2022 Chicago National Conference

July 21-23, 2022

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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PLI-1: Developing Instructional Materials Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards for All Students, Including Multilingual Learners

Wednesday, July 20 • 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place - Jackson Park A-D

Add to Cart Ticket Price: $65; with conference registration
57 tickets available



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA PLI PPT 7-20-22 FINAL.pptx
NSTA PLI PPT 7-20-22 FINAL.pptx
SAIL Unit and Lesson Development 7-20-22.pptx

Show Details

Ticket Price: $65; with conference registration

If you have not yet registered for the conference, you may purchase tickets when you register online.

Please note that if you are already registered for the conference and wish to purchase this ticket, click the "add to cart" button above.

The purpose of the session is to present our conceptual approach to developing yearlong NGSS-designed instructional materials that integrate science and language for all students, especially multilingual learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Our conceptual framework integrates science and language for all students, including multilingual learners; 2. Our design process leverages the synergy of NGSS performance expectations, phenomena (with a focus on local phenomena), and students (with a focus on multilingual learners); and 3. instructional materials that promote teacher professional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Okhee Lee, Gregory Borman, Theresa Ocol

PLI-2: Leading the Implementation of High-Quality Instructional Materials to Enact Standards: Practical Guidance from the Field

Wednesday, July 20 • 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place - Grant Park A-D

Add to Cart 78 tickets available


Show Details

Ticket Price: $65; with conference registration

If you have not yet registered for the conference, you may purchase tickets when you register online.

Please note that if you are already registered for the conference and wish to purchase this ticket, click the "add to cart" button above.

High-quality instructional materials (HQIM) designed for next generation science can make a difference in the quality of equitable science teaching and learning throughout the system and for all learners (i.e., for all leaders, teachers, and students). So how can HQIM designed for next generation science help? How can local leaders take a systems approach to the selection, broad and effective implementation, and sustained improvements offered by such materials? What are some practical ways to make this work in our community?

Participants, working in teams or small groups, will consider these questions as they delve into a vignette describing how one large district took on the challenge of implementing high-quality instructional materials at the middle school level and hear from leaders of such efforts. Participants will consider their own context and readiness for such an initiative.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Curriculum implementation for next generation science requires a clear vision shared by a strong partner, funding, a long-term plan for implementation, a robust professional learning program with ongoing support, advocacy and support capacity-building, and a robust kit distribution and/or refurbishment process; and 2. Some aspects of our current system support the changes required to implement high-quality instructional materials designed for next generation science and support new approaches to teaching and learning; others are barriers and present challenges to achieving this vision of science teaching and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Jody Bintz, Susan Gomez Zwiep

SC-1: Developing and Using Three-Dimensional Assessment Tasks to Support NGSS Instruction

Wednesday, July 20 • 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place - Hyde Park A/B

Add to Cart Ticket Price: $75 Earlybird / $100 Advance
95 tickets available


Show Details

Ticket Price:

  • $75 earlybird
  • $100 advance

If you have not yet registered for the conference, you may purchase tickets when you register online.

Please note that if you are already registered for the conference and wish to purchase this ticket, click the "add to cart" button above.

Assessment tasks for NGSS classrooms are different from the typical tasks that require students to recall what they know. A Framework for K–12 Science Education and the NGSS call for assessment tasks that ask students to use and apply the three dimensions of science proficiency: disciplinary core ideas, scientific and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts. With three-dimensional tasks, the expectation is that students will use and apply the three dimensions of science proficiency together to make sense of phenomena or solve problems.

In this session, we focus on designing three-dimensional assessment tasks for classroom use with an emphasis on assessment for teaching and learning. A good assessment task should provide actionable information of value to teachers and their students. Importantly, it should provide insight into how students are building toward an NGSS performance expectation.

How can we use performance expectations to construct assessment tasks that can be used during instruction? Participants will learn an approach for designing three-dimensional assessment tasks and explore how to use them formatively in classrooms to help students build toward the performance expectations.

