Sponsoring Company: Great Minds

See how Colorado schools are using phenomena to drive K–2 science instruction. We'll dive into a PhD Science® module to discover how phenomenon-driven instruction anchors student learning. Participants will hear from a piloting Colorado district and leave with access to the free K–2 OER materials.

SPEAKERS:
Madeline Cronk, Rebecca Rolater

Are your students’ explanations of science sometimes jaw-dropping, leaving you scratching your head as to where that “knowledge” came from? While we can’t eliminate kids’ misconceptions, we can work with those ideas to help them understand the correct science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn how to work with misconceptions that students hold in order to incorporate those into useful assessments. Use students’ sensemaking to discover ways to get at those ideas, and share your students’ misconceptions, hear others as well, and build research-based assessments.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Crockett

Sponsoring Company: Community Training and Assistance Center (CTAC)

This session explores a unique approach to integrated STEM. The approach places curricular units that focus on engineering and computer science directly into the core curriculum for every student, PreK-12.

SPEAKERS:
Scott Reynolds

Participants will be presented with the characteristics of NGSS-based learning. The presenter will frame this through the review of a hands-on/demonstration activity vs. a Three-Dimensional approach to instruction. This session is meant for school administrators who do not have a science background.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be introduced to the process of converting a hands-on/demonstration activity to a true NGSS-based lesson.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Hilton

Undergraduate researchers built a bat house on the Amazon River Basin. The project goals were: 1.) provide natural remediation, 2.) create a marketable commodity (guano), and 3.) reduce overhead costs. The venture has proven beneficial and has far-reaching global effects on the most at-risk humans.

TAKEAWAYS:
Several benefits for the Maijuna can be replicated in other communities. International historical bat projects will be shared. Future ventures with tropical bat houses and other natural resources will be shared. The main takeaway is the use of the natural environment to battle current human struggles.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Bechtel

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

Earth faces pressing challenges: rising temperatures, extreme weather, resource strain, and pollution. Unfairly, students must tackle these, but solutions exist. Teachers play a vital role in providing students with academic tools, fostering confidence and hope for them to shape a sustainable future

SPEAKERS:
Michael Wysession

Participants will use the engineering design process to imagine and build challenges that link with popular rhymes. Lively learning activities will integrate NGSS, math, literacy, and SEL, supporting research that science and engineering should be included for early elementary students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engineering activities can be effectively utilized with early primary students, supporting their growth not only in science, but also in math, ELA, and SEL. Participants will experience engineering exercises that can be readily integrated into their classroom practice.

SPEAKERS:
Pam Nolan-Beasley

Educators in Infant/Toddler classrooms can feel pressure to "teach science" in their groups. Yet, infants and toddlers, allowed to freely explore, engage in science learning daily. The framework's dimensions are part of their world, but adults seldom recognize this.

TAKEAWAYS:
The everyday "play" of infants and toddlers include their attempts to investigate their world, to find out patterns and predictability of objects in their lives. Adults who work with the youngest children rarely understand the scientific concepts that are being investigated and learned.

SPEAKERS:
Ellen Cogan

Explore transformative AI tools for education, including Questionwell, Curipod, and Twee. Learn to seamlessly integrate them into lessons, enhance student engagement, and elevate learning with AI-generated questions and personalized feedback.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain hands-on experience with AI tools for education, understanding their potential to enhance student engagement, streamline assessment, and promote innovative teaching strategies.

SPEAKERS:
Selene Verhofstad, Faryal Shaukat

Explore student-driven phenomena to teach and scaffold the NGSS Science Practices! This session is a mix of presentation, hands-on inquiry, and discussion. Utilizing a teacher’s experience in research and scientific publication, we’ll explore common areas of dissonance in emerging scientists.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to make authentic research accessible to diverse learners with a simple jelly, bread, and kitchen utensil investigation. Scaffolding progressions will cover scientific writing, data analysis, peer feedback, and scientific communication to bridge the gap between classroom and research.

SPEAKERS:
Megan Lane

Empower students to investigate the natural world as career scientists do. In this workshop, we will explore accessible field and lab activities from the Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Biology and Conservation graduate program including instructional strategies, lesson plans, and low-cost activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
All students deserve access to high-quality and authentic science experiences. Incorporating real-world scientific training into the classroom provides students with opportunities to be successful in science and contribute to expanding scientific knowledge.

SPEAKERS:
Samantha Turner-Rosa

Making enhancements to our Science programming requires an integration of STEM concepts. In this session we share our technological journey and how we have infused 3D printing, drones, robots, coding, and Arduinos seamlessly into 6th-8th grade Science classes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees learn how STEM can be infused seamlessly into current NGSS programming, new STEM options available, how they are being used to increase problem solving and critical thinking skills, and how to use the instructional planning framework to integrate STEM technology into any middle-level class.

SPEAKERS:
Anna Kopacz, Howard Frishman, Nicole McRee

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Explore the world of forensic science with these fun and exciting escape room activities! Try forensic blood detection and agarose gel electrophoresis experiments, decipher clues, and solve puzzles. Learn to design your own escape room to have students unravel the evidence and free the innocent.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD, Tom Cynkar

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Studying complex physics phenomena with photogates can be exciting for your students! Join us to explore strategies for engaging your students in learning about velocity vs. time graphs, acceleration, and kinematic equations. Build confidence in these tools and bring hands-on learning to your class!

SPEAKERS:
Josh Ence, David Carter

Hosting a STEM Science Fair promotes engagement with the scientific method and CER. It allows students to investigate areas of science that interest them. Learn the logistics of hosting a STEM science fair at your school and the benefits it can bring to your building.

TAKEAWAYS:
Hosting a Science Fair allows students to be active scientists as they study, experiment, and share their knowledge of an in-depth topic of their interest.

SPEAKERS:
Stacie Hopple

Like many states, Connecticut has adopted OpenSciEd for the middle level model science curriculum. The approach to teaching and learning through OpenSciEd presents a challenge for school and district leaders– that is, what does it look like? The instructional model & feedback will be the focus.

TAKEAWAYS:
Leaders and supervisors will learn what to expect in an OpenSciEd classroom and take away tools and resources to support their understanding, and support teacher implementation through formative feedback to enhance teacher growth and collective efficacy.

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Wlodarczyk

Diversity in STEM is crucial; however, we need to do more than just talk about it. In order to really create inclusive spaces, we must address the dark side of science which has led many groups to shy away from pursuing these fields. This harm can be repaired through restorative practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will understand the history of science in the United States. By acknowledging the systemic obstacles and barriers that certain underrepresented groups faced, we can implement restorative strategies to create inclusive science classrooms, such as: circles, conferences, and restorative questions.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Josue Falaise

Get ready to Rise to the Challenge in this Workshop series based on our Massachusetts STEM Week Challenges. From extreme weather to deserted islands, and zoo makeovers, there’s a challenge for everyone! You’ll experience hands-on, inquiry and phenomena-based investigations. Receive the curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will explore STEM Design Challenges funded by the MA DHE and run during MA STEM Week. They will explore using a design challenge in their classroom that addresses the Science and Engineering Standards and the engineering design process, and will experience using phenomena-based units.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Stronach, Kathryn Atkins, Sandra Ryack-Bell

Implentation of spectroscopic evidence in an elective high school chemistry course to identify various unknown organic structures.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be provided with resources and assessments to identify an unknown organic compound given its % composition. The spectroscopic methods used are Infrared Spectrometry, Mass Spectrometry, and proton NMR Spectroscopy.

