2025 Philadelphia National Conference

March 26-29, 2025

4/9/2026 12:00PM EST: All sessions added to My Agenda prior to this notice have been exported to the mobile app and will be visible in the app when you login, under your profile. Any sessions added now will also have to be added in the app.
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Rooms and times subject to change.
40 results
Save up to 50 sessions in your agenda.

"Just Breathe: Finding Your Calm in the Classroom!"

Thursday, March 27 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 121 A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1D0XWiiLmYQpKt-bhpsx3uHgFOfIjaRX5/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110015008830196606412&rtpof=true&sd=true
[email protected]

Show Details

Join us for a dynamic workshop where educators will learn research-based breathing techniques aligned with CASEL. Experience chair yoga to reduce stress and enhance focus. Leave with practical activities that can be used immediately in the classroom, fostering resilience you and your students.

TAKEAWAYS:
The key takeaway from the description is that educators will acquire practical, research-based breathing techniques and chair yoga exercises that promote resilience and well-being, which can be immediately implemented in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Bridget Burke

Cultivating Critical Thinkers for Real-World Science

Thursday, March 27 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


Show Details

This session provides strategies to enhance students' critical thinking skills in science. Participants will learn ways to support students to navigate the information landscape, by discerning credible sources and building strong scientific knowledge.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will leave the session equipped with strategies to encourage students to extend their thinking and knowledge beyond the classroom, enabling them to become informed, thoughtful, and engaged citizens in an information-rich world.

SPEAKERS:
Rosiane Lesperance- Goss

Hacking School: Five Strategies to Link Learning to Life

Thursday, March 27 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


Show Details

Explore innovative strategies from the book, "Hacking School: Five Strategies to Link Learning to Life". Join author Annalies Corbin, PhD as we reimagine the classroom, overcome change barriers, and collaborate on implementing successful school innovations that prepare students for the future.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will leave with a customizable "Hacking School Toolkit" containing five actionable strategies, and implementation guides to immediately begin transforming their classrooms by connecting curriculum to real-world challenges and opportunities.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Schneider

ISAMR: International Student Led Arctic Monitoring and Research Program

Thursday, March 27 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


Show Details

Student leaders of International Student-led Arctic Monitoring and Research, a 20-year old after school science program. They will showcase 7 research groups' data and summer trip experiences including highs and lows on their science teaching and learning journey.

TAKEAWAYS:
Gain a model for a science club doing authentic, novel research including concepts and lessons learned through 20 years of ISAMR. Adults will be on hand for questions, contacts and information sharing. Microbiome and permafrost depth feature heavily with some engineering and coding.

SPEAKERS:
Carla Guarraia

Examining status as a way to support student science identity development

Thursday, March 27 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown - Grand Ballroom Salon G


Show Details

Teachers can increase equitable instruction by understanding student status and identity. Attendees will reflect on their status and identity as science learners to inform classroom practices by graphing their status, discussing the role of identity and naming strategies to elevate all learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain strategies to positively influence student status and support identity development for an equitable classroom culture. Collaboratively, attendees will raise questions about developing equitable classroom communities and generate strategies to support all learners.

SPEAKERS:
Rosiane Lesperance- Goss

Recharge yourself! From Striving to Thriving - How to Manage Your Stress

Thursday, March 27 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 113 A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Philadelphia Striving to Thriving Parts 1 and 2.pdf

Show Details

In today’s fast-paced world, chronic stress is common, but your mind and body can pay a high price. Learn to recognize overwhelming stress—and what you can do about it. Most importantly, learn how to use the power of your senses to relieve stress on the spot and stay calm, productive, and focused

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with tips on how to manage stress.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips, Vivienne Allgood

Stirring up Student Engagement

Thursday, March 27 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 121 A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Stirring up Student Engagement - NSTA 2025 (1).pdf

Show Details

Transitioning to a learner-centered classroom can be challenging but rewarding. This shift turns students from passive recipients into active participants, encouraging them to take responsibility for learning. By fostering curiosity, they become problem-solvers, engaging deeply in their education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore transitioning from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered classroom, enhancing student responsibility, engagement, and problem-solving. This session offers tools for fostering active learning, curiosity, and effective classroom management in a learner-driven environment.

