What are the latest and greatest technologies and websites for science instruction? Come learn about them and how they can be used.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will come away with an understanding of a variety of resources for incorporating technology into their science instruction

SPEAKERS:
Patti Duncan

This lesson anchors student learning in real world local climate issues as they combine data literacy and art in the style of current working artists. Students turn graphs of local air pollution trends into art pieces that showcase their understanding of the sources and effects of each pollutant.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers gain ideas to create multidisciplinary units around authentic place-based climate issues while developing students’ data literacy skills. This lesson is engaging and produces powerful and beautiful evidence of student learning. Adaptable lesson plans will be included.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Carpenter

Engage students in learning about the evolution of antibiotic resistance by exploring prevention strategies. Assess their understanding via infographics. Attendees will view student examples and receive a link to lesson plans and student worksheets.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how students can illustrate their understanding of antibiotic resistance evolution through infographic creation. The infographics will highlight why specific strategies for reducing antibiotic resistance are effective.

SPEAKERS:
Andrea Bierema

Learn about research-to-practice applications of an arts-based data visualization project designed to enhance students’ ability to creatively represent contextual data.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will view examples of teacher and student products of arts-based data representation projects and consider applications of the research to their own classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Rearden

Did you know sugar is grown and refined in 17 US states? Sugar cane thrives in the south, while sugar beets flourish in the north. Discover the difference!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about the sugar-making process from field to final product and see a variety of activities you can use with students to discover the difference between sugar cane and sugar beets.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Sponholtz, Michelle Blodgett

Educators can integrate Minecraft Education with academic standards. They can create challenges for students to gauge students' interests and provide creativity using Minecraft. Educators will also discover that there are built in lesson plans on Minecraft Education to assist with standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
After this session, participants will be able to create lesson plans, integrate standards from multiple academic content with Minecraft Education. Educators will be able to instill enthusiasm and positive learning outcomes using Minecraft Education to teach students their core academic content.

SPEAKERS:
Veena Black

Learn how you can use robots to integrate with core academic content to teach skills to your students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn about different types of robots that are available and how they can incorporate technology with academic content.

SPEAKERS:
Veena Black

Engage students in authentic science learning about lead contamination through interactive activities that integrate cognitive and technical perspectives.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will discover the significance of reframing lessons and traditional lab experiments through the lenses of cognitive and technical authentic science learning, empowering students to engage meaningfully with real-world scientific issues like lead contamination.

SPEAKERS:
Eual Phillips

Interested in bringing river ecology to your classroom? This presentation will introduce strategies to engage learners in place-based ecology on a budget. In this unit, students will research local riparian plant species, design a tank to house them, and monitor the ecosystem health over time.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students are more engaged when the learning they are doing resembles their surroundings. Viewers of this lesson can expect to encounter strategies to bring local riparian ecology into the classroom and how to adapt their lessons to reflect their local ecosystems.

SPEAKERS:
Tobias Kochenderfer

I will have a tri-fold of the carbon cycle. I will also have print outs of vocabulary to use, a coloring sheet with carbon cycle, and an exit ticket or a way to test knowledge. I will also have some other helpful links and resources that explain the carbon cycle.

TAKEAWAYS:
The attendees will be learning how to incorperate sceince into their school day. There will be resources and print outs of how to explain the carbon cycle to elementary level students.

SPEAKERS:
Lydia Chapman

Learn to compare ground-based weather observations with satellite data using visible and infrared imagery. This session will provide hands-on activities with My NASA Data to help students analyze weather patterns and understand how different observations complement each other.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to integrate ground-based observations with satellite data, using hands-on activities with My NASA Data to help students analyze and understand weather patterns from both local and global perspectives.

SPEAKERS:
Erin Smoak, Diane Ripollone

This poster shares a middle-school project where students create fictional ice cream parlors! Students design menus and merch, create a website, and build 3D models. Along the way, they’ll pick up important skills through connections to computer science, engineering, entrepreneurship, and design.

TAKEAWAYS:
The ready-to-use “Ice Cream Parlor” project offers students exciting ways to engage with important STEM concepts in an interactive, relevant, and hands on learning experience. The project inherently has many avenues for extension that can integrate it seamlessly into a variety of courses.

SPEAKERS:
Cristin Sedelmaier, David Amiel

Explore how our instructional modules address the Plant Awareness Disparity by empowering high school students to connect with their botanical heritage. Our hands-on approach fosters equitable access to STEM learning through place-based exploration of personal, cultural, and community assets.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will discover how our modules promote equity in science education by engaging students in hands-on botanical exploration, fostering deep connections with nature, and aligning with contemporary research and educational standards.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Moore

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

Explore how to design an immersive research trip that aligns with NGSS life science standards. I will share my experience leading a trip for 40 ninth-graders to the Bahamas, where students engaged in authentic science by conducting hands-on fieldwork, and what the students learned in the end.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn what NGSS life science standards are aligned in the overseas trip that incorporates authentic field research methodologies like GIS, environmental data collection, and graphing to create meaningful, real-world science experiences for students.

SPEAKERS:
Akira Wong

Upon witnessing poverty in South Africa 13 years ago and wanting to make an impact, the idea of storing “Sunshine in a Jar” was developed. Currently, this solar lantern project is evolving into a “Power it Forward” movement in hopes of providing reliable solar power to those in energy poverty.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendants are briefed on the solar lantern project, which covers the middle and high school NGSS Physics standards as well as the NRC Framework Standards for Matter, Energy, and Human Impacts. Plans will be shared about how these lanterns are launching a movement towards alleviating energy poverty.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Ulicny

Do you know Meaningful Integration Strengthens, Supports, and Inspires the Next Generation? This hands-on workshop is designed for middle school instructors to give and share ideas, structures, and strategies to integrate science with math, reading, writing, and critical thinking.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants leave ready to collaborate and demonstrate the new found structure and strategies gained from the workshop. The workshop provides attendees with authentic and meaningful ideas that inspire students to read, write, understand mathematics and use critical thinking in science.

SPEAKERS:
Yolanda Williams

A Research Experience for Teachers (RET program) could be an inspiration for science and engineering lessons for the classroom. Our research rekindled our passion for STEM education and we believe it is contagious! Learn about the RET program and check out lesson materials for physics and math.

TAKEAWAYS:
How can you convert a university research experience into a high school classroom lesson?