SPEAKERS:
Jeromy Bentley

Increase knowledge aligning SEPs with science DCIs. Will students Plan/Conduct investigations using Inquiry lessons, or will they define simple design problems practicing STEM protocols? Design/build Paper Helicopters and Huff & Puff Vehicles practicing both ways of doing science. FACTs included.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will take away two classroom models (Paper Helicopters & Huff/Puff Vehicles) and experience firsthand how to engage students in collaborative, inclusive groups to solve problems and build community. Try to constrain yourselves as you set up your criteria for success! FACTs modeled, too!

SPEAKERS:
Tina Harris, Carolyn Mohr

Unlock the power of student sensemaking in science. Learn strategies to ignite curiosity, foster discussion, and use writing to create an inclusive classroom. Elevate science teaching to ensure you have a student-centered classroom using strategies that develop science and engineering practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
For middle school students, communication through talking and writing is natural. When they are making sense of science through talking and writing, they are making their thinking visible. This session highlights strategies and routines that will transform science lessons into student-centered learning.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Rhoades

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Decode concealed clues and unveil invisible evidence using spectroscopy! This demonstration will cover how students can use the Go Direct® SpectroVis® Plus Spectrophotometer and Vernier Spectral Analysis® app to capture and identify the spectra for invisible ink in a note left at a crime scene.

SPEAKERS:
Nüsret Hisim, Colleen McDaniel

In this presentation we’ll discuss how to bring makerspaces, STEAM, and genius hour to life in the classroom. An experienced STEAM educator will share her joyful journey creating and implementing a middle school STEAM class rooted in research on making, equity, and the genius hour practice.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to bring joy into teaching and learning through making, STEAM, and genius hour. Attendees will walk away with tools, tips, and tricks to support their own vision of joy in teaching and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Olivia Bello

Physical computing allows students to design and create interactive objects that emphasize computational thinking skills. Participants will engage in activities designed for middle school students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Microcontrollers are small computers that come with several integrated sensors. Their functionality makes them useful for both investigations and engineering projects. Some of the basic functionality of different microcontrollers will be learned through hands-on experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Susan German, Michael Bowen

Engage in activities that show how to connect your current science lessons to cutting edge engineering research and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM. Receive access to K-5 NGSS aligned resources that immerse students in scenario based tasks using data from current STEM research.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to enhance student engagement, and promote STEM college and career pathways by connecting classroom learning to current engineering research at URI and UCONN. Leave with access to video and instructional resources aligned to NGSS and connected to the research.

SPEAKERS:
John Koziatek, Christopher Cochran, Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi, Zachary Orefice

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Unleash the power of gene editing with your students using REAL CRISPR-Cas technology to knock out colorful genes in E. coli. Identify successful knockout based on the cell color. Experiment by switching RNA templates and analyzing results, letting your students prove the specificity of CRISPR!

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD, Tom Cynkar

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Reimagine standards-aligned enzymology lessons with an updated real-world spin. Attendees will explore lactase enzyme function firsthand and use Vernier Go Direct® sensors to observe lactose breakdown. Students can make real-world connections to digestive health concepts like lactose intolerance.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel, Nüsret Hisim

Please join us for the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the exhibit hall, featuring companies with services, support, and resources for science educators.

Sponsoring Company: KidWind Project

Join us to explore the science of solar power! During this workshop, educators will learn the foundations of solar power including the science and technology of solar PV. We will also introduce activities for the classroom that engage students in dynamic, hands-on, energy-based learning.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Arquin

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Link physical science concepts like circuits and charged particles to the essential biotech method gel electrophoresis. Build a reusable gel electrophoresis system with the Bandit STEM Electrophoresis Kit, and use it to separate colorful dyes. Also, add the A to STEAM with creative pipetting art!

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hennessy-McDonald, PhD

Sponsoring Company: Great Minds

Come along as we undergo a rigorous student experience to work through a complex investigation. Throughout the course of the session, participants will discover the importance of fostering an environment that encourages challenge where students can struggle in a safe space.

SPEAKERS:
Madeline Cronk

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Wondering how to get started with Vernier technology? Explore three of our most common sensors for chemistry, biology, and physics and learn about resources and support available to you from Vernier. Walk away with data collection tips and best practices to incorporate in your classes.

SPEAKERS:
David Carter, Josh Ence

All students have the right to develop a deep understanding of how the world works in ways that support their personal goals and the interests of their community. Come explore how instruction can more equitably support science learning that is consequential to your students and their communities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will develop an understanding of an equity project framework for science education for supporting professional learning and implementation projects. They will learn how open education resources (http://stemteachingtools.org/) can help them develop equitable approaches to science teaching.

SPEAKERS:
Philip Bell, Michal Robinson

Sponsoring Company: Legends of Learning

Forget boring! Ignite learning with Legends of Learning's Game Based Adventures! Embark on an immersive learning experience. Active, engaging, unforgettable. Unleash the learning within!

SPEAKERS:
Sean Reidy, Jonathan Gerlach

Discover the latest and greatest science and STEM teaching and learning resources, tools, and products available during this break in concurrent sessions.

Physical science and physics offer a wide assortment of authentic, open-ended early learning activities with hands-on multisensory materials and rich opportunities for group work, easily adapted for all learners, including children with diverse learning needs as they explore concepts and ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
Adults help illuminate concepts and skills as children act on familiar multisensory, hands-on materials, developing their emerging scientific thinking, understanding, & causal reasoning. Before children can see themselves as scientists, adults must view all children as science learners.

SPEAKERS:
Shelly Counsell

Participate in an exploration of science and STEM learning tailored for young learners. Navigate through informative stations, engage with colleagues, and establish connections with science leaders. Depart with lessons and resources designed to elevate STEM and science in your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Elementary and early childhood educators will leave with resources, lessons, and ideas that will advance science and STEM learning in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Williams

This project uses environmental topics from NGSS to promote research skills and strengthen awareness of the human impact on the planet, while also encouraging creativity through writing and visual arts. Lesson plans, bibliography, and strategies for implementing in K-5 will be included.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to use grade-level, NGSS standards and concepts as inspiration for students to research, write, and illustrate their own picture books.

SPEAKERS:
Kerry Teeple

Do you impact your school and community with STEM? If you teach K–12, come learn how to apply to win up to $20K through this teacher competition

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to apply for the Shell-sponsored teacher competition, and collaborate with past winners and judges to learn how to strengthen your application.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Upton

Participants will explore an engineering design challenge that engages upper elementary students in the creation of tiny homes as a solution to homelessness after a local natural disaster. Explore Design Thinking principles and how empathy plays a role in authentic and inclusive STEM inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engage in an NGSS-based engineering design challenge where you design a solution for homelessness caused by natural disasters and learn the role of empathy in STEM inquiries by using Design Thinking principles and place-based strategies that engage all learners in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Williams

Experience 4 take-away activities for ages 2-8 in engineering and math. Integrate suggested apps from technology and the sciences. Preview a complete Science Fairy project for staff training. Bang for your dollar here.

