance learning stop you from engaging your students with hands-on exploration, a crucial component of science education. In this discussion, we'll share how you can provide hands-on learning experience for your students during asynchronous learning in a virtual setting. Then, we'll open up the discussion for you to share what you've found about hands-on instruction in the age of distance learning. Some of the questions we'll answer include:

• How can I incorporate hands-on learning into virtual instruction?
• Is it possible to teach hands-on learning in an asynchronous learning environment?
• How does that work?

SPEAKERS:
Michele Cozza

The Mississippi River drains two-thirds of the conterminous United States at a rate of 16,000 cubic meters of water per second per day, generates a half trillion dollars of economic revenue annually, and accounts for more than one million US jobs. In addition to the forces from the river, there are forces from the Gulf of Mexico itself that bring to the Gulf Coast unwelcome coastal surge, sea level rise, harmful algal blooms, and the costliest storms in the country. All the while, the region boasts some of the fastest growing cities in the country. These forces and stressors set up a challenge—how do we maintain the economy of the region, the safety of the people, and the rich, diverse cultures of the Gulf Coast communities over the long term? There is a role for science to improve prediction capabilities, a role for engineering to improve our built environment, and a role for social science to help interpret these inputs for better decision making. This talk will discuss efforts on going in these spaces to position the Gulf Coast for a sustainable and resilient future.

SPEAKERS:
Lauren Alexander Augustine

Explore the similarities and differences in age-appropriate engineering practices and design parameters for preK–2 children through discussion, hands-on activities, and classroom videos.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Engineering is a form of problem solving that is appropriate and engaging for young learners; 2. Engineering challenges for young learners should be goal-oriented, open-ended, and relevant; and 3. The process of engineering should include manipulating materials and making decisions based on their properties.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Glover

Join us in sharing your concerns and resources for enhancing equity and access in STEM programs. Learn what NSTA, and others, are doing for STEM equity nationwide.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. To be able to share your issues and concerns related to equity and STEM; 2. To know, and be able to listen to, other like-minded educators who are concerned about equity and STEM; and 3. To be invited to join an ever-expanding national network of educators who are concerned about equity and STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Gary Nakagiri, JERRY VALADEZ

Physical activity activates the brain, improves cognitive function, and is correlated with improved academic performance. Join us to engage in movement-based science activities that are elementary NGSS-focused designed to reach all learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Attendees will participate in several elementary NGSS-focused, low- to no-cost activities that engage students with movement; 2. Participants will be able to demonstrate effective research-based instructional strategies for learning science concepts and integrating other content areas; and 3. This session will demonstrate best practices for all learners, especially ESL learners.

SPEAKERS:
Judith McDonald, Alisa Wickliff

Use award-winning informational fiction books as the frame for developing hands-on explorations and activities for elementary students.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Participants will use selected award-winning book lists to determine high-quality texts suitable for elementary classrooms; 2. Presenter will share helpful hints for extracting science content from selected literature and develop that content into hands-on explorations; and 3. Participants will have access to activities suitable for in-person and virtual activities aligned with the selected books, including, but not limited to, using play to explore engineering and creating STEM activities from picture books.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Parks

The National Science Education Leadership Association welcomes participants to an open roundtable discussion with experts who will share successful practices in science education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Emerging leaders will leave with science education leadership skills.

SPEAKERS:
Linda Cook, James Blake, Shane Woods

Explore a variety of ways to use the Uncovering Student Ideas Formative Assessment Probes during distance learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Recognize the importance of eliciting students' prior conceptions; 2. Gain tips and strategies for using the probes during remote learning to engage all students in learning concepts and figuring out phenomena; and 3. Learn ways to modify probes for digital use and applications.

SPEAKERS:
Page Keeley

To do our best for our families, our communities, and our students, teachers must take care of their own mental, emotional, and physical health. It is important that as teachers, we are supporting ourselves and each other in finding ways and time to take care of our minds and bodies. In this session we will discuss mindfulness, kindness, and compassion practices that teachers can use, and share resources that can help you consider ways to take care of yourself and others in ways that are nourishing and enlivening, including readings and articles; videos and podcasts; and guided self-care practices.