SPEAKERS:
Shefali Mehta, Mridula Bajaj

Utilizing STEM to Foster Resilience in 21st Century Students

Thursday, March 27 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 126 A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://theislandteachers.com/downloads/

Show Details

Join us for an interactive workshop on promoting resilience in students through STEM education. Discover strategies such as hands-on problem-solving projects, fostering a growth mindset, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engage students in hands-on STEM projects that encourage them to persist through challenges and setbacks, developing resilience when faced with complex tasks.

SPEAKERS:
Stephen Bowen, Ashish Gilbert Bowen

Science for All: Designing Opportunities for Differentiation in Your Middle School Science Classroom

Thursday, March 27 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 121 A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Anchored Science Opportunities for Differentiation NSTA Phila Handout
Anchored Science Opportunities for Differentiation NSTA Phila Slides

Show Details

An NGSS classroom promises Science for All, but sometimes students have different needs. See how classroom teachers build a culture of choice, create differentiated literacy and assessment products, and help students meet differentiated goals for 3D learning within an inclusive classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with ideas and routines for fostering a differentiated classroom culture, samples of high-quality, scaffolded guides for scientific readings and assessments, and strategies to allow students to set their own goals for meeting or exceeding standards.

SPEAKERS:
Barbara McIntyre, Chris Geerer

Unpack OpenSciEd Lessons in 30 Minutes!

Thursday, March 27 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown - Franklin 1


Show Details

High quality curriculum materials like OpenSciEd can be overwhelming! Join us to learn how to use the lesson unpacking protocol to get ready to teach with OpenSciEd.

TAKEAWAYS:
Prticpants will leave with a step-by-step protocol for unpacking OpenSciEd lessons in 30 minutes.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Henson

Collaboration over Compliance: How to Effectively Egage Students in an Interactive Science Classroom Through Student Decision-making

Friday, March 28 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 121 A


Show Details

What are some simple ways to better engage your students in science learning? How can you get your students to work with you rather than against you? In this hands-on presentation, we will demonstrate numerous strategies you can use to improve student decision-making and collaboration.

TAKEAWAYS:
Exploring principles for student decision-making through engaging in meaningful science activities.

SPEAKERS:
Jesse Wilcox

Inclusive Science Engagement in an Informal Setting

Friday, March 28 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 126 B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://sites.google.com/calacademy.org/casnstaphiladelphia2025/home

Show Details

Science learning in an informal environment, such as a museum, park or aquarium serves a large audience- there is so much opportunity to spark joy and curiosity! Educators hold a critical role in providing responsive, inclusive programing to serve our audiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
When goals and outcomes of programs and activities are clear, creating accommodations and modifications are more easily identifiable in the moment in order to support all learners. We will explore and practice using a tool to help educators reflect on the means of reaching desired outcomes.

SPEAKERS:
Eileen McAleer

Place-based teaching: Expeditions in the Schoolyard

Friday, March 28 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown - Franklin 5


Show Details

Place-based science teaching positions aspects of place–geographic location, geologic time, identity and community–at the forefront of science practices. This session will focus on the opportunities for place-based learning and teaching to explore our own locations: schoolyards and communities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Place-based learning honors the lived experiences of students and the living beings that form a community. Participants will learn how to implement a NGSS-aligned, place-based science lesson in their own space: schoolyard or community.

SPEAKERS:
Kirstin Milks, Whitney Aragaki

Saving Flood Line Area

Friday, March 28 • 10:40 AM - 10:55 AM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 120 C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Saving Flood Line Areas
This STEM project was aimed at Climate change and flooding in major cities and rural areas as well. Students worked on this project for one year at Boys Latin Charter High School. They created power point presentations to address the issue.
Saving Flood Line Areas example of students work
This google slide presentation was my former students work at Boys Latin Charter High School. They were in 9th grade at the time. They are currently Juniors at Boys Latin Charter High School
This is my original presentation on Saving Flood Line Areas.
This presentation address the flooding in areas in major cities, rural areas and suburb areas. According to study that Climate change will increase major flooding in next 20 years.