TAKEAWAYS:
STEM activities (9) with at-conference DIY from That Science Fairy to implement in early education 2-8 settings

SPEAKERS:
Laura Weilert

We will demonstrate a 5E on the distribution of water on Earth (partially addressing 5-ESS2-2) and show how we give students experiences across the STEM disciplines. Each STEM discipline will be represented in the 5E.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn how you can embed science, engineering, technology, and math in a 5E on the distribution of water (5-ESS2-2).

SPEAKERS:
Elyse Clapp, Star Swain, Jesse Wilcox

How to create hands on science and engineering activities using simple supplies of just paper, tape and scissors. Effective for grades K-8

TAKEAWAYS:
Remove the expense factor that often hinders the inclusion of STEAM projects

SPEAKERS:
Godwyn Morris

Teachers how to begin planting using upcycled and free materials, how to reuse containers as planters, how to make biodegradable seedling planters in seconds, and how to transform desolate ground into a blooming wildflower garden with seeds and a container of air-dry clay.

TAKEAWAYS:
Simple, easy, and inexpensive methods for starting a school garden by using upcycled and free materials

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Kurson

Observations are the basis for understanding science principles, especially in elementary. Have you wondered if it is possible to “change” something by measuring it? Is there a difference in observation and measurement? Come find out.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students will be able to distinguish between destructive and non-destructive measurements. Students will be able to explain the difference in measurement and observation. Students will be able to determine when a change occurs while being measured.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Matsler

It is never too early to introduce students to robotics and coding. Learn about opportunities that are available at the elementary school level. Developing an early curiosity about how to solve problems, while working together are valuable skills that students will be able to use for a lifetime.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn about the resources that are available to begin a robotics program at the elementary school level.

SPEAKERS:
Nancy McIntyre

Learn about all the ways that Denver Botanic Gardens connects K-12 students with nature and take back free resources and strategies to use in your classrooms. We will highlight virtual programs, STEM career exploration resources, and free worksheets and curricula around climate change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn about educational opportunities with Denver Botanic Gardens and Budburst, a project of Chicago Botanic Gardens. Take back free resources on STEM career exploration, climate change, citizen science, pollinators and more.

SPEAKERS:
Katelin Gaeth

Join two instructional coaches who will lead a medical-themed session where attendees will have the opportunity to travel through the cross-curricular leveling-up (station-based) activity. Attendees will leave the session with instructional strategies to fuel student engagement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will participate in a cross-curricular leveling-up (station-based) activity. Attendees will also receive access to a website that includes meaningful instructional sequences, grade-appropriate resources, a cross-curricular map, rubrics, and student organizers fueling student engagement.

SPEAKERS:
Jamesa Broome, Ann Vitello

Paramount tasks can develop learners’ scientific literacy and critical consciousness by problematizing real world situations. We will engage participants in explorations to demonstrate how community-centered phenomena and children’s literature can be catalysts for developing paramount tasks (EC-5).

TAKEAWAYS:
Paramount tasks foster opportunities to develop rigorous problems that intricately connect learners, their communities, and their cultures with key content and skills. This approach reflects the hallmark of the NGSS and positions learners and their communities at the forefront of learning.

SPEAKERS:
Kelley Buchheister

Connect with Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium to uncover how educators are bringing science to life for all students. At OHDZA, we know learning continues beyond the four walls of a traditional classroom. Join us to gain meaningful ways to connect students to the world around them!

TAKEAWAYS:
Meet with Omaha's Zoo and Aquarium education team to see how HQIM are used in our Zoo Academies, Zoo After-School Programs, Zoo Outreaches, and Citizen Science Programs. Take away innovative ideas using HQIM to build stronger instruction, deeper engagement, and higher achievements.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Bustos, Leah Litz

This introduction to STEM for elementary, secondary, or special education classrooms will allow participants to explore motion and energy while creating their own Rube Goldberg machine using found objects.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students can easily plan, build, and solve problems on their own Rube Goldberg project using recycled and found materials.

SPEAKERS:
Elaine Sevin

This is a hands-on session where participants will use every day items and associate their use with scientific concepts. They will find that multiple items will lead to the same concept, and/or that one item can be associated with multiple science concepts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Children can learn real science through every day items. A handout will help participants remember some of these concepts and the science terms they can use with children.

SPEAKERS:
Ellen Cogan

Once upon a time, there were dedicated teachers who wanted nothing more than classrooms full of happy, engaged, and inspired students. Alas, our heroes must face many dastardly obstacles including boring curriculum! This session will provide storytelling tips to help turn duds into happy endings...

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with compelling explanations/research behind the effectiveness of storytelling as an instructional tool as well as several examples of story integration into various STEM activities.

SPEAKERS:
Elaine Wu

65% of Elementary School students will enter STEM jobs that haven't been created yet. How do we prepare students for jobs that don't exist yet? While we don't know what problems our students will face, we do know that they will face problems, and those problems are solved through STEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how Gwinnett County Public Schools is engaging our youngest scientists in science-fair-type experiences where curiosity takes its first steps.

SPEAKERS:
Brandon McKinney, Kristin Luthi

Participants will directly experience and undertake a more authentic science investigation by adapting and extending exisiting hands-on investigations. This is a step toward more student-directed investigations that allow exploration and the creation of evidence-based claims (i.e. sensemaking).

TAKEAWAYS:
Using the provided hands-on activities, participants will be given a plausible scenario encouraging them to explore and then create evidence-based claim(s) — modelling a more student-directed approach. This process strongly aligns with the sensemaking framework of explore-before-explain...

SPEAKERS:
Ian Kennedy

Learn citizen science activities to increase student engagement. Join a classroom teacher, National Geographic Explorer, and an education specialist at the Jacksonville Zoo, and integrate geospatial applications to help students build science skills through connections in their local community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Youth can drive change as citizen scientists in their local community while developing science skills in field research and data collection. Educators will learn how to empower youth to address community issues as young scientists and changemakers of tomorrow.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Blum, Alicia Pressel

Imagine a world where you can solve real-world problems, build robots, and use cutting-edge of technology. The Department of Defense (DoD) offers diverse STEM programs for kindergarten to post-secondary students and teachers, including competitions, camps, professional growth opportunities and more.

TAKEAWAYS:
The Department of Defense has an extensive and diverse portfolio of STEM programs for kindergarten to post-secondary students and teachers. Attendees will discover the wide range of programs offered by the research offices of the U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and U.S. Air Force and Space Force.

SPEAKERS:
Louie Lopez, Kathryn Lasky, Brian Leftridge, Winnie Boyle, Elyse Lohrbach, Kathleen Miranda

Learn effective ways to help students formulate effective questions, design explorations to answer their questions, apply analytical and critical thinking skills, collect and interpret data, and determine effective ways to communicate their findings and the concepts they have learned. Handouts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to help students read like a scientist, how to formulate effective questions they want to answer, how to set up explorations and learning experiences, how to apply skills and communicate their findings so that students can think, act, and communicate like scientists.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Knoell

Nothing excites an educator more than learning a new skill and sharing it with others! The goal of this session is to introduce Place-Based STEM using digital mapping and storytelling resources. Educators will receive direct instruction in digital mapping and resources for their classes!

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn to connect location and geography to science content locally, regionally, and globally through the use of digital mapping and problem-based learning STEM strategies.