SPEAKERS:
William Penuel

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes

Time is something that all teachers wish they had more of! Especially in elementary school, it can be difficult to find time to teach science the way that it should be taught. In this session, our experienced STEM coaches will assist teachers in identifying and creating practical, high-impact strategies for teaching science—especially when time and materials are limited. Expect to engage in hands-on learning designed around the understanding that time is often a constraint. Graphic organizers and easy-to-use formative assessments will be introduced and utilized throughout the session.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Identify essential components for science lessons; 2. Leverage opportunities for cross-curricular connections; and 3. Engage in easy-to-use formative assessments to guide instructional time

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kenneth Heydrick, Kristen Wheat

Sponsoring Company: MatterHackers, Inc.

Learn how to lead students through engaging learning experiences such as the make:able challenge in order to improve learner outcomes and deepen student agency. They will be able to use empathy, STEM skills, and their own interests to improve the lives of others through assistive technology and 3D printing.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about the make:able challenge and how you can implement it at your school; 2. use resources from the Build a Better Book project to facilitate design challenges for people with visual impairments based on student interest; and 3. gain strategies to help promote student independence, growth, and reflection.

SPEAKERS:
Mara Hitner, Steven Jones

Sponsoring Company: FOSS–Delta Education, School Specialty

Make the most of your instructional time by increasing student engagement and agency with an emphasis on sensemaking and science-centered language development. Using a FOSS lesson, we will demonstrate strategies developed to activate prior knowledge, collect and analyze collected data, construct explanations, and engage in argumentation during remote learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn three instructional strategies to increase engagement; 2. experience a physical science investigation as a learner; 3. determine learning expectation to build student success; and 4. learn about new FOSS resources.

SPEAKERS:
Diana Velez, Erica Beck Spencer, Joanna Totino, Brian Campbell

Sponsoring Company: TCI

Experience three-dimensional learning with TCI through immersion in a Bring Science Alive! investigation. Examine how to rivet students with science and engineering practices and apply crosscutting concepts for deeper understanding in a bird hunting moths simulation.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Attendees will learn how to engage students with phenomenon-based storylines that provide real-world problems for students to connect their learning with their own experiences; 2. through the session immersion and hands-on investigations, they will see how each TCI's Bring Science Alive! lesson incorporates three-dimensional learning in the elementary classroom; and 3. attendees will walk away knowing how to use the TCI's digital platform to bring science alive in the distance and blended learning environment.

SPEAKERS:
Matt Moorman, Dawn Smith

Sponsoring Company: Twig Education

Learn effective strategies that can be employed immediately to increase student engagement in your fully virtual or hybrid distance learning classroom, leading to better student learning outcomes. In addition, you will discover how to foolproof your online classroom to spend more time teaching and less time being tech support.

TAKEAWAYS:
By the end of the session, teachers will be able to implement three virtual assignment strategies to increase student engagement: 1. create micro-lessons for 100% student focus and attention; 2. evaluate (or create) and assign video-based science coaching; and 3. deploy and facilitate virtual labs that excite, engage, and get students doing science.

SPEAKERS:
Mary McGibbons-Craft, Kimberly Mueller

Hear innovative ideas for developing partnerships and programs with community, universities, and industry to equip students with STEM skills necessary for success in tomorrow’s world.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to go beyond one-off field trips to engage students in deeper, more meaningful, long-term, and real-world learning; 2. Learn how to take advantage of the coming "silver Tsunami" in most industries, to get unique learning experiences and measurable outcomes for your students; and 3. Understand that "STEM fields" are not limited to robotics or space exploration; most if not all fields soon will require at least a basic understanding of STEM concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Gordon Bourns, Sharon Gutierrez, John Robertson, Damaris Velez

Use argumentation tools to facilitate elementary student conversations around the intersection of science and social justice because as the  NGSS state, “Science is a Human Endeavor.”

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn to connect the NGSS to a science phenomenon focused on social justice and culturally responsive to our student populations; 2. Use the science and engineering practice of arguing from evidence to facilitate student conversations on socially just science topics; and 3. Practice tools to facilitate difficult conversations around race, culture, identity, and social justice in the elementary classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Brandon Davis, Leena McLean

We use fairy tales to pass societal values and norms to the next generation. Why not use (tweaked) fairy tales to support students in using NGSS science and engineering practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will get, and learn how to use: 1. versions of fairy tales that illustrate the SEP; 2. activities that support use of these fairy tales; and 3. protocols and strategies to support productive student reading and talking in your science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Rob Wallace

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:
Matthew Hartman, Acacia McKenna

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

TAKEAWAYS:
1. We can use the engineering design process in our everyday life to solve problems and make improvements; 2. NASA Engineers must ask a question, imagine a solution, plan a design, create that model, experiment and test that model, then take time to improve the original—all steps that are crucial to mission success from Moon to Mars and beyond!; and 3. While this activity will focus on teaching the engineering design process using the process skills of measuring, calculating, designing, and evaluating, the "boring part" of ask, imagine, plan will be focused on to emphasize deeper learning as a thought process prior to simply "building stuff."