SPEAKERS:
Tanima Mukherjee, Faith Palombi

This poster showcases how you can transform your Canvas courses into inclusive, dynamic, and enriching learning experiences for all students. Swing by to tap into essential strategies, tools, and best practices to foster inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility through your school's Canvas site!

TAKEAWAYS:
This poster showcases strategies such as Canvas Groups for collaborative learning, media opportunities with Canvas Studio, and using Canvas to showcase student understanding in vibrant, visual ways. Plus, discover proven webinar engagement strategies to captivate and inspire your online learners!

SPEAKERS:
Tanya MacMartin, Ed.D.

This poster showcases the culturally relevant middle school 5E STEM lesson that interweaves Native American stories, language, and culture through Two-Eyed Seeing and Place-Based Learning. The lesson is part of the Native Earth Native Sky free online asynchronous professional development course.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about effective strategies and tools to implement culturally relevant STEM lessons that interweave Native American stories, language and culture. Attendees will also learn about other lessons that are a part of an online asynchronous professional development course.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah McDowell, Angela Just

Engage learners in science through exciting hands-on activities, media, and discussions that make complex topics accessible. This lesson showcase offers free, adaptable resources, tools, and strategies to inspire STEM interest in classrooms and spark critical thinking in learners of all ages.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain strategies to engage diverse learners with hands-on STEM lessons that foster inclusion, critical thinking, and community connections, while empowering them to address real-world challenges through science literacy and active participation.

SPEAKERS:
Sandra Roberts

Access to supplies is often a barrier to learning yet amazing projects can be made with just paper, tape and scissors. Paper is great for introducing students to engineering fundamentals. Together we will explore how to use just  paper, tape and scissors to make amazing engineering projects

TAKEAWAYS:
Science and engineering can be done with inexpensive materials

SPEAKERS:
Godwyn Morris

This session will explore using Success Criteria as steps toward mastery in math and science assessments to enhance student understanding and engagement. Participants will learn to create quality open educational resources (OER) that align with standards for effective assessment practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will leave with practical strategies for integrating Success Criteria into assessments, promoting student ownership of learning and improving instructional practices in math and science.

SPEAKERS:
Laura - Ashley Hayes

Teach Engineering and the AspireIT Toolkit offer educators free resources to enhance K-12 STEM education through inclusivity, hands-on learning, sensemaking, and student-centered instruction. These tools empower educators to create engaging and accessible STEM learning experiences for all.

TAKEAWAYS:
This poster session introduces the Teach Engineering K-12 STEM digital library and the NCWIT AspireIT Toolkit. These tools are designed to enhance K-12 education with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and hands-on learning, addressing the need for equitable access to high-quality STEM education.

SPEAKERS:
Dua Chaker, Jennifer Kracha, Ellen Sukovich

Ethics, biology, algebra, reading, what do all of these things have in common? Much more than you would think! Stop by to learn how we have been using ethics as a throughline to help students develop their literacy and numeracy skills in their science class.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will walk away with cross-disciplinary tools. Attendees will see examples of ethics in science and how that fosters discussion and develops class culture while creating connections between core disciplines.

SPEAKERS:
Leila Haghi

In this lesson unit, middle school students explore interdisciplinary concepts through the book "The Wild Robot" integrating ELA, Science, and Computer Science.Transitioning to the Engineering Design Process (EDP) students embark on a project to design and build prosthetic hands inspire by the book.

TAKEAWAYS:
This lesson unit not only enriches students' comprehension of "The Wild Robot" but also provides valuable experience in engineering and AI. It connects literature with practical applications, enhancing problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills.

SPEAKERS:
Leslie Suters, Kim Alvin De Lara

Potato aquaponics is a method of growing potatoes in a symbiotic system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil). Aquaponics reduces the need for various chemical fertilizers and helps to conserve water, making it a promising for urban farming.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn what is needed to be able to successfully grow potatoes in an aquaponics system. They will also, learn about the sustainability and resource efficiency that comes with this type of farming. The information provided will help with optimal growth for the plant.

SPEAKERS:
Emery Breitbarth

Outdoor education takes many forms and focuses on promoting real-world, inquiry-based learning. Learn how schools in different states have developed camping programs including how to effectively prepare, advocate for, and organize a camp experience integrating NGSS standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
Outdoor Ed aligns with NGSS to enhance learning through hands-on, inquiry-based activities. Visitors will gain strategies to create an outdoor education program that fits their school's needs, including lessons and units that foster critical thinking and problem solving.

SPEAKERS:
Myriah Leisher, Pamela Waters

The University of Nebraska offers a geology field course to science teachers where participants will travel through Nebraska, Wyoming, and South Dakota over a 2 week experience. The only cost for participants is tuition.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants in the course will not only learn about the geology of the area, but they will also learn new strategies to reinforce 3 dimensional learning in their own classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Kyle Thompson

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

Challenges exist in implementing the NGSS and structuring equitable collaboration opportunities in the classroom. Join us to learn from a research study on a NGSS-aligned curriculum development and professional learning project that integrated the use of discipline-specific instructional routines.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, participants will learn key take-aways from a research study on how the use of instructional routines supported NGSS implementation and student sense-making in a high-school level Biology course.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Chatham

Attendees will receive materials for a unit on nutrient cycling and the transfer of matter. Student examples show collection and sensemaking of their own data using iNaturalist. Students then apply data to monitor and make changes to the ecosystem model, serving as a local and current data set.

TAKEAWAYS:
Scaled ecosystem models provide opportunities for students to generate their own data. Further generations of students can collect long-term data on the model. Data can be used to propose changes to the model and make sense of larger phenomena. Students develop personal connections to the ecosystem.

SPEAKERS:
Anna Verdiguel Gillet

How does your doctor determine your potential diagnosis? Using the patient clinical format creates an interactive and engaging format for Anatomy & Physiology students to develop critical thinking and communication skills in a team-based setting.

TAKEAWAYS:
Beyond the realistic application of curriculum, students develop the skills and confidence to increase personal advocacy with their doctors and medical professionals when they understand the clinical problem solving process.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Howe, Becky Mortland

Hexagonal thinking is a collaborative hands-on concept mapping strategy focused on making connections across vocabulary, concepts, and other subject-specific components that can be utilized in any content area including cross-curricular settings. Come learn how to implement it in your own classroom!