Participants will also be able to preorder our assessment book Creating and Using Instructionally Supportive Assessments in NGSS Classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn: 1. what is meant by three-dimensional assessment; 2. how to design classroom-based assessment tasks aligned with the NGSS; and 3. how to make use of formative assessment tasks to support instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Krajcik, Christopher Harris

Lunch: Elements of Curriculum-Based Professional Learning

Wednesday, July 20 • 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place - Regency Ballroom


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

By Invitation Only

Shifting from traditional professional development to curriculum-based professional learning is a simple concept but complex to design and execute well. At its core, it means teachers experience the same kind of inquiry-based learning we expect them to provide their students. Learn more about a Carnegie Corporation of New York report, The Elements, which identifies a core set of research-based actions, approaches, and enabling conditions that effective schools and systems have put in place to reinforce and amplify the power of high-quality curriculum and skillful teaching.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Examine beliefs and assumptions regarding the relationship between high-quality instructional materials, curriculum-based professional learning and student success 2. Gain understanding of the foundation for The Elements, a challenge paper from Carnegie Corporation of New York 3. Learn from science practitioners whose successful curriculum implementation efforts are grounded in the elements and essentials.

SPEAKERS:
Jim Short

PLI-3: OpenSciEd Storyline Units: Supporting Three-Dimensional Learning Linked to Students’ Interests, Ideas, and Questions

Wednesday, July 20 • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place - Grant Park A-D

Add to Cart 66 tickets available


Show Details

Ticket Price: $65; with conference registration

If you have not yet registered for the conference, you may purchase tickets when you register online.

Please note that if you are already registered for the conference and wish to purchase this ticket, click the "add to cart" button above.

Learn how the NextGen Science Storylines approach is implemented in the OpenSciEd Middle School Science Program. Storylines are coherent from the students’ perspective, in which students see their science work as making progress on questions and problems their classroom has committed to address, rather than simply following directions from textbooks or teachers. Participants will experience key Storylines routines as a learner, reflect on them as an educator, and learn how they embody principles of equitable instructional design. As part of the reflection, participants will have the opportunity to analyze student work and classroom videos. Examples will be drawn from Unit 6.4 “What Causes Earth’s Surface to Change?” and other middle school OpenSciEd units.

TAKEAWAYS:
How the OpenSciEd Storylines Instructional Model: 1. implements phenomenon-driven, three-dimensional science learning that connects to students’ own ideas and questions; 2. supports teacher learning and development; and 3. supports equitable instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Edelson, Brian Reiser

SC-2: Supporting Teachers and Students in the Science Classroom Using NSTA’s Instructional Coaching Tools and Protocols

Wednesday, July 20 • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place - Hyde Park A/B

Add to Cart 109 tickets available



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://my.nsta.org/collection/M85g4eNS_sCs_E

Show Details

Ticket Price:

  • $75 earlybird
  • $100 advance

If you have not yet registered for the conference, you may purchase tickets when you register online.

Please note that if you are already registered for the conference and wish to purchase this ticket, click the "add to cart" button above.

This workshop is designed for instructional coaches and leaders who want to support their teachers in making the instructional shifts required by three-dimensional science standards. Participants will receive NSTA’s suite of instructional coaching tools and gain experience using the protocols and providing feedback.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Become familiar with a suite of instructional coaching tools and protocols; 2. Gain experience using the instructional coaching tools and protocols; and 3. Identify ways to use the tools to provide feedback to teachers and document growth over time.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Soriano, Kristin Rademaker, Tricia Shelton

ESPRESS-O Yourself @ NSTA’s Morning Coffee Chats

Thursday, July 21 • 6:40 AM - 7:40 AM

McCormick Place - Starbucks


Show Details

Grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and join us for an informal get-together with your peers. Each day of the conference will feature a morning coffee chat, providing participants an opportunity to share ideas and experiences, expand their network, and connect with colleagues and friends from around the country. All are welcome to attend!

Located at the Starbucks adjacent to the exhibit hall entrance.

NSTA Sunrise Exercise: Yoga

Thursday, July 21 • 6:40 AM - 7:40 AM

McCormick Place - Rooftop Garden


Show Details

Calling all yoga enthusiasts. Regardless of whether you’re a newbie or veteran, schedule time to join Jasmine for a gentle warm-up; traditional vinyāsa-style yoga (balance poses, core, strength building); deep stretching for hips and hamstrings; and, of course, meditation for relaxation and de-stressing. Beginner friendly!