SPEAKERS:
Heidi Ragsdale

A unique and open-ended STEM investigation that incorporates absolute and relative dating techniques, anomalies, historical context, volcanoes, solar proton events, energy cycles, Earth systems, terrestrial events, and supernovas by analyzing 430 years of Earth history from 1562 to 1992.

TAKEAWAYS:
In constructing knowledge, there is no definitive answer, only plausible conclusions based on constructing, analyzing, and comparing data and research from multiple disciplines. This investigation provides a better understanding of the scientific process of developing models and defending results.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young

Blank stares and closed mouths no more! The Visual Non-Glossary makes rich, equitable small-group conversations super easy by providing structured visuals and guiding discussion questions and sentence stems for each of 1,500+ vocabulary words K-12 in Science, available in both English and Spanish.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to get kids to think deeply and talk elaborately about science content. We will interact in small groups with science content to see how all students of different backgrounds can intuitively engage with structured visuals.

SPEAKERS:
Stephen Fleenor

Our world demands creative thinkers and problem-solvers. But what is creativity, really? If our job is to foster innovation and prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future, how exactly do we do that in classrooms from K to 16? What I have found out just might surprise you.

TAKEAWAYS:
Research shows that creativity can (and should) be taught. We want to assess it, but it seems so subjective! Attendees will get some background, critique some assessment tools, and collaborate to design research-based criteria to use in their own classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Elise Naramore

The Science Teacher Symposium is a model focused on science content knowledge that simultaneously provides the space and support teachers need to focus on their own wellbeing. Hear the impacts and lessons learned after 6 years of crosscutting connections and 2 years of embedded resilience training.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will understand the pros and cons of the in-person vs. virtual versions of the multi-day symposium model and will learn about the incredible impacts the resilience training has had on the educators involved, including increased teacher retention.

SPEAKERS:
Meg Gebert, Alison Smith, DaNel Hogan

Sponsoring Company: Wildlife Conservation Society

WCS presents Field Sight pairs the insight of our educators with the expertise of WCS field staff to bring you stories of the conservation work we are doing all over the world. Learn about our exciting fieldwork protecting wildlife, and bring this valuable information into your classroom!

SPEAKERS:
Anine Booth

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Apply creative problem-solving skills and engineering practices to chemistry and physical science challenges with race cars and rockets. Experience how Carolina makes it easy to incorporate STEM into your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau

Join the US Patent & Trademark Office with activities from the free online invention education platform EquIP HQ, Patent Sensei, and Patent Quest. Gain a conceptual understanding of some of the steps needed to take during the patent process including developing skills to help perform a patent search.

TAKEAWAYS:
All students have the power to invent. The USPTO is committed to providing free resources to help K-12 students realize their potential as inventors. Unlocking young inventors' potential, EquIP HQ introduces students to the patent process, igniting creativity and innovation in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Juan Valentin

In this session participants will learn about key ideas from multiple perspectives on the topics of: 1) anti-racism, inclusivity, and asset-based orientations – as foundational pedagogies for preparing future teachers. The goal is to develop a classroom that places belonging before achievement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants challenge the achievement-first orientations to reframe classroom environments by placing ‘belonging’ as a central tenant of STEM pedagogy and practice.

SPEAKERS:
Adam Devitt

What started out as our solution to “viewing science fair projects can be boring” evolved into a well-attended, hands-on experience for our families and community. In this session, we will share our station-oriented activities and how to use them to build relationships with families and your school.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with the resources and confidence to organize large events for their school and community using science to build relationships. Session participants will be given an outline of helpful resources, tools, and ideas they can use to manage their own events.

SPEAKERS:
Megan Hunt, Anne Fritz

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

In the STEM classroom, an effective teacher selects actions that have an impact on student achievement. Come learn about the 15 STEM Teacher Actions to enhance your instructional practices and achieve improved student achievement.

SPEAKERS:
Angela Campana

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Learn how to make magnetism visible and quantifiable for students! Dive into Earth science concepts such as modeling field strength, polarity, and orientation using the Go Direct® 3-Axis Magnetic Field Sensor. Investigate permanent magnets and electromagnets with hands-on, ready-to-use experiments.

SPEAKERS:
David Carter, Josh Ence

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Explore easy, engaging, and safe chemistry activities that guarantee a reaction in your students. Whether you’re new to chemistry or feeling out of your element, create excitement with hands-on labs, demonstrations, and Carolina’s digital content.These lab activities support 3-dimensional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Nixon

Sponsoring Company: Great Minds

Join us as we review the parameters of three-dimensional assessments and practice screening assessments for three-dimensionality. In this session, we'll brainstorm ways to work with system leaders to strategically plan around curriculum embedded assessments and uncover supports for every child.

SPEAKERS:
Madeline Cronk

Engage in teacher play with LED lights, objects, and screens that invite PK-2 students to independently investigate light & shadow phenomenon. STEM coaches and teachers will come away with a plan that gives children access to STEM learning every day during small group reading instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
STEM coaches and PK-2 teachers will take away a list of easily obtained open-ended materials and a classroom-tested plan to allow students to independently engage in student-led STEM investigations every day that grows STEM dispositions and elevates student literacy learning as an added benefit.

SPEAKERS:
Beth Dykstra VanMeeteren

Materials science combines many fields such as physics, chemistry, engineering, and math to understand the properties of, and create new materials for, the modern world. Get some hands-on learning and get access to resources that will provide exciting cross-content experiences in your classroom!

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore materials science and help students make connections between the understanding of the STUFF things are made of and how this can change our world. Making things like cars, cellphones, medical technology, space exploration, sustainable energy and so much more possible! Materials Matter!

SPEAKERS:
Shelly Grandell

Early grades students are the most curious, uninhibited learners. They are ready and eager to share their ideas. How do we support them in developing accurate science understandings about complex phenomenon?

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will explore complex phenomenon that support the NGSS K-5 standards, developing not only their own understandings, but considering how they can support students in group sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Ananda Weigand-Sheerer, Kelly Peason, Michael Occhino, Kimberly Fluet

Presenters will share three units in which science is integrated with ELA, math, and social studies. This session will share the process of unit creation and how incorporation with other content areas strengthens science instruction. Three units will be shared: kindergarten, 3rd, and 5th grade.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to integrate multiple content standards to strengthen science instruction, as well as leave with three examples of fully integrated elementary units. In addition to the sharing of the units, presenters will share the creation process so participants can engage in this work.

SPEAKERS:
Mandie Sanderman, Chelsie Byram

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Dive into modeling the movement of ions and nutrients across membranes. Help your students connect theory with the results from popular homeostasis labs.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Hutson, Kris Herman

Sponsoring Company: PASCO

Gain vital teaching tools to make global phenomena feel relevant to students to improve their understanding of climate change. We’ll show you how to engage students while monitoring local CO2 levels, modeling ocean acidification, and exploring global data sets with free classroom-ready resources.

SPEAKERS:
Sophia Guzules

Sponsoring Company: NOAA

As a NOAA Planet Stewards Educator you can become a STEM agent of change in your school and community. Learn how to access professional development opportunities, education resources, and funding, to increase students’ science literacy, and have them respond to real world environmental threats.