TAKEAWAYS:
For Upper Elem through HS. Participants will experience the strategy from a student POV, learn the process of implementation, and receive links to templates. Examples of student work will also be shown.

SPEAKERS:
Simone Nance

This lesson teaches young children how to use some of the tools they will need when doing science with some simple (but fun!) activities. Tools introduced include: magnifying glasses, tweezers, stopwatches, eyedroppers, and measuring cups and spoons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be look at a few simple (but fun!) activities they can use to introduce basic science tools to their PreK-2 students. How-to posters, basic assessment sheet, and materials lists are included for these tools/activities.

SPEAKERS:
Marie Elaina Zuccaro

Join us at this Share-A-Thon to discover a treasure trove of educational materials and resources provided by the United States Patent and Trademark Office of Public Engagement. Our poster session aims to showcase innovative teaching tools that empower educators to foster inventing and creativity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engage with live demonstrations of free educational tools and trading card lesson plans designed to enhance student learning across STEM at various grade levels. Learn about professional development opportunities for enhancing invention and intellectual property education.

SPEAKERS:
Kathy Hoppe

This poster demonstrates a series of activities using acoustic data from marine soundscapes to assess a coral reef habitat's ecological dynamics, functions, and resilience. The NGSS-aligned activities foster an interactive learning environment in all three dimensions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Ecological data, such as sound, can assess human impacts on Earth's systems and support decision-making to promote the responsible management of natural resources.

SPEAKERS:
Jocelyn Miller

Developed by experts in environmental health and K-12 STEM education, this unit for grades 3-5 teaches students how to understand and improve indoor air quality. Students read stories and engage in hands-on activities to explore indoor environments and take action to create healthier spaces.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn how to engage grades 3-5 students in investigating indoor air quality through storytelling and challenge-based activities. This modular unit empowers students to become active problem-solvers and builds their action competence in creating healthier indoor spaces.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Link, PhD

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

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

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will show 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.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Kurson

This lesson focused on Earth’s movement in space using a hands-on, inquiry based approach. In this lesson, students designed experiments to support a hypothesis that the helio-centric model is the most accurate in terms of explaining the phenomena: day & night and seasonality.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn to utilize inexpensive materials you may have lying around the classroom and/or at home to engage students in activities that will support them in their understanding of Earth’s movement in space. Teachers will receive an adaptable lesson plan with student examples that is customizable.

SPEAKERS:
Jaime Camero

Carbonated beverage containers, juice and fruit drinks, dairy products, and sports beverages all contain sugar. Students better understand quantities and volumes and gain an understanding of serving size. Reading labels is important!

TAKEAWAYS:
One major goal of this activity is to get students to better understand quantities and volumes. What is the difference between a gram and a teaspoon? How much fructose, glucose, and/or sucrose is in the beverage you are drinking? A second goal is to assist students in understanding serving size.

SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Cunningham

Learn about the National Middle Level Science Teachers Association and what we offer to our members.

TAKEAWAYS:
The National Middle Level Science Teachers Association (NMLSTA) is the only national organization dedicated to the support of middle level educators—grades five through nine.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Lou Lipscomb

Discover how PBS LearningMedia, a free and trusted resource for PreK-12 classrooms, utilizes media-rich resources from PBS shows like NOVA, NATURE, Weathered, and PBS Eons to spark students' curiosity, facilitate student sense-making, and support 3D learning frameworks.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn strategies for seamlessly incorporating multimedia content from PBS LearningMedia into curriculum and learn new methods to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving as students learn about and discuss challenges posed by environmental issues and the potential solutions.

SPEAKERS:
Merek Chang, Lori Brittain

How do you leverage the powerful computer in students' pockets to teach E&M? The modern smartphone's magnetometer can be used to do things as basic as detecting currents and permanent magnets and as complex as collecting data to linearize and discover distance dependencies.

TAKEAWAYS:
Every student "doing the lab" is better than one student "doing the lab" and 3+ students watching a demonstration of the lab. Turn your students into scientists with the tools to answer questions right in their pockets.

SPEAKERS:
Helene McLaughlin, David Rakestraw, Michael Tobler

Experience Playdoh as a highly functional three-dimensional tool connecting two-dimensional learning. These STEM strategies engage and promote interactions with all learners across curriculums.

TAKEAWAYS:
Playdoh is a highly functional classroom manipulative that makes three-dimensional learning possible using two- dimensional curriculum

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Erica McNeil

During this session we will introduce a series of lesson plans that can help students recognize the value of science to their personal decision-making, so that they fully engage in science lessons throughout the year.

TAKEAWAYS:
Our students are constantly bombarded with crazy claims on a daily basis. Science presents a process for elevating specific ideas that can then be deemed ‘factual’. Making scientific claims based on evidence is a process students should be aware of, especially when making decisions for themselves.

SPEAKERS:
Makenzie Kuhns, Samantha Bechtel, Nancy Yoak, Linda Fuselier, Keegan Woodlee

Scientific ocean drilling is disappearing from textbooks. An OER was developed to share the ships and sampling process, profiles of scientists and crew, and onshore analyses. The OER includes multimedia material, interactive fact checks, and student exercises to increase ocean literacy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Viewers will learn about the organization of a free educational resource on scientific ocean drilling, which includes spotlights of the scientists and crew in text and audio, video clips, interactive fact checks, and questions and exercises, to increase student ocean literacy.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Guertin

What makes a good story? How can simple storytelling connect us to learning science? This interdisciplinary project allows students to explore science picture books and environmental children's stories while learning about science communication in their community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students can dive into diverse storytelling methods and explore the importance of storytelling in accessible science communication. Students will express environmental stories they care about to a community audience. AZ Standards Engaged: 1.E1U3.8, 8.W.2, 3, 4, 7

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Becker

This poster will present an activity that dives into the phenomenon of bee vision, building personal relevance and connection through engagement in STEAM practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore the intersections between science sensemaking and STEAM, taking home a lesson that engages students in discovering how bees see the world.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Carsten Conner

Participants will be provided with engineering lessons for two 8th grade physical science topics: electromagnetism plus force and motion. The focus is on how the lessons were implemented, student work was assessed, and discussions to improve instruction and student learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will see video evidence of teacher-student interactions in real time as the engineering lesson was implemented. Additionally, participants will see samples of student work and the feedback teacher candidates provided.