Show Details

Saving Flood Line Area is based on Research that my students and I did at Boys Latin Charter High School. Based on the flooding of the Vine Street Express way three years ago. Students look at the change in weather and ways that we could possible help other cities.

TAKEAWAYS:
This presentation gives knowledge about the changing in our weather climate and how we can support each other in these changes due to flooding in areas.

SPEAKERS:
Anthony Edmond-Pinckney

Sustainable and Inclusive STEM for K-5 Teaching and Learning

Friday, March 28 • 10:40 AM - 10:55 AM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 118 A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Slides from our presentation

Show Details

We will discuss plans for working with a cohort of 12 K-5 teachers on developing: leadership skills, climate change content knowledge, and strategies for including ALL learners in STEM teaching over the course of a 5-year period. We will be at the beginning of an NSF-funded Noyce grant.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn tools and strategies for enhancing inclusive STEM teaching and learning about climate change for K-5 teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Taylor, Melissa Zrada, Helen Corveleyn, Lauren Madden

Teachers Unite: Advocating for Excellence in Education

Friday, March 28 • 10:40 AM - 10:55 AM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 110 B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1jkYKrl0qgcYbZlLtpJfEEwFVn-2bToY6jXLGYgoJ-90/edit?usp=sharing
The tubric activity can be for elementary students.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2CAmW7c-Ow
https://my.pblworks.org/resource/document/driving_question_tubric (tubric handout)

Show Details

Are you tired of complaining about what is happening in your classroom, school, district, state? Be a problem solver. Find out how you can make a difference as a teacher activist!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn about how to advocate for themselves, their colleagues, their students without compromising their positions as educators. They will learn to be confident and voices for legislators who need guidance on how to write legislation for our educators and students.

SPEAKERS:
Veena Black

How Can I Make Smart Energy Choices When I Eat?

Friday, March 28 • 11:10 AM - 11:25 AM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 118 A


Show Details

After learning the chemistry of sugar, starch, and fiber, students use information from food labels to measure out the correct weight of sugar, starch and fiber and create physical presentations to compare energy value in familiar foods.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will get everything they need to implement this activity in their classroom, whether during a nutrition unit or during a unit on types of energy. This activity weaves in themes such as human body energy needs, cultural food choices, food deserts, and student wellness.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Grumbach

Stop Action What? How Stop Action Videos have increased student engagement and understanding in a high school biology clasroom.

Friday, March 28 • 11:10 AM - 11:25 AM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 115 B


Show Details

This session will describe how stop action videos are one of the most powerful and most underused tools in life science education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave understanding how stop action videos can be such a powerful tool and will be able to think about how they might incorporate them into their own teaching.

SPEAKERS:
Christopher Aguiar

Work-Life Balance as Science Educators

Friday, March 28 • 11:10 AM - 11:25 AM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 110 B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Getting the work-life balance
Survey Questions
UNICEF Self Care Tips for Teachers
This resource provides practical tips for teachers. -What is self-care? - What is burnout? - Recognizing signs of accumulated stress - Prioritizing self-care as a necessity not a luxury

Show Details

This session explores self -care needs, practices and work-life balance experiences of Science Educators in The Bahamas.

TAKEAWAYS:
Effective self-care practices promote effective work-life balance and enhances professional practice.

SPEAKERS:
Bridget Hogg

Beyond Burnout: How to Acknowledge and Address Burnout, Demoralization and Exploitation

Friday, March 28 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Cleeves_BeyondBurnout_Poster_NSTA_Mar2025.pdf

Show Details

This poster is for teachers who don't want to have to quit. We'll examine oversimplified views of teacher burnout by acknowledging that demoralization and exploitation also impact educator resilience. We'll also explore specific causes, symptoms, and most importantly, remedies for each.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators can reclaim their classrooms and lives from burnout, demoralization, and exploitation. This type of empowered healing begins at an individual level. As teachers enact no-cost strategies to make their essential work sustainable, student outcomes and school culture also improve.