SPEAKERS:
Symone Barkley, Bruce Moravchik, Karen Metcalf, Kelley Hodges, Kyla Trahan

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Discover the newest STEM solution from Vernier, built to teach and engage students in 3D science! Vernier Connections is a web-based platform that equips teachers with hands-on lessons. We will feature a lesson demonstrating the design & structures that make Connections a must for the STEM classroom

SPEAKERS:
Lori Anderson, Colleen McDaniel

Racism is prevalent in our society. Participants will examine resources for engaging students in respectful and productive activity that contrast the social construct of race with scientific understandings of genetics. Examples of how science education can be a form of social justice will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Anti-racism work in science education is difficult. Resources to support teachers in engaging in controversial topics will be examined and used by participants to rehearse effective pedagogical moves in engaging in classroom discussions of racism and science. Curricular resources will be shared.

SPEAKERS:
Deb Morrison, Jeanne Chowning, Michal Robinson, Kelsie Fowler, Jason Foster

Sponsoring Company: Anatomage, Inc.

The Science Table provides a library of over 60 biology, chemistry, and physics experiments with realistic-quality visuals on an interactive 7 foot-long touch-screen table. The workshop will focus on incorporating the Science Table into middle school, high school, and college level classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Jake Lehman

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Bring inquiry into your classroom with food science! Learn how to extract dyes from candy to analyze using agarose gel electrophoresis and paper chromatography. Students use the simple techniques as a starting point to design experiments, test hypotheses, and use STEM techniques to analyze results.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD, Tom Cynkar

Game-based learning is a powerful way to engage learners and introduce STEM topics. Working with experts, we designed an escape room for students and their families to increase their understanding of neuroscience phenomena and how the brain works. Try demo activities as you learn to design your own.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will demonstrate how to develop an educational escape room to serve informal and formal science learning objectives and get families actively interacting with science and engineering processes. It will also review methods of assessment, especially for out-of-school settings.

SPEAKERS:
Daisy Reyes, Lucas Leprince, Sandra Roberts

Physical computing allows students to design and create interactive objects that emphasize computational thinking skills. Participants will engage in activities designed for middle school students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Microcontrollers are small computers that come with several integrated sensors. Their functionality makes them useful for both investigations and engineering projects. We will focus in how engineering tasks using microcontrollers provide opportunities for student sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Susan German, Michael Bowen

This is a real-life scenario in a hospital setting. The goal is to decrease patient falls inside the 5 West Geriatrics Unit. The Participants team members and leaders in this particular unit will work together to implement a hypothesis to decrease patient falls.

TAKEAWAYS:
Using real-life scenarios can give context that will open up opportunities for leadership, solving problems, and working together as a team.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Biedler

In this workshop, we introduce and explore applications of virtual reality (VR) learning resources as tools to help students connect with a dataset, incorporate accessible placed-based learning into classrooms, and communicate the nature of science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about three different application models of VR by engaging with VR tours in the context of climate science lessons developed by education and outreach specialists from the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Griffith, Daniela Pennycook

Learn from our experience as a math and a science teacher collaborating together to give our students an interdisciplinary learning opportunity so that you can start your own plan. We will share the logistics from this authentic inquiry-based project and you’ll hear testimonials from our students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be provided with one way to overcome logistical challenges inherent with interdisciplinary collaboration at the secondary level, including differing rosters and schedules. Furthermore, attendees will have the opportunity to start their own plan for their own interdisciplinary project.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Schneiderwind, Nadene Klein

What will be describe in this session is are community science events that can be organized with themes that use natural phenomena or NGSS standards, practices, and outcomes that a school would like to promote. We will also share how we form these partnerships with local schools and museums.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to update these events to go beyond the traditional Family Science Events that are superficial. One main takeaway are example indepth activities and resources that can be used with families and students at local schools and museums. We share information about resources.

SPEAKERS:
Morgan Glann, Eli Vincent, Lauren Rupe, Jim McDonald, Emma Patrus

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Learn easy strategies for teaching life cycles, plants’ needs, structures & functions, & SEPs with Fast Plants phenomena. Learn techniques for growing Fast Plants, modeling germination, & investigating what plants need. Take away an elementary reader to accompany the flowering plant life cycle.

SPEAKERS:
Hedi Lauffer

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Discover hands-on approaches to STEM learning that equip middle schoolers for high school and beyond. Attendees will explore updated activities with the Vernier Go Direct® temperature, light, force, and gas pressure sensors to model real-world phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
David Carter, Josh Ence

Join us for an enlightening session where we delve into the profound role of culture in STEAM education. Discover why embracing cultural diversity is not just essential, but transformative. You'll leave equipped with practical strategies and the confidence to create an inclusive learning environment!

TAKEAWAYS:
Why are culturally inclusive strategies important in STEAM classrooms? How can you synthesize strategies that challenge and engage a diverse group of learners? In this session, we will reveal a planning tool that you can use to advocate for learner success in STEAM classroom settings.

SPEAKERS:
Deanna Taylor

After trying several K-12 solutions-based design challenges, choose one to customize for your students and environment. Adapt and leave ready to teach the entire QUEST (Question-Uncover-Explore-Solve-Teach). Written for Guam, these empower students to design projects that solve local problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will begin customizing one student-relevant purposeful design challenge QUEST, have access to many more, and will recognize the benefits of purposeful design challenges being part of a larger QUEST unit that requires intentional learning of STEM concepts and practices.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Arndt

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Models are tools for representing ideas and developing explanations related to phenomena. Models can be used to deepen student understanding of scientific and math concepts. You will identify connections to the use of models in your instruction while examining your state standards and/or frameworks.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Thompson

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Explore the movement of water with an interactive Aquaporin model to connect the molecular structure with protein function – and learn about this exciting phenomenon.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman, Kris Herman

Discover how to promote equity and diversity in STEM classrooms through holistic assessment. Gain insights into fostering inclusivity, addressing bias, and ensuring fair evaluation practices. Leave with practical tools and strategies to create an inclusive learning environment for all students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Unlock the joy of learning while promoting equity & diversity in STEM! Holistic assessment fosters inclusivity, tackles bias, & ensures fair evaluation. Let's create an exciting, inclusive environment where all students thrive in STEM!

SPEAKERS:
Stephanie Tracey

Explore advanced space propulsion methods, from chemical to laser propulsion, in this hands-on session. Learn how light intensity changes with distance using PocketLab Voyager Sensors and laser pointers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain a deeper understanding of light and laser intensity variations with distance through engaging experiments and practical applications. Model how to implement the Pocketlab sensors and notebook into their curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Jenny McCall

Participants will engage in hands-on activities focused on force and motion concepts. Activities are easy set-ups, using low-cost household materials that promote inclusivity of all students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be engaged in multiple activities that promote learning and inclusivity of all students. Necessary materials and best teaching practices will be shared so that attendees can immediately incorporate knowledge and activities into their own classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Andrea Starks

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Discovered new-to-you Vernier sensors in your classroom or storage? Join our beginner-friendly, interactive workshop to help you understand how to assess, calibrate, and start using hands-on Vernier solutions. Explore our suite of sensors and how they work with our Graphical Analysis app.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel, Nüsret Hisim

Do you want your students to understand how current scientific research is relevant to their learning and has real world applications? We will present an accessible STEM curriculum, informed by current work in a university research lab, that integrates nanoscience phenomena with content standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about current research in the field of nanoscience and will gain access to a STEM curriculum package that draws on nanoscience to help all students in grades 5-8 make connections between STEM content and their everyday lives.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Kwan, Donna Terrasi, Silvia Kenna

In this interactive PBL experience, attendees will LISTEN to the STEAM podcast “Wow in the World”, WONDER to generate ideas, TINKER to choose a testable hypothesis, and MAKE a multimedia scientific inquiry or engineering design project in the free, private, and NGSS-aligned TinkerClass platform.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to streamline PBL instruction, manage the classroom to develop 21st Century skills, and excite K-5 students about hands-on scientific inquiry and engineering design using TinkerClass’ modular LISTEN, WONDER, TINKER, and MAKE experience.