SPEAKERS:
Imelda Razo, Makenzie Wall, Romola Bernard

Discover how 3D printing and modeling can transform STEM education. Come ready learn practical strategies, see student-driven projects, and gain resources to bring hands-on, problem based creative learning into your classroom. Learn how to integrate this into all subject areas to bring STEM to life

TAKEAWAYS:
Whether you're new to 3D printing or want to expand its use, this session will provide ideas, resources, and confidence to integrate 3D technology into your classroom. Learn how to use free software to bring science and engineering concepts to life, engaging students in real world projects

SPEAKERS:
Scott Woodard, Alicia Yewcic

This session will showcase STEM choices educators can consider to gauge students' interests with academic standards. Student artifacts will highlight the NSS of Human and Structure, i.e. the skeletal system on Minecraft Education, skeletal system illustration of cartoon characters.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will explore offering students choices to foster collaboration and creativity in their learning of science standards.

SPEAKERS:
Veena Black

How can we make chemistry more interesting, relevant, and exciting to students while maintaining rigor? Hear from different high school chemistry teachers about how they used food-based phenomena aligned to NGSS to teach chemistry concepts like bonding, IMFs, chemical reactions, and properties.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how teachers have used different series of lessons centered around different food-based phenomena and labs and how this has helped student engagement, disposition, their idea about what science is, and the understanding of science concepts.

SPEAKERS:
April Thompson, Jocelyn Puett, Alyssa Wachsman, Kate Strangfeld, Makala Woods

Engage students in the engineering design process by having them design and create candy dispensing machines. The project will be presented from the perspectives of different educators at different grade levels.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how to use Halloween candy dispensing machines to engage students in exploring the Engineering Design Process. We will share project rubrics, instructions, and examples to guide the implementation. Discussion on extending the project to reflect additional themes will be included.

SPEAKERS:
Fernando Azcona, Eileen Koenig

Explore teacher leadership in this session on a pioneering elementary science conference created by teachers for teachers.Discover how two educators built a collaborative space to meet the need for quality science PD while leading from the middle.Including testimonials from participants.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore the journey of how teachers successfully led a science conference from initial concept to execution, as well as the challenges faced in exercising teacher leadership. Takeaways include insights into the structure and impact of a teacher-led conference on professional growth.

SPEAKERS:
Abbey Gilligan, Dr. Leana Peltier

Give students opportunities to demonstrate their understanding and dive deeper into physics content through multiple representations. Learn strategies that can be used to deepen students' understanding and improve performance on FRQ #2, Translation Between Representations, on the AP Physics exams.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn engaging classroom strategies that allow students to communicate their knowledge of physics through multiple avenues and make connections between multiple representations and physical scenarios.

SPEAKERS:
Dee Dee Messer

The Art Institute of Chicago’s Art + Science videos and accompanying lesson plans explore science concepts and STEAM careers through the work of museum conservators and technicians. Each lesson plan details teacher prep and facilitation and is paired with a student resource to aid in learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore core science topics and STEM career opportunities featured in the four Art + Science videos and their accompanying lesson plans through engagement with the videos, curricular materials, and hands-on activities.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Compton, Corinne Rose

An annual high school competition organized as a team-based student project to design a creative solution for a fire safety problem. Student teams work in their high school, are provided with educational material, a small-scale house model, mentoring, and compete on Burn Day to test their solution.

TAKEAWAYS:
An example of how high school science teachers can introduce exciting and instructive educational material on STEM and Safety Science into their classroom. Attendees will learn about the unique field of Fire Protection Engineering (FPE) and learn how to include FPE material into their curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Hollywood, Arnaud Trouve

Guiding your students through sensemaking is a combination of more than you’d expect: the questions you ask, the activities you choose, and even how your classroom set up. In this session, you will learn the components of a formative classroom and walk away with ideas to enhance students' learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the components of a formative classroom, and specific techniques they can use in order to give students a more formative experience; examples include collaborative work, room setup, cycles for questioning, appropriate feedback, and more. This can be done with any age group.

SPEAKERS:
Rama Sreekantham

This workshop will have participants engaging in an abbreviated version of a highly interactive and creative project that emphasizes key concepts about biodiversity and ecology while allowing for creative flexibility. Teachers involved in the life sciences are encouraged to join!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about an engaging, fun, and creative multi-day in-class project centered around key concepts related to biodiversity and ecology. Attendees will also leave with materials to seamlessly integrate this project into their own classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Paul Marban

Dive into the "Curious Cloudy Connections" crafted by the National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA) to help foster systems thinking and community science engagement in classrooms. Learn how NESTA cultivates vital connections, enhancing Earth and space science education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about a unique way NESTA supports quality Earth and space science instruction across all disciplines with community learning and engagement.

SPEAKERS:
Natalie Macke

This presentation will share results of my research with a middle school science class on how the online program Classbank boosts student motivation for reassessment in mastery-based learning. It examines how game-like rewards impact students' willingness to improve performance and perceive learning

TAKEAWAYS:
A key takeaway is how Classbank's gamification enhances middle school students' motivation to engage in reassessment, driving improvement in performance.

SPEAKERS:
Alma Fernandez, Cecilia Duenas

It is quite a task to keep teenagers engaged in concepts being taught in the classroom, especially if it is a subject that they are uninterested in. This lesson focuses on one of the ten broad concepts of physics, Light, and provides an opportunity for the students to have hands on learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learning doesn't involve just lecturing for sixty minutes. There are many different learning types, and in a classroom, you may experience different backgrounds, knowledge level, and comfortability. This lesson should remind the attendees how important it is to keep learning interesting.

SPEAKERS:
Ellianna Trilling

Using Makey-Makey controllers is a great way to increase hands-on learning in STEM classes. This presentation will explore how Makey-Makey works and how it can be used within different lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how the Makey-Makey controller can be used in a variety of different lessons and settings.

SPEAKERS:
Alyna Raynovich

How can we introduce even first-grade students to atoms and molecules? Visitors can hold actual teaching materials and models that students will build, view photos and classroom evaluation data, and learn how molecular models can deepen even young students’ scientific understanding of our world.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn a basic plan for younger students who are new to atoms and molecules and for more advanced students who are fed up with reaction formulas. It includes concrete, practical examples to introduce them to the physical images of atoms and molecules in a fun way.