SPEAKERS:
Jess Cleeves

Developing an Authentic Classroom Community for New Science Teachers

Friday, March 28 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


Show Details

For new science teachers, developing a classroom community can be challenging. In the chemistry classroom, students can feel isolated and uninterested due to the complexity of the content and the seemingly irrelevant material. By establishing classroom culture, all students can achieve success.

TAKEAWAYS:
New science teachers establishing themselves as a “warm demander” can help provide an authenticity that will allow students to not only create a learning community where all individuals work together to achieve success, but also help to bolster relevance with the material through student belonging.

SPEAKERS:
Liam Gallagher

Engaging First-Generation Students in Chemistry: Resilient and Inclusive Approaches in Higher Education

Friday, March 28 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


Show Details

This poster presents strategies for creating equitable chemistry classrooms that engage first-generation students. It includes specific examples of inclusive practices and culturally relevant approaches, demonstrating how these methods can be integrated into lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to create lessons that connect with the cultural backgrounds of first-generation students while exploring effective classroom practices that utilize collaborative learning to boost engagement and academic achievement in chemistry.

SPEAKERS:
Wenting Hu

Exploring Desert Ecosystems: Building Food Webs Through Place-Based Learning

Friday, March 28 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


Show Details

This presentation offers strategies for engaging learners in place-based ecosystem studies. Students research a local plant or animal, design an infographic detailing their species, and model the flow of energy between classroom dwellers, fostering deeper understanding of ecological relationships.

TAKEAWAYS:
A flexible, adaptable lesson plan that can be customized for different ecosystems and grade levels. Strategies for promoting engagement through place-based learning and integrating science and engineering practices into ecosystem modeling.

SPEAKERS:
Crystal Shepard

Science Leader as Coach

Friday, March 28 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Tenets of a Coaching MindSet
This poster shares 6 important perspectives to keep as we lead teachers through any change process.

Show Details

The work of a science education leader involves resilience in growing capacity in others. In short, adults learn differently than our students. So come learn how to develop a coaching mindset and utilize strategies to coach science educators through change to improve science teaching and learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Much of the work of a science education leader is coaching adults. It’s important to know that adult learning is different. When science leaders deeply understand what drives social behaviors, they can better engage in coaching conversations to promote the targeted change in practice.

SPEAKERS:
Derek McDowell

Science Matters Here: Connecting Science Class and Community Issues

Friday, March 28 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Science Matters here (Poster)
A digital copy of our 2025 Poster Presentation "Science Matters Here"

Show Details

We will share the strategies we have used to bring high school science curriculum into conversation with local issues. We have found community partners who help students put their science learning to work for their area—connecting, for instance, food access to a photosynthesis unit.

TAKEAWAYS:
While project-based learning in science provides opportunities for students to experience rigorous, purposeful instruction, it can be a lot of work. Engaging community partners can make the work of PBL sustainable and truly authentic.

SPEAKERS:
Nikki Wallace, Cole Entress

Teachers Unite: Advocating for Excellence in Education

Friday, March 28 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1jkYKrl0qgcYbZlLtpJfEEwFVn-2bToY6jXLGYgoJ-90/edit?usp=sharing
For Teachers, but you can teach advocacy to students using the Tubric.
Tubric
https://my.pblworks.org/resource/document/driving_question_tubric (handout)

Show Details

Are you tired of complaining about what is happening in your classroom, school, district, state? Be a problem solver. Find out how you can make a difference as a teacher activist!

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn about how to advocate for themselves, their colleagues, their students without compromising their positions as educators. They will learn to be confident and voices for legislators who need guidance on how to write legislation for our educators and students.

SPEAKERS:
Veena Black

The National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA); Support through Community

Friday, March 28 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


Show Details

Let’s Connect! For over 40 years, educators have united through NESTA to champion excellence in Earth and space science education. Discover how our community can support your professional growth, inspire your teaching, and open doors to leadership opportunities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how NESTA supports fellow science teachers through collaboration, mentorship, and resource sharing. By fostering professional growth and enhancing teaching practices, NESTA empowers educators to inspire students and deepen their commitment to their own professional journeys.