SPEAKERS:
Carole Paterson, Twee Mac

NASA's Next Gen STEM SPARX (Sparking Participation and Real-world eXperiences in STEM) offers an exciting entry-level opportunity for K-2 educators to access standards-aligned activities and resources that follow evidence-based practices to equip their students with the skills to thrive in STEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about the educator benefits of NASA SPARX and how this evidence-based model was selected, and will try their hands at some of the curated engineering design activities from the K-2 Educator Guide.

SPEAKERS:
Steven Smith, Miranda Fike

Photons of electromagnetic radiation of all wavelengths are collected by telescopes and processed using computers. Scientists use image analysis software to analyze the data and construct unique models of the data, including stars and galaxies, while maintaining the integrity of the underlying data.

TAKEAWAYS:
All our knowledge of stars and galaxies is determined by spectroscopy— the analysis of radiation emissions, including radio, infrared, optical, ultraviolet, gamma, and X-ray. Knowledge of spectroscopy is essential to understanding the processes producing the individual wavelengths.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Teach protein synthesis using reusable magnetic manipulatives to model the flow of information through DNA translation and transcription. Visualize each step of the process and apply their models to a region on the beta-hemoglobin gene and the mutation associated with sickle-cell disease.

SPEAKERS:
Ryan Hainey

Are you looking for an evidence-based framework for observing science classrooms and giving feedback to teachers? Learn how the NSF-funded DoS observation system can help coaches and educators develop a common language to speak about productive science learning in MS classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science leaders will learn to use DoS, which integrates the Framework for K-12 and equity, to build the capacity of colleagues in their districts to use a structured method and shared language to observe classrooms and give feedback to teachers about areas of strength and opportunities for growth.

SPEAKERS:
Virginia Andrews, Victoria Oliveira

Talk is fundamental to learning. This workshop engages participants in a variety of talk strategies specifically designed for improving classroom equity while engaging in STEM learning experiences. Many supporting resources are shared that teachers can learn from and directly use with students.

TAKEAWAYS:
The goal of this session is to support teachers in understanding how best to meet the needs of all learners by starting from where students are at and drawing on their intuitive ideas and real world experiences to inform instruction. All strategies are framed as equitable 3D formative assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Deb Morrison, Kelsie Fowler

Experience PreK-2 lessons, learn outdoor classroom management, and hear philosophies from School in the Woods, a public school with an outdoor focus. Crosscurricular lessons that meet your standards with 3-D Learning through outdoor, hands-on, minds-on discovery. Turn your classroom inside OUT !

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will experience outdoor lessons to use with students to meet all areas of the curriculum (with indoor alternatives and in/out infusion ideas). Free nature notebook.

SPEAKERS:
Maurine Banzhaf, DeLene Hoffner

We will share strategies, ideas, accommodations, and ways to adapt and obtain student collaboration and engagement through the lens of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) focus. Come learn strategies for including diverse learners in your project-based classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with ready-to-use resources and ideas for instruction with students with diverse needs focusing on project-based activities within the STEAM framework. These ideas can be adapted to lessons in many content areas.

SPEAKERS:
Theresa Robertson, Sandy Carr

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

You’ve planned the experiment and collected data, now let’s discuss the best way to analyze it. In this workshop, we’ll use PCR and ELISA to bring quantitative data analysis and statistics to the lab. Mastery of these skills is crucial to prepare students for careers in biotechnology and STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD, Tom Cynkar

Receive practical ideas to build understanding about how to combine hands-on activities and computational thinking skills as tools to understand the nature of sound and waves and support NGSS practices: analyze/interpret data, use computational thinking, construct explanations and design solutions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Offer ideas to integrate hands-on activities and computational thinking skills as tools to build confidence in, and understanding of, NGSS PS4-Sound and Waves. Provide examples about how we may advance teaching and learning in K-8 cross-disciplinary STEM and Computation education.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Robertson, Dylan Singleton, Chelsie Pratt, Chihche Tai, Michaela Slagle

Learn about a free unit of instruction that uses a GIS data explorer tool from the USDA Forest Service to explore connections between forests and watersheds. You’ll have an opportunity to try out the activities and receive copies of three lesson plans connected to NGSS and CCSS.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will have the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to engage students in using cutting-edge GIS technology in learning about natural systems and the connection between forests and the water they drink. Walk away able to use these tools immediately in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Nagle, Jaclyn Stallard

Sponsoring Company: The NEED Project

Inquiry-based, hands-on STEM and critical thinking activities that help students to develop a comprehensive understanding of energy, electricity, hydropower, and emerging ocean technologies.

SPEAKERS:
Vernon Kimball

Do you find yourself falling down the Google rabbit hole when searching for lesson ideas? We have a time-saving solution. Participants will gain access to a newly compiled list of numerous resources for middle level science teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be given access to a list of resources compiled specifically for middle level science educators.

SPEAKERS:
Kathleen Brooks

Participants will engage in a variety of activities, collect information, discover new resources, and network with middle-level leaders from NSTA and NMLSTA. The new ideas and materials will be something that can be used next week.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will have networking opportunities with other middle-level science educators, both presenters and other attendees. In addition, they will discover new resources for all aspects of science teaching and they will engage in a variety of new activities to use with their students.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Lou Lipscomb

This presentation will highlight the free resources available for educators through the NASA Infiniscope project. This includes NGSS-designed digital learning experiences, a virtual tour creator, and an adaptive lesson builder all supported with live and asynchronous professional development.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about classroom-ready content that they can use immediately and tools to create their own digital content for students.

SPEAKERS:
Sina Kirk

We will share climate solutions activities from our catalog of free educational resources. We will also share information about free virtual programming suitable for grades 6 and up, as well as upcoming teacher professional development for middle level educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain new resources for teaching middle school students about climate solutions, and discover virtual learning opportunities for both teachers and students, offered by the UCAR Center for Science Education.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Snode-Brenneman, Tim Barnes, Melissa Rummel

This STEM project from www.need.org will challenge students to use various materials to insulate a cardboard house, test its energy efficiency, and evaluate economic returns.

TAKEAWAYS:
Energy House is a STEM project from www.need.org that challenges students to design an energy efficient home with a cardboard box. The students must stick to time, budget, and materials constraints, which makes this an excellent engineering design project.

SPEAKERS:
Cori Nelson

Interested in writing for Science Scope? Come talk to the editor!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn tips and tricks for successful manuscript submission

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Patty McGinnis

We will share the development of the Word Wall in our Science Classrooms and how they became interactive and informative to all of our Students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will walk away with an idea to support the use of scientific vocabulary for a diverse classroom of learners.