SPEAKERS:
Koji Tsukamoto, Haruhiko Funahashi, Tomoko HASEGAWA, Mariko Kobayashi, Taro YAMAMOTO

This research project is a multi-day project that enables students to improve their communication skills, their ability to find accurate information, and to use the creativity inside of them. Students will create a diorama of their animal in its habitat and assist a younger student in their learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
This poster will help give attendees an idea of how they can incorporate more activities that dip into multiple subjects in their lessons. It will provide them with practical examples that they can take and use in their own classroom regarding research projects.

SPEAKERS:
Kylie Buchholz

Learn how cheesemaking can be used to explore scientific concepts like evidence of chemical changes, chem reaction rates, solubility, and pH. Participants will experience how to investigate these concepts in a fun, exploratory way that emphasizes building science practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will see a simple hands-on lab that can be easily scaled up or down and see how students can make sense of curd formation by drawing on what they already know, making meaningful observations, analyzing data, asking questions, and applying an understanding of how chemical reactions work.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Velasquez

See how we can use cheesemaking to explore concepts like chemical reaction rates, solubility & precipitation, and pH. Participants will see how students can investigate these concepts in a fun, exploratory way that emphasizes building science practices. An easy investigative hands-on lab is included

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will do a simple hands-on lab that can be easily scaled up or down and see how students can make sense of curd formation by drawing on what they already know, making meaningful observations, analyzing data, asking questions, and applying an understanding of how chemical reactions work.

SPEAKERS:
Shawn Boggs

Research in science education shows students assert epistemic agency when teachers cede authority over knowledge, create space for alternate claims, and take up students’ ideas as classroom resources. Drawing on literature, we present a framework for supporting elementary students’ epistemic agency.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers can make space for students to assert their epistemic agency in the science classroom. Doing so can result in positive learning outcomes such as productive dialogue, active student participation, and meaningful learning experiences for students.

SPEAKERS:
Greta Etherton, Daniel Levin

Research shows that students benefit from doodling and sketching in the classroom. Discover how doodle/sketch notes were implemented in regular, inclusion, and special education settings to teach students the importance and value of note-taking practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, we will share the results of an action research project focused on implementing doodle/sketch notes in the Chemistry classroom. Strategies will be shared for modifications and accommodations, as well as how to transition to more independent note taking practices.

SPEAKERS:
Adiba Mirza, Shefali Mehta

Experience the “real” feel of working in a lab from the physical layout to the various “tasks” performed. Take on the role of a scientist/engineer and conduct scientific studies with a prototype. Catch a glimpse of an Army lab in action and learn how equipment used by our troops is developed.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will have an opportunity to use virtual reality goggles and applications to explore a technological alternative to hands-on scientific inquiry and engineering design processes. Information about eCYBERMISSION and programs administered by NSTA and sponsored by AEOP will be available.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Kutsch

This poster presents an asynchronous virtual professional development series designed to help teachers integrate AI into their teaching practices. Through four targeted modules, educators explored AI tools to boost classroom efficiency and develop strategies for fostering students’ AI literacy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about a flexible, self-paced professional development series that we implemented to equip teachers with the knowledge and tools to effectively integrate AI into the classroom, focusing on enhancing both teaching efficiency and students’ AI literacy. Results will be shared.

SPEAKERS:
Leslie Suters, Kelly Moore

Delve into math and science! In this versatile mathematical modeling activity, students collect qualitative and quantitative observations on different-sized apples. Then they examine data on circumference and diameter to derive pi. This exercise can easily be part of a larger lesson plan as well!

TAKEAWAYS:
This activity is an example of how different math skills can be integrated into a larger Science lesson plan. Students derive pi by collecting quantitative data, creating a scatter plot to graph it, and calculating slope of the best fit line. It is also easy to differentiate for grade and ability.

SPEAKERS:
Rama Sreekantham

Aquaponics (aquaculture + hydroponics) can be an amazing tool to use in the classroom with students. Using aquaponics in the classroom allows students to learn in a more hands-on way and physically see how the life cycle works along with how certain things are essential for life to exist.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how they can create their own aquaponics tank in their classroom for only a small amount of money and how much of an impact it can have on their student's learning. They will also learn how to take care of an aquaponics tank and how their students can assist with caring for it

SPEAKERS:
Emery Breitbarth, Kylie Buchholz

This poster explores student scientist drawings, challenging stereotypes and fostering inclusivity.Students analyze characteristics in artwork and note themes that emerge.Reflective questions emphasize that scientists come from diverse backgrounds and reinforces that everyone is a scientist!

TAKEAWAYS:
When students draw a scientist without prompting, depictions often resemble Einstein. Discussing the themes that emerge highlights the misconception that scientists are primarily white, nerdy males. It is crucial to help students realize that scientists should be diverse and look like them.

SPEAKERS:
Angi Shelton

In this session, science educators share steps taken and lessons learned in becoming PhD students and educational researchers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn the steps they can take and some of the potential pathways ahead in starting a PhD journey.

SPEAKERS:
Olivia Bello, Jesse Mechanick

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

This session shares strategies and drives inquiry around the topic of building and integrating community partnerships in schools beyond field trips and guest speakers to enhance learning, belonging, and access for students, particularly those traditionally marginalized.

TAKEAWAYS:
Broaden your understanding of what community connections look like and how purposeful partnerships generate meaningful student engagement. Use storyboarding techniques to link partnerships with student outcomes and take away practical strategies and resources for integrating them into your practice.

SPEAKERS:
Mari Thiersch, Jennifer Flonacher

Discover the 4C's framework—Contextualization, Collaboration, Content Focus, and Continuous Improvement—to design impactful PD initiatives. Engage with strategies that enhance educator participation and learn techniques that aid in measuring the effectiveness of your PD session.

TAKEAWAYS:
This poster session will provide strategies for creating measurable outcomes, fostering collaboration, and ensuring professional development leads to meaningful improvements in STEM teaching practices.

SPEAKERS:
Stephen Bowen, Ashish Gilbert Bowen

Create real-world classroom connections to research done by YOU the educator. The poster will share how to find RETs (Research Experiences for Teachers), how to differentiate between RETs and COPs, how to participate and how to create lessons, lesson plans and unit plans based on current research.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to create engaging classroom connections based-upon RETs (Research Experiences for Teachers).