SPEAKERS:
Barbie Buckner

Do you impact your school and community with STEM? If you teach K–12, come learn how to apply to win one of eight Shell-supported awards.

TAKEAWAYS:
Share your passion and practice by applying for one of eight awards. Learn from past Shell awardees, finalists, and judging panel members’ important tips to apply for this award, and how to win a trip to next year’s national conference in Chicago.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Upton, Richard Embrick

The COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in widespread and ongoing changes to how the K–12 education system functions, including disruptions to science and engineering teaching and learning environments. In early September 2020, the Board on Science Education at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released Teaching Science During the COVID-19 Pandemic, to offer guidance to educators as they take on the challenge of adapting instruction to these challenging times. The guide aims to describe what high quality science and engineering education can look like in a time of great uncertainty and to support practitioners as they work toward their goals. This session will provide an overview of the key principles in the guide and engage participants in a discussion of how these principles can guide the difficult decisions they are making day to day as they navigate complex blends of virtual and in-person learning environments.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Childress Self, Heidi Schweingruber

A project-based STEM curricula has students applying their knowledge and skills to improve the world they live in by achieving quantifiable water savings.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Science in the classroom can lead to real-world results; 2. Water audits require the use of math and technology to solve real-world problems; and 3. Community involvement enhances student learning and experience.

SPEAKERS:
Sandra Hurlbut

Come learn about the transformations that support three-dimensional learning. Participants will engage with a hands-on experience and have time to analyze in order to develop an understanding of what is needed to transform learning in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Authentic sense-making of phenomena or problems can be achieved through shifting heavy lifting of constructing understanding to students; 2. encouraging and listening for diverse student ideas that can be critiqued using evidence supports all students’ pathways toward understanding; and 3. using specific talk moves that change the pattern of conversation from IRE (Initiate, Respond, Evaluate) to Reasoning is needed for all to be engaged in sense-making.

SPEAKERS:
Kristen Moorhead

Participants will review performance task components and will utilize a task screener tool to evaluate a performance task.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn: 1. what a performance task is; 2. key components of a performance task; and 3. how to evaluate a performance task.

SPEAKERS:
Sara Torres, Sarah Sleasman, Meg Gebert, Rebecca Garelli

Science is all around you, no matter where you are! Join Miss America 2020 Camille Schrier—biochemist, pharmacy student, and self-proclaimed science nerd—as she shares suggestions for discovering the science in our everyday lives. During her presentation, Camille will discuss fun and creative approaches for the at-home, online science classroom to keeps students engaged during these challenging times.

SPEAKERS:
Camille Schrier

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Allan

Join Michael as he offers a “lightning” overview of COVID-19 educational resources on the web and profiles a cache of free, downloadable activities he has written. Then, he’ll open the “virtual” stage for sharing your ideas on how best to teach the science and the associated health concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Michael DiSpezio

Come have a conversation with James Palcik, director of Education, Safety, and Compliance at FLINN Scientific, where you can truly ‘Ask Me Anything Science / STEM related’. Topics might include the increased protocols surrounding lab equipment sanitation, healthy hygiene guidance, how to disinfect lab instruments and apparatus, how to conduct safe lab activities in the classroom and at home, remote learning continuity for science and STEM students, and so much more. James will be happy to answer your questions regarding best practices in the lab and virtually for educators across the country—don’t be shy!

SPEAKERS:
James Palcik

Join Acacia as she shares tools that can be used either in person or in a distance-learning environment. Discover how you can use these tools in the science classroom, especially with STEM projects and competitions.

SPEAKERS:
Acacia McKenna

We will explore opportunities to understand climate change and meet Next Generation Science Standards in today’s classrooms. Some questions to consider:

• How do we provide a framework for students to understand and solve climate change while providing them with hope for their futures?
• What impacts of climate change concern students most?
• How do we know if information is factual or fiction?