SPEAKERS:
Natalie Macke

The Power of Teacher Experiential Learning

Friday, March 28 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Aisle


Show Details

Students often say that they learn best through experience. The same can be true for educators. From exploring biodiversity in the Galapagos to traveling on a boat to see offshore wind farms in the UK, learn how exploring your own passions can enhance the sustainability of being a long-term educator.

TAKEAWAYS:
Nurturing oneself as a learner is a strategy for self-care as an educator. Attendees will become aware of fellowship opportunities that provide time and space for educators to feed the lifelong learner within themselves.

SPEAKERS:
Victoria Thomson, Sarah Compton

Bridging the Gap: Using PEER Physics Across Diverse Classrooms

Friday, March 28 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown - Franklin 9


Show Details

We will present evidence from different classrooms, from regents level to ICT, highlighting how PEER Physics has been successfully integrated into the curricula. It will include student samples and analysis of student surveys to show the positive impact on student engagement and understanding.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to adapt the PEER Physics approach to fit your specific teaching context and student population.Leave this session equipped with the knowledge and tools to create a more engaging, collaborative, and effective learning environment for your students.

SPEAKERS:
Campbell Fee

Promoting Student Voice and Choice in Middle Grade Science and Engineering Classrooms Using the Dimensions of Success (DoS) Framework

Friday, March 28 • 1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 120 A


Show Details

Do you want empower your students to feel heard & capable of making impactful decisions in your classroom? Learn how to use the NSF-funded DoS classroom observation framework to build students’ resilience by elevating their ideas & engaging them in meaningful decisionmaking in science & engineering.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn strategies to help students build on peers’ ideas and make decisions during lesson activities by applying the DoS framework to real classroom scenarios. You will exchange ideas via small group conversations with other teachers about promoting student voice and choice in classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Virginia Andrews

Making Time for Elementary Science: Strategies and Examples

Friday, March 28 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 203 A


Show Details

Elementary classrooms are incredibly busy, often leaving little room for science. This session will provide engaging activities and practical strategies for integrating science seamlessly into the schedule, using long-term investigations, science as a foundation for math/literacy, station work, and

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave the discussion with a framework for professional learning and strategies to implement professional learning!

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Garelli, Deanna Taylor, Leah Litz, Jesse Wilcox, Rebecca Abbott, Erik Wade

Recharge Yourself! From Striving to Thriving: Part 2 Stress Management

Friday, March 28 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 202 A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Philadelphia Striving to Thriving Parts 1 and 2.pdf
Walking meditation - Recording
Please open with Adobe to access the recording

Show Details

While it may seem like there’s nothing you can do about stress at work and home, there are steps you can take to relieve the pressure and regain control. Stress wreaks havoc on your emotional equilibrium, as well as your physical health. It narrows your ability to think clearly, function effectively

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with tips on how to relieve pressure and regain control.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips, Vivienne Allgood

Cultivating Compassion for Educator Well-Being

Friday, March 28 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 201 C


Show Details

Cultivating compassion within the context of teaching and learning can be an important resource for sustaining caring for self and others. We invite you to join us to pause and practice compassion. Come learn about tools for resourcing yourself to apply in school and personal contexts.

TAKEAWAYS:
This workshop will support educators’ wellness by cultivating compassion for themselves, students, and colleagues, and fostering more inclusive, just schools. Participants will learn about the science of compassion, hear key educator insights, and engage in practices that strengthen our resilience.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Henson

Civil Discourse in the Science Classroom

Saturday, March 29 • 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 113 C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Civil Discourse in Science and Technology
A tips & tricks doc, Environmental Science connected lesson, and some helpful webinars. More coming soon!
Civil Discourse Toolkit for Middle School Teachers
Many free slideshows, resources, forms, lessons, and more that are adaptable to a wide range to set a foundation for ongoing civil discourse in the classroom.
STEM Educator Survey
Sphere wants to hear from you! Our nonprofit is dedicated to helping educators foster civil discourse, and we strive to create resources that meet your needs. Share your thoughts to help shape our support for you.