Elevator to the rooftop garden is located near Skyline Ballroom W375e.

NSTA First-Timers Orientation Session

Thursday, July 21 • 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375b


Show Details

Feeling overwhelmed by all there is to see and do at an NSTA conference on science education? Join us for an interactive exploration through the conference app and NSTA’s social media. By the end of the session, you will know just how to get the most from your conference experience in addition to building new networks with your science colleagues.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Allan

Blood Glucose Balance: Using an Online Game for Diabetes Education

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W195



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Blood Sugar Balance Lesson Website
Hub for the Blood Sugar Balance game to teach about blood glucose regulation and the intersection of Access and Choice, in the management of health and type 2 diabetes.
PPT Slides for Blood Sugar Balance Game Presentation
Powerpoint from the session.
Resources for Blood Glucose Balance
All the Materials linked in one document.
Type 2 Diabetes Lesson Website
Central Website Hub that hosts all the curriculum materials for Biology and Health. Check out gymnema tea for AP tie-ins.

Show Details

This workshop highlights Blood Glucose Balance, a web-based game modeling the impact of food choices and health care access on glucose metabolism.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to use this gamified model of glucose metabolism to foster student engagement by making sense of the environmental access and life choices on glucose metabolism and by analyzing data collected from the game results.

SPEAKERS:
Atom Lesiak

Changing Climate and Food Production - How can we sequester carbon and feed our growing population?

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W176c


Show Details

How can a change in human action impact carbon sequestration, biodiversity and soil health? In this hands-on investigation teachers will look for patterns in ecosystem diversity to determine cause and effect relationships for the services provided for by those ecosystems. We will capture mesofauna and calculate its species richness and relative abundance using Simpson’s Index of Diversity. Then, we will investigate soil structure to compare the species diversity to soil health. Is there a connection? How can improved soil health help to mitigate climate change? This investigation will spotlight how human impact has altered natural ecosystem services and discuss how this change has reduced carbon sequestration. How can we use symbiotic relationships and biogeochemical cycles to reverse this trend? Teachers will: - Investigate soil ecosystems - Calculate Simpson’s Index of Diversity - Determine cause and effect relationships between human impact and ecosystem services - Use foldscopes to identify organisms and collect data - Talk to industry experts in food production to connect science and technology to their classrooms. Free professional development and curriculum available from Nourishthefuture.org.

TAKEAWAYS:
Investigate patterns in biodiversity, soil health, and carbon sequestration to determine human impact on ecosystem services and changing climate.

SPEAKERS:
Heather Bryan

Coronavirus: From genome sequencing to mRNA vaccine production, in less than one year!

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W475b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Coronavirus From Genome Sequence to mRNA Vaccine Production, in Less than One
Workshop Resources

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Center for BioMolecular Modeling

COVID 19: Science to the Rescue! The COVID19 pandemic has created many challenges for educators over the past two years. Amidst all this chaos, there is one positive outcome of this pandemic – it has provided educators in the molecular biosciences with an opportunity to highlight the power of modern biology and the many ways in which this science has been used to provide solutions to the control of this virus. This workshop will tell the story of the COVID19 pandemic from the perspective of the CoV-2 virus, the structure of the spike protein, the molecular mechanism of the infections process and the successful application of an mRNA vaccine to provide protection from infection. Workshop participants will use physical models of the CoV-2 coronavirus – enhanced by Augmented Reality – to explore these topics.

TAKEAWAYS:
The nucleotide sequence of the CoV-2 RNA genome was the first step in vaccine development.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman

Quick and Easy Photosynthesis Experiments

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W474b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: PASCO scientific

Clear up misconceptions about respiration only occurring in the dark, or that only green light is used
for photosynthesis! In this workshop, you'll learn how to use common plant leaves to illustrate how plants
convert light energy into chemical energy and carry out investigations using real-time carbon exchange data.  Attend for a chance to win equipment for your school!