SPEAKERS:
Laura Tucker, Lois Sherwood

During this chat, we'll consider how NGSS has shifted the way that we should teach. Best practices for implementation will be shared, as well as ways that science is now more engaging to Gen Z students between phenomena and explorations. Assessing student understanding will also be discussed.

• How do the three dimensions of NGSS change the way that we teach science?
• How has inquiry changed over time?
• If I incorporate more hands-on instruction, will I have fulfilled the NGSS fully?
• How does phenomena tie into the NGSS?
• How may I assess students for their understanding of science under NGSS?

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Larsgaard

What does accessibility look like in the science classroom? As we take on the Next Generation Science Standards and combat the digital divide, another question that comes up is how to effectively teach the NGSS to all students. Some questions to think about:

• What are the internal biases that I carry in my work as a science teacher?
• What are the systemic barriers in place that contribute to student inequities?
• What is my role in advocating for all standards for all students?

SPEAKERS:
Leena McLean

During this chat, we'll explore how to make science accessible to all students. This is critically important, as all students should have the opportunity to learn science to be prepared for a future STEM career. It is required by the NGSS in Appendix D and every district, teacher, and parent should also want this for the success of their students. This is not an easy task and is an area in which we must continue to learn and grow. This is evidenced by the implicit biases that occur and the gaps that exist in populations that pursue STEM college and careers.

• What is equity? What is a bias?
• Why does equity in STEM education matter?
• What role has implicit biases played in creating historically underserved student populations?
• How does the addition of phenomena in science education help support equity?
• How can we create more equitable STEM learning opportunities for all students, including during distance learning?

SPEAKERS:
Contessa Akintunji

During this chat, we will discuss:

• What types of weather science and safety resources are you looking for to use with your students?
• What are your biggest challenges when teaching about weather science and safety?
• What types of resources are you looking for to use with your students?
• Are they related to extreme weather hazards in your area?

SPEAKERS:
Mary Fairbanks

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes

Explore how popular educational technology tools can enhance your science curriculum for guided and independent remote learning. This session will provide participants with easy-to-implement strategies to create meaningful experiences that empower your students with 21st-century skills needed to succeed in a virtual learning environment.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Help streamline the planning process; 2. Identify what is essential for each platform; and 3. Experience what those experiences look like.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kenneth Heydrick, Ashley Mathis, Michele Cozza

Climate science can be a difficult topic, however, focusing on hope and action allows students to see they can make a difference. Come see how!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain strategies to support all students, but especially English Learners using OCDE (Orange County Department of Education) Project GLAD® strategies; 2. Learn the content and the relevant issues that are impacting climate change; and 3. How to focus on the importance of maintaining hope. We do this by showing students how their actions will make a difference.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Lindholm

Explore the critical role that creativity plays in addressing essential skills required for ALL students and their future success.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Why creativity must be a critical component of effective planning; 2. How creativity impacts student success; and 3. How to provide continuous and effective creative opportunities for students.

SPEAKERS:
Cathi Cox-Boniol, Missy Wooley

Located in the U.S. near a Shell asset? Attend this session for the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge to learn how to apply for this amazing opportunity. Pick up tips for completing a winning application and begin your journey in applying to win an updated science classroom. This program will award 33 prize packages valued up to $15,000 for high school and $10,000 for elementary and middle school!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how you can apply to win the Shell Science Lab Challenge; 2. Learn the tips to completing a winning application; and 3. Have an opportunity to actually begin to complete the application and have your questions answered.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Upton, Ruth Ruud

A chief news meteorologist will share her story on disrupting stereotypes and celebrating gender equity from kindergarten to postsecondary. Emphasis will be placed on equipping educators with keys to attract young girls to STEM professions.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Embracing differences: challenging the status quo and debunking gender myths; 2. Learning to create education cultures that celebrate our uniqueness; and 3. Why girls need community and role models: developing stronger mentor/mentee programs for girls within our schools.