Show Details

Leverage the framework of civil discourse to bring healthy habits of conversation to your science classroom. Equip yourself with tools and strategies to engage students in civil discourse as they make sense of the world around them in a respectful manner.

TAKEAWAYS:
Empower yourself with tools and resources to support bringing civil discourse to your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Lane, Elyse Alter

How to Launch a Democratic Classroom in Science?

Saturday, March 29 • 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 107 B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Philly 2025, Democratic Classroom
How to Launch a Democratic Classroom in Science

Show Details

Learn how to empower students as active participants by involving them in classroom decision-making, shaping expectations, and fostering a collaborative environment aligned with their personal values.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to establish a democratic classroom by engaging students in creating norms through activities like "Chalk Talks." Additional strategies will be shared to get your students to reflect on values, co-create behavior expectations, and build community in your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Rose Ventimiglia, Grace Andrews, Christopher Hernandez

Learning K-12 Science with AI

Saturday, March 29 • 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 202 A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Common Myths and Truths About AI
Learning (K-12 Science) With AI

Show Details

Discover AI's potential as a teaching partner in this hands-on workshop for K-12 science educators. In one hour, learn to leverage AI tools to enhance science education, boost student engagement, and streamline your teaching. Gain practical skills to transform your classroom with AI.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will recognize ways in which partnering with AI in their science classes will enhance student engagement and streamline teacher workflow. They'll leave with practical strategies to use AI as a powerful assistant in lesson planning, personalized learning, and data analysis.

SPEAKERS:
Joan Monahan Watson

Using Breathwork and Yoga Techniques for Teacher Self-care and Resiliency

Saturday, March 29 • 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 113 C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Using breathwork and yoga techniques for teacher self-care and resiliency

Show Details

Managing stress is a key to resiliency. This session will present breathwork and yoga techniques that can be done in any amount of time available to the teacher. Techniques learned can also be used with a classroom of students of any age to assist students in managing their own stress.

TAKEAWAYS:
Take away new breathwork and yoga techniques suitable for the classroom environment to reduce the teacher stress (and student stress if you wish to do along with class).

SPEAKERS:
Robert Snyder

"Leaf Your Worries Behind: Nature Journaling for Teacher and Student Wellness!"

Saturday, March 29 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 109 A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/1H0FVgxHxOsz8D49Zo2QvTj5knxipZeaJ/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=mspresentation

Show Details

Learn the benefits of nature journaling and outdoor experiences for teachers and students. Discover how reconnecting with nature can reduce burnout, enhance creativity, and boost engagement. Create your own nature journal while practicing drawing and observational skills to enrich your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
The key takeaway is that nature journaling can help reduce teacher burnout while enhancing creativity and student engagement through outdoor experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Bridget Burke

AI-Enhanced Learning: Cultivating Future-Ready Problem Solvers

Saturday, March 29 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 122 A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
AI-Enhanced Microlearning_ _jSchneider _PASTfoundation _Philly'25.pdf
Full slide presentation with links & email address.

Show Details

AI-powered personalization & microlearning can transform your classroom & problem-solving skills. Leveraging AI for adaptive, bite-sized learning experiences cultivates lifelong learners for an evolving workforce. Discover strategies to enhance student agency, critical thinking, & learning agility.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn to: apply Design Thinking for inclusive, culturally relevant content; utilize AI for personalized learning; create AI-enhanced microlearning for mastery; engage in Problem-Based Learning; and foster student agency and self-paced learning.

SPEAKERS:
Jeff Schneider

Learning to care in STEM: Socio-emotionally Informed Science and Engineering Practices

Saturday, March 29 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center - 204 C


Show Details

Explore how STEM can boost students' resilience and emotional intelligence! Learn to integrate science and engineering practices with socio-emotional learning using proven, open-source curricula for PK-8 science and STEM classrooms with strategies to strengthen STEM identities and emotional growth.

TAKEAWAYS:
Time for development of students’ socio-emotional development and STEM learning are both limited in classrooms. This session provides key strategies for developing resilience and science and engineering practices simultaneously, using free, open-source science and engineering curricula.

SPEAKERS:
Cory Miller, Kathryn Bateman

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