SPEAKERS:
Eika Johnson

Based on work by Lupi & Posavec. Gather, tabulate, then create an artistic, visually appealing graph to engage the reader. An artistic presentation of data draws readers in and encourages curiosity and questioning. Central tendencies of mean never looked more beautiful!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will discover that data and graphing can be presented in many ways and can be personal as well as artistic and informative. Learn how to engage students and expand their thinking in data science through art. Use graphs and data to interpret trends and make predictions.

SPEAKERS:
Nina Hipps

Examine how both scientists and AI systems have been misled by deceptive data. This session highlights historical scientific errors and modern AI misinterpretations, showing the dangers of bias and flawed analysis. Learn strategies to teach critical data literacy and improve decision-making.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with real-world examples of scientists and AI models reaching false conclusions based on flawed data. These cases can be easily integrated into science curricula to teach data literacy and the complexity of scientific inquiry.

SPEAKERS:
Selene Verhofstad, Charles Wang

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

In order to better understand how well existing environmental science education pedagogies and approaches prepare young children to handle the complexity of climate change, this session puts forward critical methods and approaches to teaching environmental science education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Environmental education should be grounded in environmental literacy, using multiple perspectives beyond human-centric to understand the interconnections between natural systems and human activities, leading to children developing a sense of ecological citizenship.

SPEAKERS:
Peter Oyewole

Studies have shown that students have not experienced equitable and uniform access to a high school Earth science course. This study explored ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and English language proficiency and their relationship to Earth science access and performance.

TAKEAWAYS:
Earth science performance was positively predicted by the prevalence of Earth science participation in the school. Earth science enrollment also acted as a partial mediator for ethnic minority student enrollment, school level poverty, and the percentage of English language learners.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Schlendorf

eCYBERMISSION is a free virtual STEM competition for grades 6-9 that offers standards-aligned resources, grants for teachers and thousands of dollars in awards for students. eCYBERMISSION fosters critical thinking and creativity while preparing students for the future.

TAKEAWAYS:
eCYBERMISSION is a free virtual STEM competition for grades 6-9 that offers standards-aligned resources, grants for teachers and awards for students. eCYBERMISSION provides educators the resources to foster critical thinking and creativity while preparing students for the future.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Kutsch

There is a critical shortage of professionals in the healthcare industry. This has increased efforts to attract people to the field at many levels, the most significant of which is the middle school years. This presentation focuses on engaging middle-level students in biomedical research.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session provides attendees with in-depth content and engaging pedagogy related to inquiry-based biomedical science. This is conveyed through exemplar classroom-ready, hands-on lessons that align with actual biomedical research and the Next Generation Science standards.

SPEAKERS:
Adam Scribner, Gayle Buck

Developed by experts in environmental health and K-12 STEM education, this FREE and turn-key, research-based unit empowers middle school teachers to bring climate science into their classrooms through engaging, hands-on activities and real-world problem-solving challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn how to use a research-backed climate science unit in their classrooms. They’ll discover practical strategies for engaging students through experiments, case studies, and design challenges, making climate science accessible, interesting, and relevant to middle school learners.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Link, PhD

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

AGI’s Teacher Field Experience (TFE) program connects geoscience professionals with K-12 educators through immersive field trips and workshops. This poster session highlights partner case studies and how professionals can enhance earth science education while inspiring future geoscientists.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how they will be able to join AGI's Teacher Field Experience (TFE) program, connecting with local geoscience professionals to participate in hands-on field experiences or workshops that will enhance their knowledge of specific geoscience areas.

SPEAKERS:
Lindsay Mossa, Lauren Brase, Ed Robeck, Sequoyah McGee, Maliya Malik

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

The student-centered activity engages students in considering global conservation challenges through mathematical thinking and data analysis. It uses up-to-date, authentic data used by scientists and policymakers alike, preparing them to meet performance expectation HS-LS2-1.

TAKEAWAYS:
Data science is integral to studying, conservating, and managing ecosystems worldwide.

SPEAKERS:
Missie Olson, Jocelyn Miller

Attendees will explore common misconceptions of AI among non-CS learners, discuss how the misconceptions act as barriers to understanding AI's ethical implications and trustworthiness, and offer insights to help students overcome them.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students' conceptions of A include overestimating its capabilities to autonomously solve complex problems, underestimating the rapid pace of AI advancement, and viewing AI as objective.

This session will discuss mathematization as a framework to teach the concept of energy and the use of Model Eliciting Activities (MEAs) to design related learning environments. Attendees will learn about the affordances of the MEAs to provide opportunities to mathematize scientific phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
MEAs allow students to engage in science practices to mathematize scientific phenomena and learn the concept of energy.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Lima

Misconceptions about the relationship between race and human health in our science and health institutions fuel, and are fueled by implicit bias. In this workshop, participants will learn to use our critical reading tool FELIX, a systematic approach to evaluating scientific communications for bias.

TAKEAWAYS:
In scientific training, scientific texts and communications are evaluated for technical correctness, novelty, and contribution. Training rarely includes materials on history and ethics of science, or train students to consider how science itself can be biased by the individuals who practice it.

SPEAKERS:
Adam Labadorf, Melisa Osborne Bioinformatics, TJ McKenna

Through the Women In Natural Sciences Program, students participant in summer opportunities like that provided by the eClose Institute. Solymar Harney learned value lab and research skills working with fruit flies to understand how diet impacts the development of certain forms of cancer.

TAKEAWAYS:
OST Programs like WINS, along with hands-on career experiences, are provide critical skills and knowledge along with a network of mentors that help students make informed decisions about college majors and career pathways.

SPEAKERS:
Kimberly Godfrey

The Women In Natural Sciences Program encourages participants to advocate for themselves in their exploration for other educational and career related opportunities. Sierra Destefanis shares her capstone project on how seaweed farming can help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participation in OST programs provides real word insight in STEM fields. As a student interested in pursuing animal sciences, understanding how historical dramatic climate shifts impacted animal populations provides insight to how these changes will impact existing wildlife populations.

SPEAKERS:
Kimberly Godfrey

In this session, we will share the transitioning of biology curriculum to field application using project-based learning activity in Introductory and Upper-level classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how project-based learning activity helped to address inequities that prevent timely progress through college and to connect to workforce and transfer opportunities.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Noyes, Beena Patel

Can 3D printing improve engineering efficacy? This mixed-method study analyzed the changes in engineering attitudes of middle school students before and after an engineering-design-based intervention that included peer mentors and 3D printing. Applications of 3D design in the classroom included!