TAKEAWAYS:
Enhance student understandings of photosynthesis and cellular respiration by observing carbon exchange in real time!

SPEAKERS:
Barbara Pugliese

Dog Mode Design Challenge

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W185a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Dog Mode Slide Deck

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Introducing students to real-world engineering problems is a key component to engaging them in the science classroom. In this project, students solve the problem of saving pets from a hot car. Many students are aware of this issue and would have many ideas on how this could be achieved. This projects gives them the tools to help solve such a problem by building a model and finding a solution. Participants in this session will get to build the model themselves to see how information from sensors (input) can determine what should be done (output) through simple lines of code. No coding or engineering experience is needed, just imagination and logical thinking. Projects like these can expose students to STEM Careers. The exposure to coding and engineering design can also get them interested in doing more in the STEM field.

TAKEAWAYS:
Solve a real-work problem with coding and engineering design - no prior experience needed.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Kohout, Stacy Thibodeaux

Ecological Justice: Why Education Is Our Best Defense

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375e


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

From A Silent Spring, The Limits to Growth and Population Bomb of the 1960s and 70s to today’s planetary boundary science, overshoot, and creating a safe and just space for humanity, some would say that “the science is in” and that it is pretty gloomy. Additionally, now in the frenetic information age, humans are overwhelmingly aware of the multitude of crises we face as a species. Our collective mental health is tanking. Knowing our predicament is one thing, but knowing what to do about it is another. Education may be one of our most powerful tools. However, delivery, content, and reach are impaired by multiple factors including politics, economics, religion, and the numerous influences affecting everyone’s social construction of knowledge. This presentation will share examples from the fields of environmental, conservation, and humane education and then focus on the potential promise of comprehensive education for ecological justice.

About the Speaker
Sarah BexellSarah M. Bexell is clinical associate professor with the Graduate School of Social Work and Director of Humane Education with the Institute for Human-Animal Connection, both at the University of Denver, Colorado. Sarah is also a faculty member teaching Animal Protection for the Institute for Humane Education at Antioch University New England and senior advisor to the Education Department of the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Pandas, China. She teaches and does research in the areas of ecological justice, humane education, and animal protection.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Bexell

Engaging with Data using CODAP in InquiryHub 3D Storylined Biology

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W196a


Show Details

Analyzing and interpreting data and using mathematical and computational reasoning are complex at the high school level, which requires students to employ correlational and causational thinking while manipulating visualizations using tools. CODAP, a product of the Concord Consortium, is designed to give students access to these powerful practices with minimal software requirements and with a mission to make data literacy accessible for all students. InquiryHub uses CODAP to provide students with agency because they can determine the variables of interest, in which to create graphical representations from the same data set. In our free, open-source program, students can work with authentic datasets from the CODAP website, data they gather, or data from professional studies. Inside our storyline instructional sequences, inquiryHub leverages CODAP as students analyze the rainfall on the Serengeti and how it correlates to wildebeest populations. In the session, participants will try out CODAP by adding multiple variables of data to answer the question, “What’s happening to large animals on the Serengeti plain?” and how to apply CODAP in their classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
CODAP can be used in many different three-dimensional ways to have students analyze and interpret data to make sense of phenomena while providing student agency.

SPEAKERS:
Kerri Wingert

Engineering the Perfect Rube

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W192b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Fisher Science Education and Eisco Scientific

Participants will have the opportunity to build a Rube Goldberg machine and engineer an overly complicated process to accomplish a simple task. Put your engineering and creative skills to the test as you create your own Rube Goldberg machine out of cardboard, tape, rubber bands, a toy car and other everyday items. Attendees will be broken into teams of five and given a set of raw materials. They will then have approximately forty minutes to work as a group to create a complex series of steps to pop a balloon. Attendance will be limited to the first twenty-five people to register. This is a joint workshop presented by Fisher Science Education and Eisco Scientific. This workshop has a maximum capacity of 25 participants.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn how to create a Rube Goldberg lab using excess materials and common laboratory items.