SPEAKERS:
Dawn Konieczny, Kim Nagle

Join Girls Who Code for strategies and tools on how to a) recruit and retain girls and BIPOC students in STEM, b) design inclusive holistic programs that build life skills, c) keep your curricula relevant to the changing tech landscape, and d) access free resources for 3-12th graders of all genders.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn strategies and tools on how to a) recruit and retain girls and BIPOC students in STEM, b) design inclusive holistic programs that build life skills, c) keep your curricula relevant to the changing tech landscape, and d) access free resources for 3-12th graders of all genders.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Ong

eCYBERMISSION’s virtual STEM competition for 6th-9th graders promotes self-discovery as teams compete for awards while also supporting teachers with a wealth of resources. eCYBERMISSION's table will provide details regarding the competition along with a fun interactive activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Throughout the competition, students and teachers are provided access to eCYBERMISSION staff, standards-aligned resources, grant opportunities and much more.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Kutsch

We share the newest results of a study on effective multiple-choice questions in STEM education. We examined Science educators’ revisions to help reduce problems such as gender/racial/ethnic bias, and difficulty that are often present in test questions, while including common misconceptions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Evaluate assessment questions that you use to assess students’ sensemaking of elements outlined in the NGSS DCIs. Are the questions free of bias, not too difficult, or indicative of overall student performance? Do they include common misconceptions that students hold? Learn what works, and what does

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Crockett

Come and explore ways to integrate materials science across your science curriculum with the University of Wisconsin Materials Research Science and Engineering Center. Take sample science kits and access to plans and resources to support students exploration of the materials that improve our lives.

TAKEAWAYS:
Create sample kits to take to your classrooms, access virtual resources and talk with MRSEC staff about the awesomeness of materials science!

SPEAKERS:
Shelly Grandell

With NGSS and Common Core-aligned teaching guides and materials, tutorials, hands-on activities, PD and funding opportunities, NOS Education supports the teaching of ocean, coastal, climate, and Earth science at all student levels, and engages students and communities in hands-on stewardship.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about new and exciting data-driven, standard-aligned NOS Education resources to enhance their ocean, climate, Earth science content knowledge, and facilitate their planning and delivery of interactive, phenomena-based, age appropriate, classroom, and out of doors programs via a

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Moravchik

Building a science community in your classroom. Strategies and resources for increasing engagement in doing and talking about science.

TAKEAWAYS:
This resource will help you build a positive science community, structure and manage your class, engage students in science, help students talk about science, and understand what students know so you can use that information to plan and move them forward.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Shafer, PhD

Explore the application of ChatGPT to facilitate student choice, interest, and motivation and to address science and engineering practices! Investigate ChatGPT’s capacity to inform design decisions through inquisitive exploration, creative brainstorming, and interpretive lenses.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore how ChatGPT elevates science and engineering practices through the investigation of problems, topics, and phenomena; creative brainstorming options; generation of experiments with conceptual and hypothetical results; and interpretation of data for product improvement.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew Kipp

A hands-on beam lab produces graphs critical to understanding beam properties for engineering. Focus on making, interpreting, and teaching the graphs in class. Real-world uses and applications of stress-strain curves in engineering will be shared and help to illustrate the importance of such graphs.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will take part in a simple beam lab using weights to determine the deflection of the beam material. Groups will have different beams and varying results will help support understanding of the graphs created. The results will then be graphed as a load-deflection curve and shared.

SPEAKERS:
Scott Spohler, Briana Richardson

Each will identify grade level, core disciplinary ideas (science content standards), Science & Engineering Practice and Crosscutting concepts. Participants will leave with lessons plans, websites, grants ideas and other resources. Over 14 PAs will bring best practices from their varied expertise.

TAKEAWAYS:
K-12 teachers will leave with lessons plans, websites, grant ideas, and other resources from Presidential Awardees.

SPEAKERS:
DeLene Hoffner

Learn how to help your students build upon their unique identity and funds of knowledge using a hands on STEM project. This session will provide participants a free unit that incorporates both engineering design and computational thinking patterns for students to share their identity in class!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will work through a full engineering design process to show their identity by constructing a lantern and coding a light show for the project. Can be utilized with a variety of technology and maker platforms. Includes access to all materials needed to implement in class tomorrow!

SPEAKERS:
Erin Brabant, Jessica Noffsinger

When students engage in integrated math activities, they make deeper connections, gain a stronger understanding of concepts, and see the concepts as a whole. Teachers in K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 will collaborate on an integrated math activity focused on determining cloud coverage to connect with nature.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be provided lesson plans and student work to initiate discussions about what this could look like in their classrooms. At the end of the session, participants will see how collecting weather data can be integrated daily into their classrooms and help students connect with nature.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Parslow, Katherine Vela

Chemistry storylines supporting phenomena-based curriculum and alignment to Next Generation Science Standards. High school chemistry teachers partnered with Northwestern University Materials Research Center to design and implement two new modules— STEM+C Solar Cell Project and SCI+Art Project.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how NGSS inquiry and design pedagogy can be used with Materials World Modules. Each module connects everyday phenomena to NGSS performance expectations, emphasizing how to build toward design and engineering skills. Presenters will share modifications to meet varying academic levels.

SPEAKERS:
Ami LeFevre

Former teacher and host of the freely-available Tumble Science Podcast for Kids Marshall Escamilla will guide science educators in the nuts and bolts of creating a classroom podcast. We’ll cover the very basics of getting set up and sharing your content with the entire community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees at this session will learn the very basics of how to create a classroom podcast from a professional podcaster.

SPEAKERS:
Marshall Escamilla, Mary Starr

Using myths and legends which explain phenomenon. Examples of culture and place of Hawaii will be shared. Attendees will experience a lesson which weaves a Hawaiian legend (past) based on a phenomenon and be challenged to validate the legend with today's technology (present).

TAKEAWAYS:
The hope is for attendees to reflect on their sense of "Place" as a platform tool to engage students to understand their surroundings and cultures and how to use 21st century technology to validate a phenomenon.

SPEAKERS:
Diane Tom-Ogata

Construct a photon intensity map of a supernova using NASA data and convert the image into a public release image with this STEAM activity. This introduction to imaging and image analysis involves constructing models, interpretation, and computational thinking. Includes detailed tutorials.

TAKEAWAYS:
Photons of electromagnetic radiation of all wavelengths are collected by telescopes and processed using computers. Scientists use image analysis software to analyze the data and construct unique models of the data, including stars and galaxies, while maintaining the integrity of the underlying data.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young

Sponsoring Company: STEM Sports®

STEM Sports' session will provide participants with a hands-on approach to learning STEM disciplines through Sports. Attendees will take on the role of students and be given an overview of how to design a sustainable golf course by considering the good of the planet, people, and profitability.

SPEAKERS:
Jeff Golner

Indigenous peoples throughout time have used STEM skills. This workshop features the STEM skills correlated with the Ute peoples of Colorado as an example of how all indigenous people STEM skills can be highlighted in social studies class content.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will experience how History Colorado developed Ute indigenous peoples STEM connections into a traveling take-out kit. Participants will be encouraged to explore collaboration with their history museums to encourage development of resources focused on their indigenous peoples.

SPEAKERS:
Maurine Banzhaf

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Discover how to create 3D learning opportunities for your students with KidWind. Explore the engineering design elements of a wind turbine, build prototypes, and test and optimize them for design efficiency. Sharpen students’ problem-solving and engineering skills through real-world applications.