TAKEAWAYS:
3D printing and design can be an effective modeling tool for increasing engineering efficacy in middle school students. There are many practical applications for 3D design in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Janet McGrath

This presentation shares findings from an NSF-supported project on the use of podcasts, particularly the Tumble Science Podcast for Kids, to promote access to STEM and introduce sighted, blind and low vision students in grades 3 through 5 to STEM careers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Podcast listening can be a powerful tool for engaging blind and low vision students as well as sighted students in STEM learning in upper elementary grades.

SPEAKERS:
Marshall Escamilla

Learn how to create an Elementary STEAM Lab that fosters creativity, innovation, and critical thinking, aligned with NGSS and ISTE Standards. Discover strategies for hands-on, tech-integrated learning that boosts engagement, collaboration, and problem-solving across disciplines.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to design a STEAM Lab and environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and exploration. They’ll gain strategies for creating a space conducive to hands-on learning, integrating technology, and supporting inquiry-based activities aligned with NGSS and ISTE Standards.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Andrea Gomez

Research findings from an NSF project that explored K - 8 students’ perceptions of women scientists using a Draw A Woman Scientist Test will be shared. Trends show that girls depict more progressive scientists than boys. Strategies to broaden conceptions of women scientists will be discussed.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will discover the trends of K-8 students’ perceptions of women scientists and take away strategies to broaden both boys and girls inclusive views of women in science.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Goldstein, Kelly Houle, Allison Yacko, Sara Sweetman

To design for learning in a makerspace, teachers can weave together existing high-quality materials and approaches from multiple disciplines—including pairing science storylines with creative storytelling, coding with science modeling, and invention education with historical primary sources.

TAKEAWAYS:
Rather than designing projects from scratch or relying on a single curriculum for a makerspace, teachers can and should dig deep into disciplinary approaches to identify opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning that gets the most out of blending disciplines together.

SPEAKERS:
Trey Smith

A former national science fair judge provides insights on how good titles can improve the odds of winning at science fairs. The poster will describe what the parts of a "good" title are and how teachers can help your students create one.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn the components of a good project title (from a research project on science fairs) and how to help their students develop a good title for their own project.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Bowen

This poster illustrates how science teacher educators can prepare elementary teachers to adopt a more holistic, interdisciplinary approach to science instruction that emerges directly from student interests.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees who participate in this poster session will leave with two practical frameworks (W)holistic Science Pedagogy and Youth Participatory Science for planning their instruction. They will engage with examples of the frameworks in action to better understand how to implement them in their class.

SPEAKERS:
Terrance Burgess

Learn from my journey of building partnerships to creating unique, capacity building field experience for educators. Attendees will learn how I leveraged these partnerships, and statewide networks to support out of the box learning experiences for K-12 educators and leaders.

TAKEAWAYS:
We will discuss how to create and leverage relationships with environmental educators to create unique field experiences for teachers. These place-based opportunities present informal and formal educators the chance to learn alongside each other and build capacity for environmental literacy.

SPEAKERS:
Diana Potts

Using three damaged natural bone human educational skeletons, this research developed practices for restoring, identifying, and dignifying these valuable educational resources. New curriculum developments focusing on skeleton centered activities have emerged due to their increased functionality.

TAKEAWAYS:
Understanding the ethical considerations with using donated natural bone human skeletons should lead to their proper care and restoration.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew Sathoff, Emelye Josko

Nematode Hunters is a community science project with a remote-delivery format that brings 4th grade classrooms and university researchers together as collaborators on a project to discover new viruses that infect nematodes.

TAKEAWAYS:
The goal of Nematode Hunters is to increase interest in biology and STEM careers. In conjunction with the classroom program, a survey study is being conducted to determine if participation affects science efficacy for 4th grade participants.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Sowa

Water is the major force in shaping our planet. Students use simple models to measure water outwash and soil erosion. Simple models show students how plants and plant residue play major roles in preventing water outwash and soil erosion.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students will be able to explain how slope, wind and precipitation affect the movement of water across soil surfaces and how soil is carried by water on a slope using terms from their geography vocabulary lists (sediments, weathering, erosion, etc.).

SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Cunningham

For teachers in grades K-8, STEM/STEAM education can look different between grades & schools even within the same district. STEM/STEAM education is rebounding from COVID with a new momentum that includes an emphasis on computational thinking. Come hear how partnerships are reinvigorating STEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers can learn how to enhance their own STEM education through university graduate certificate programs. Administrators can learn how to partner with institutes of higher education to create school steam dream teams.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Kearns-Sixsmith

Play is an essential start of learning STEM in the earliest years from birth and is a cultural transmission as an apprenticeship. This poster explains the play sequence as a cycle and how the stages and skills employed can be recognized and progress monitored.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be able to identify Holistic STEM (and phonics), monitor progress in the earliest play and know the role of adults and language.

SPEAKERS:
Sue Dale Tunnicliffe

Findings highlight the role of hands-on projects, mentorship, and exposure to diverse role models, in enhancing girls' understanding of STEM and its gender equity implications.

TAKEAWAYS:
The research underscores the role of integrating PBL within informal learning to support UUREM girls' STEM education.

SPEAKERS:
Marc Sager

The alumni group of the NASA/IPAC Teacher Research Project have created standalone lessons to help teachers implement astronomical research. This poster will highlight the resources created for the middle school level and include tips to incorporate in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about incorporating standalone lessons into middle school classes and how to help facilitate astronomical research projects.

SPEAKERS:
Ace Schwarz

Confused about culture-informed pedagogies? Come look beyond the labels to hear how elementary teachers leverage knowledge of their students’ culture to support deep learning, help students feel seen, foster engagement, and create real-world relevance in their science classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Poster visitors will get to examine classroom-based examples of culture-informed pedagogies in action and clarify the aims intended outcomes that characterize different approaches.

SPEAKERS:
Debi Hanuscin

Explore an interactive modeling tool that supports students in constructing an initial model to surface their thinking about real-world phenomena. We will then analyze student models to assess their early-stage model development practice to explain a specific phenomenon.