SPEAKERS:
Ashley Gann

Exploration of mineral properties using scientific tools. Session covers how to teach minerals in a 5Es (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate) investigation. Learn strategies for making your own classroom kits. Visit https://padlet.com/lbschneider/NSTAminerals to access all files related to this session.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn: 1. strategies for how to teach 5E hands-on science investigations that are NGSS focused; 2. about mineral properties and how to use them to identify common rock-forming minerals; and 3. how to select materials to create mineral kits to use with students.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Schneider

The NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions maps out learning progressions based on the Framework for K–12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) using the same techniques that were used to develop the Atlas of Science Literacy from AAAS Project 2061. The 62 maps in the Atlas organize all of the elements from standards on a particular topic (e.g., modeling, patterns, or definitions of energy) on a single page. The elements from grades K–2 are at the bottom of the page and those from grades 9–12 are at the top. Arrows connect elements to indicate how ideas in a particular topic build on each other and how elements in different topics connect to one another. Studying the maps in the Atlas and the additional resources in the appendixes can provide educators new insights about the standards.
 
This session will provide an overview of how to read a map, the other features of the Atlas, and how educators can use this powerful navigational tool to develop and implement curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to read a map in the Atlas; 2. the relationship between the Framework and the Atlas; and 3. how to use the Atlas to unpack or clarify standards.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard

Participants will learn ideas and strategies for engaging MLs in science as they relate to the Principles of Equitable Engagement for Multilingual Learners in Three-Dimensional Science developed through the Making Science Multilingual initiative that is a collaboration between NSTA and the WIDA Consortium.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Examine a set of principles co-developed by NSTA and WIDA, and discuss how these apply in classrooms to benefit multilingual learners; 2. explore ways to help a linguistically diverse group of students engage together in sensemaking in 3-D science; and 3. explore ways to make science instruction more equitable and include more cultural and linguistic assets.

SPEAKERS:
David Crowther, Rita MacDonald

Let's bring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into the forefront of science education! Join us as we share the details of our joint AMSE and NSTA Multicultural/Equity upcoming virtual miniseries. #DEIinACTION

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Addressing the Elephant in the Room: A Focus on Diversity and Equity Among Minority and Underserved Students in Geographic Locations; 2. Designing for Equitable Sense-making with Multilingual Learners; and 3. All in the (Science) Family: Considerations and Strategies for Inclusive Science Teaching for All Students.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Alicia Conerly, Sharon Delesbore

Delve into how to access and explore NOAA’s data-rich resources, lesson plans, and visualization tools to build data literacy and proficiency in scientific data analysis.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. What types of data are available from NOAA; 2. How to find and use NOAA data in your classroom; and 3. How students can be involved in data collection.

SPEAKERS:
Bekkah Lampe, Kayla Smith

Cultural exchange, identity, and agency are developed as students learn the importance of locally growing food and the benefit it has on the environment.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Design Process that solves the lack of access to fresh food in urban communities; 2. Place-based education that builds student identity and agency in preserving the environment; and 3. Partnerships with local businesses and government agencies .

SPEAKERS:
Lakisha Kincherlow, Daudi Angatia, Carlos Miranda, Alicia Acerra, Maribel Cardona

Discussion centers on how to start an Environmental Education Club, incorporate green STEM-focused curriculum, and become part of the Eco-School global initiative.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. how to start an Environmental Education club at their school and will see examples from other schools and colleges; 2. about Green STEM lessons and interdisciplinary units that they can easily incorporate in their standards-based curriculum; and 3. about the Eco-School global initiative and will explore how they can inspire their students to collaborate with others and involve their local communities so together they can create creative and meaningful solutions to protect the planet.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Ristuccia

Project Hero is a free program that challenges students to accept standards-focused and project-based Quests aimed at helping locally relevant species and ecosystems under pressure.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to: 1. create an account and explore Quests as they become available ; 2. facilitate the QUEST process with their students ; and 3. demonstrate understanding of the process for applying for a grant to support their Quest.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Arndt

We will introduce a collection of units and resources to help teachers engage students in three-dimensional learning through model-driven inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Anchoring instruction around authentic phenomena is the first step to 3-D learning; 2. The practice of modeling should be at the center of your instructional units; and 3. Models help groups of students build explanations of phenomena together over time.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Campbell, Ron Gray, Victor Sampson

The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) shares free resources and innovative ways to introduce engineering into K–12 classrooms. Join us to learn more and engage in a hands-on activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Leading, free, engineering resource sites; 2. ASEE's commitment to engineering education; and 3. ways to engage with engineers.