SPEAKERS:
Josh Ence, David Carter

eCYBERMISSION, part of AEOP, is an online STEM competition for students in grades 6-9 that promotes teamwork, self-discovery, and the real-life applications of STEM. The competition’s phenomenon-based learning approach encourages students to investigate and solve real-world problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
eCYBERMISSION is a free virtual STEM competition for grades 6-9 that is supported by a wealth of standards-aligned resources. Attendees will discover strategies to utilize student-chosen local phenomena as the basis for long-term projects while participating in a rewarding STEM competition.

SPEAKERS:
Carey Dieleman, Lora Gibbons, Laura Stary, Brian Kutsch

Discover the world of epigenetics and model organisms in this fast-paced, engaging session. Learn about 5 different model organisms and how they can be used in your classroom. Real-life examples will be given, and resources provided for you to bring model organisms to your students!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about 5 different model organisms and will be given real examples, as well as resources for them to take to their classrooms and incorporate into their curriculum, inspiring the next generation of scientists!

SPEAKERS:
Cory Kavanagh

We’ll share 5 free online modules that engage students in the importance oysters and mussels play in watersheds via field studies, role plays scenarios, and a dynamic simulation. This NOAA-funded MWEE effort has students investigate, collaborate, and debate solutions to authentic problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers gain awareness of and access to OER support curriculum and student exemplars developed across a 3-year grant aligned with the 3 dimensions of NGSS and NOAA’s meaningful watershed educational experience framework. The modules were piloted across 3 diverse school districts (urban and rural).

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Edmondson, Al Byers

Environmental issues, such as plastic pollution in the ocean, are often global in scale and thus overwhelming for students to consider. We’ll explore how engineering can frame these problems so that they are manageable for students to solve in the classroom while remaining relevant to global issues.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to apply socially engaged engineering to environmental problems using free lessons from the Museum of Science, Boston. Experience open-ended design challenges that get students thinking about large-scale environmental issues while building their confidence in solving problems.

SPEAKERS:
Darshita Shah

Join us as we explore classroom activities that engage students in thinking, exploring, and making sense of the world using an integrated science and literacy approach. Learn how to use our 5 thinking routines to collect assessment evidence to support student learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants gain a toolkit of engaging science activities strategically paired with literacy strategies to enhance instructional effectiveness and empower students to develop essential thinking routines to tackle scientific challenges, because together this approach 'just works' in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Lionel Sandner, Sandra Mirabelli

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Unlock biology's mysteries with model organisms! Join our workshop to learn how to culture and study C. elegans in your classroom laboratory. Explore heavy metal effects using a simple locomotion assay. Integrate STEM concepts, data collection, and statistics for an enriching learning experience.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, PhD, Tom Cynkar

Participants in this session will leave with a STEM inquiry-based project and educational materials designed to captivate students while emphasizing 21st-century scientific applications and UN sustainable goals. Additionally, a list of potential RET opportunities for educators will be provided.

TAKEAWAYS:
Sharing how the RET experience has led to the production of a project that integrates nitrogen cycle pollution into a nitrogen circular economy, where the project's primary focus was on critical topics such as energy, climate, and food security; important topics to empower high school students.

SPEAKERS:
Milene De Farias

SEL does not have to be something additional to teach! Learn how to purposefully incorporate SEL skills in your science classroom. Leave with practical ways to make powerful lessons that captivate your future scientists and cultivate those skills that are essential for success beyond the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Practical ways to make powerful science lessons that captivate future scientists and also cultivate those SEL skills that are essential for success beyond the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Dawn McCotter

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Decode the language of proteins! Unveil the mystery of amino acids and protein folding with confidence through hands-on modeling.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Arnholt, Kris Herman

Sponsoring Company: Nuclear Energy Education Initiative

Megawatt is a card game where students must build resilient, sustainable electricity grids while adapting to events like weather changes and carbon taxes. Players gain systems thinking skills as they balance cost, environment impact, and energy reliability tradeoffs. Learn to facilitate in a class!

SPEAKERS:
Miguel Trenkel-Lopez

Through hands-on activities using real-world data, participants will explore and participate in lessons about how microfossils within ocean floor sediments reveal information about Earth’s history and geologic processes, such as tectonic activity and climate change.

TAKEAWAYS:
The International Ocean Discovery Program creates educational resources that enable students to use real-world data from parts of our planet usually hidden to them; many of these resources can be synthesized as a unit to show how microfossils provide evidence of many different geologic processes.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsay Mossa, Lauren Brase, Sequoyah McGee, Ed Robeck, Maya Pincus

NASA's Next Gen STEM is focused on bringing quality STEM content and experiences to the K-12 community. Join this informative session to learn what we have to offer and how you can bring NASA to your students. Presented by NASA's Office of STEM Engagement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about NASA Next Gen STEM offerings related to professional development, STEM lessons, communities of practice, live virtual connections with scientists and engineers, student challenges and competitions, and competitive awards.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Edstrom, Miranda Fike

Has a student ever asked, “what does this have to do with me?” Place-Based Learning is a way to answer that question as students build observation, inquiry, and data analysis skills. Workshop presenters will share examples from their STEAM classrooms. Participants will complete a mini investigation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will feel empowered to incorporate Place-Based Learning in STEAM curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Anna Suggs, Gaylynn Lynch, Amanda Petty

Urban elementary teachers and researchers will share successes from the NSF-funded Teaching Science Outdoors – Urban Partnerships project, describe their experiences fostering place-based science learning that is hands-on, heads-on, and hearts-on, and offer ideas to use in your instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about the value of the 3H framework (hands-on, heads-on, and hearts-on) in place-based science learning using urban spaces. They will leave the session with real-life examples, resources, and ideas shared by teachers using the framework in their work with students.

SPEAKERS:
Kieshaune Perkins, Roberta Hunter

Sponsoring Company: Estes Rockets

This session highlights a model rocket mission simulation where students work together to complete a successful launch of the New Shepard rocket. Students consider thrust, altitude, and velocity to determine the best engine for the launch.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Freyschlag, Kristen Yip

Collaborative talk between students is essential to students’ scientific sensemaking and learning. However, promoting, organizing, and facilitating large group, or even whole-class, talk can be challenging. This workshop engages participants in a variety of large group talk strategies.

TAKEAWAYS:
The goal of this session is to provide a space for teachers to reflect on their whole-class discussion routines and strategies, and learn new approaches for facilitating collaborative sensemaking talk that welcomes all learners into discussions, honors their ideas, and contextualizes learning.

SPEAKERS:
Deb Morrison, Kelsie Fowler

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Science Education

Students can become crime scene investigators analyzing and defusing a “bomb” using their knowledge of half-lives! Attendees will use the Vernier Go Direct® SpectroVis® Plus Spectrophotometer to gather decay data and apply mathematical thinking to determine when the device was set to detonate.

SPEAKERS:
Nüsret Hisim, Colleen McDaniel

Science Leadership Cadre: A Professional Learning network of K-12 Science Educators committed to supporting high quality, equitable science learning for all students in our region.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to bring teachers, teacher leaders, coaches, and administrators together to learn, share resources and ideas, and provide support to each other in the work to successfully implement high-quality science teaching for K-12 students.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Peason, Ananda Weigand-Sheerer, Michael Occhino, Kimberly Fluet