TAKEAWAYS:
Developing models to represent and explain phenomena is a complex skill for students to learn and teachers to facilitate. Over time, student models should become more sophisticated and better aligned with scientific explanations through a process of model revision.

SPEAKERS:
Alex St. Louis, Jaclyn Murray

Ignite curiosity and inspire young minds with a memorable Science Night! This poster will guide you through the essential steps of planning and executing a successful event.

TAKEAWAYS:
By following these guidelines, educators can successfully plan and execute a captivating Science Night that fosters a love of learning and scientific exploration.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew Bean, Cara Davis

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

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

Learn strategies for designing low-prep guided inquiry labs for all physics students. The poster will address strategies to help students with both experimental design and data analysis. Leave with a better understanding of FRQ #3, Experimental Design and Analysis, on the AP Physics exam.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to create guided inquiry lab experiences for physics students. Understand how FRQ #3, Experimental Design and Analysis, assesses student understanding on the AP Physics exams.

SPEAKERS:
Dee Dee Messer

Struggling to make the case in your community for why science time is important? A new research study shows that a phenomena-driven science curriculum paired with high-quality professional learning had positive effects on ALL students, not only in science but also in math and reading.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover the characteristics to look for in HQIM and HQPL that can lead to improved student achievement in science, math, and reading.

SPEAKERS:
Amy D'Amico

Wondering about ways to use 3-D printing pens with your students? Practice using this type of pen to create a small but STEM-tastic model or design to use in your classroom. Explore the possibilities of using the engineering design process to solve real-world problems with creativity and fun tech.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will have an opportunity to use a 3-D printing pen to make (and take) a small model or design for the classroom using a provided pattern or an original design. Information about eCYBERMISSION and programs administered by NSTA and sponsored by AEOP will be available.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Kutsch

Participants will explore evidence from a single case study to understand how noticing theory helps us understand why and how some teachers in high-quality PD align with and take up reform practices, while others struggle to align practice and beliefs with the demands of instructional reforms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will interact with video, artifacts, and strategies from a case study to help them learn why and how developing in-the-moment and reflective professional noticing skills can bring about nuanced instructional shifts.

SPEAKERS:
Linda Preminger

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

Looking to elevate student achievement through immersive learning? Discover how to harness the universal appeal of flight by captivating students with lessons and engaging activities rooted in biology standards while exploring exciting and fast-growing aviation career fields!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn strategies to construct activities resulting in greater interest and mastery of biology for students in grades K-12. Explore distinct professional practices that expand biology standards into unforgettable learning experiences associated with human life, animals, plantlife, and so much more!

SPEAKERS:
Christina Davis

Discover how technology and PBL can transform middle school science. This session showcases how digital tools and creative projects, like rock comic strips and interactive simulations, enhance engagement, critical thinking, and understanding, fostering a dynamic and inclusive classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how integrating technology and project-based learning (PBL) in middle school science boosts student engagement and comprehension. Using digital tools and creative projects makes complex concepts more accessible and supports diverse learning styles effectively.

SPEAKERS:
Daniella Eson

An introductory chemistry course was taught in virtual and hybrid formats, with the lab component being the only difference in course design. A weighted cohort was used to compare student exam and final grades between the two designs. No significant differences were seen.

TAKEAWAYS:
In a propensity score weighted cohort, balanced for sex and race, no statistical difference was observed in student outcomes in an introductory chemistry course between students who took virtual or hybrid courses.

SPEAKERS:
Alex Stephens

This presentation shares my research on using computer simulations to model concepts in a middle school chemistry unit. Models offer a framework for understanding chemical processes, tested and refined in virtual simulations, helping students engage in iterative learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
A key takeaway from this presentation is that computer simulations, combined with models, enhance middle school students' understanding of chemistry

SPEAKERS:
Jerry Coronado, Cecilia Duenas

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

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

Creating inquiry activities doesn't have to require re-inventing the wheel. There are simple adjustments you can make to build inquiry into any activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with three easy ways to build inquiry into traditional "cookbook" activities.

SPEAKERS:
Regina Borriello

This presentation will share the results of my research on whether transdisciplinary learning is the best student-centered method to foster deep learning, and how leveraging tools from multiple disciplines can build students’ capacity to address global challenges through critical "transfer skills."

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how transdisciplinary learning transcends conventional subject boundaries, enabling higher-order thinking for deep learning. This student-centered approach proves to be a highly effective method for developing cognitive skills in reasoning and solving real-world problems.

SPEAKERS:
Cecilia Duenas, James Borden

The importance of health literacy in the general public was highlighted by the recent pandemic; undergraduate STEM students are well positioned to address this issue. Seniors are trained as Health Connectors to share their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for health sciences with K-8 students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Benefits emerge across all levels: from undergraduates to K-8 students and classroom teachers. Persistence of the learned content and increased awareness of health sciences and careers in K-8 students and expanded Health Connector confidence and skill in sharing complex scientific content with novices.

SPEAKERS:
Kevin Kehl, Kanita Olson

Students use virtual reality to investigate tarantula anatomy & behaviors, collaborating with neuroscientists to develop strategies that promote empathy and address phobias. During a community STEM night, they team up with professionals to test & enhance their empathy-building designs. Come try VR.

TAKEAWAYS:
Discover how students harness virtual reality as a dynamic STEM tool, bringing education and community partnerships together to explore bioscience career pathways. Join us to experience the future of learning and collaboration unfold in exciting new ways!

SPEAKERS:
Bernadette Barragan

Explore the link between targeted vocabulary instruction and improved comprehension in science. Through practical examples, attendees will learn effective strategies and tools to enhance scientific literacy while maintaining content rigor and concept retention for all learners in their classes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how explicit vocabulary instruction enhances comprehension and concept retention in science; leave with effective strategies and tools to integrate vocabulary teaching into their lessons, ultimately improving student literacy while maintaining rigorous content instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Shana Pyatt-Buckner

In the past century, women have made significant progress in various careers and academic fields in the U.S. However, barriers still exist, especially in STEM. Offering female students a challenging curriculum can help break down these obstacles and encourage greater participation in STEM fields.

TAKEAWAYS:
The main takeaway is that attending schools with challenging curricula increases the likelihood of female students pursuing and graduating with STEM degrees, potentially boosting women's participation in STEM careers. However, the strategies differ between elementary and high school students.

SPEAKERS:
Pessy Sloan