SPEAKERS:
Martha Cyr

The 7Cs of creativity (Creators, Creating, Collaborations, Contexts, Creations, Consumption, and Curricula) allow students additional avenues to demonstrate content mastery content. Join in to explore ways of connecting science practices and design thinking.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn strategies to incorporate wonder and curiosity in science lessons to engage reluctant learners; be able to implement lessons that incorporate creativity, design thinking, and science practices; and 3. learn ways to implement design thinking and use science practices with a wide range of learners.

SPEAKERS:
Deepa Iyer

We will present a unit designed to help students understand friction by using connected learning, engineering design principles, and real-world problem-solving.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to create real-world problems based on engineering design principles; 2. Explore how connected learning can engage all learners by tapping into their interests; and 3. Examine the framework of engineering design principles through an example of friction.

SPEAKERS:
Tevis Jacobs, Cassie Quigley, Autumn Dillaman

What makes it rain? M&Ms versus Skittles? Baking soda versus baking powder? Free online lesson plans of hands-on activities and animations help your elementary students build foundational concepts in chemistry.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Awareness of a free resource of NGSS-focused lesson plans in chemistry for Kindergarten and grades 2 and 5; 2. Questioning strategies built into lessons to help young students contribute to the design of an investigation to answer a question; and 3. An understanding of using grade-appropriate explanations of atoms and molecules to help students better understand the causes of the phenomena they observed.

SPEAKERS:
James Kessler

Join us to learn how we move science from an “extra” subject in the primary grades to a focus that improves literacy achievement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn: 1. practical ways to use science to increase student mastery of the writing standards in the early grades; 2. how to “make the case” for using science to increase literacy; and 3. literacy assessments that are supported by classroom science learning.

SPEAKERS:
Dana Letts, Heather Tarlton

Attention will be paid to research-based strategies and resources to differentiate instruction, making science accessible and engaging for ALL students. Discussion centers on ways to increase participation, engagement, and advance learning. Handouts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. strategies, to engage all learners actively with hands-on experiences, to advance learning and deepen conceptual understanding for all K–6 students; 2. ways to differentiate instruction, offering tiered or leveled experiences, where explorations vary as to the complexity of the task, while offering essential concepts to all students; and 3. effective questioning strategies to enhance and deepen student understanding, increase academic language, and help make students’ thinking visible.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Knoell

This session will engage teachers in experiencing and exploring free NGSS-focused resources for classrooms from STEM@GTRI.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Free NGSS-focused resources; 2. virtual field experiences; and 3. educational technology.

SPEAKERS:
Tyler Kinner

Participants will engage with phenomenon-based lesson using synchronous and asynchronous teaching in the 5E Lesson Framework. The lesson overview will guide teachers through using digital resources that promote 3-D learning with phenomena integrated throughout the 5E, both synchronously and asynchronously.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. identify points in a 3-D phenomenon-based lesson that are best suited for synchronous and asynchronous learning; 2. use digital platforms to obtain and evaluate information in video, image, and informational text form; and 3. integrate the 5E model for lesson delivery that includes a phenonomenon.

SPEAKERS:
Rabieh Hafza

Keeping the Earth big and blue requires getting students out into the schoolyard. Discover how to put in gardens or an outdoor classroom and how to support the learning through crosscutting concepts with journals and children’s literature.

TAKEAWAYS:
1.Teachers will experience through photographs, stories, and activities how to engage all students in connecting sustaining Earth to the local schoolyard and their backyards; 2. Teachers gather resources for lessons, units, and a wide selction of chidlren's literature, going home equipped to address crosscutting concepts effectively; and 3. Hands-on activities and anecdotes of the presenter's expereinces will give teachers inspiration to help children find connections to nature at home and at school.

SPEAKERS:
Steve Rich

Join master educator, presenter, and author Michael A. DiSpezio as he explores ways in which you can effectively engage students within our challenging times. Driven by a diverse cache of science engagements designed for both at-home and face-to-face encounters, this presentation profiles tenets for reclaiming motivation, engagement, and success. These easily repeatable and inexpensive experiences offer multiple opportunities that are effective in recapturing, maintaining, and nurturing student success in standards-based science literacy. They range from mind-bending science challenges to an activity assortment of awesome hands-on experiments that you can perform with everyday items. So join Michael for a practical and pragmatic session that surveys a variety of tips, techniques, and tricks designed for the at-home/online science classroom. Plus, make sure you have several sheets of scrap paper, paper clips, scissors, and tape at your desktop for this interactive experience!

SPEAKERS:
Michael DiSpezio