SPEAKERS:
Tom Wright, Tim Montondo

Everything You Always Wanted to Know about NGSS, But Were Afraid to Ask

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W175a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Everything you always wanted to know about NGSS_Handout.pdf
Everything you always wanted to know about NGSS_Presentation.pdf

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

The NGSS is very complicated. The Institute for Quality Science Teaching at the Museum of Science and Industry provides professional learning opportunities for science teachers in Chicagoland and surrounding areas. Our approach is to ground everything we do in the NGSS and take a deep dive into all the elements of 3-dimensional learning. Professional learning programs at MSI are invested in helping teachers understand how to teach science effectively to meet these standards. Teachers in our programs learn science content in the context of 3-dimensional lessons, as instructors demonstrate instructional practices that enable NGSS-aligned teaching and learning. This presentation will review the basics of the NGSS, the 3 dimensions, how they’re combined in Performance Expectations, and the basics of enacting the NGSS in the classroom. If you need a refresher, just want a review, or still don’t have all those acronyms straight in your head, this is the presentation for you.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will leave with a basic understanding of the structures of the Next Generation Science Standards and how they inform 3-dimensional standards and 3-dimensional science teaching.

SPEAKERS:
Lauren Slanker, Karin Klein

Forensic Chemistry: Mystery Powder from a Crime Scene

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W471b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Guests are getting sick at a dinner party. White powder is collected at a crime scene. Use pH and conductivity sensors to identify the powder. Bring your own device with our Graphical Analysis app installed or use our devices. All activities are available as a free download for attendees.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain experience with hands-on technology that encourages students to explore and test different solutions and make connections to the real world; 2. Get access to free resources to keep students engaged while learning key scientific concepts either remotely or in the lab; and 3. Gain hands-on experiences with innovative products that increase student engagement, promote creativity and collaboration, and develop problem-solving skills.

SPEAKERS:
Nüsret Hisim, Colleen McDaniel

Genes in Space: Genetics Research on the International Space Station, Free Biotech Equipment, and More!

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W476


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Genes in Space is an experimental design competition that invites students in middle and high school to design biology experiments addressing challenges faced by space travelers. Each year, one winning project is launched to the International Space Station, where it is carried out by astronauts. Join us to learn how the contest can engage your students in authentic research combining science and engineering practices. We will also share how you can access free Genes in Space classroom resources, including lesson plans, classroom activities, explainer videos, and biotechnology equipment loans.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engage students in an experimental design contest, access free classroom resources including lesson plans, activities, videos, and biotechnology equipment loans, and make a real-world scientific contribution for a chance to launch your experiment to the International Space Station

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan

Increasing Scientific Literacy: Strategies, Free Activities, and Resources That Work!

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W178a


Show Details

Participants will learn strategies and receive numerous resources that increase students’ scientific literacy. The hands-on approach has participants engaged in the activities, games, and more.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. learn new strategies for incorporating scientific literacy into their lessons; and 2. receive numerous activities, templates, games, and other resources to help with doing this. These resources can be used “as is” or modified to allow for differentiation based on the needs of the learners. Strategies and resources will include ones effective with ELL and EC students.

SPEAKERS:
Iris Mudd

Let's DIVE-in to Engineering and the Engineering Design Process

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W470a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Students get engaged with practical and inquiry-based engineering experiences by using the DIVE-in method. This program was developed in partnership with the New York Hall of Science. Transform your classroom into an authentic makerspace with the DIVE process. Learn how to facilitate and use the design process through consensus.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to create a stomp-rocket using the engineering design process.

SPEAKERS:
Leslie Spaeny, Dr. Kenneth Heydrick

Now I see it! Now I get it!

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W184d


Show Details

Without out a doubt the recent pandemic has demonstrated that, the efforts in the science classroom towards scientific literacy are more relevant than ever. In this session participants will learn simple effective visual literacy tools and strategies that make learning science visible to all students, supporting diversity and reinforcing scientific literacy skills that help students make sense of the world. The strategies and tools used in this presentation will highlight the need to incorporate visual literacy as current brain research shows that around 60% of information we process every day comes in visual form. Sometimes chunking content to smaller learning bites can lower the understanding of concepts and ideas, especially if these concepts are abstract in nature; learning how to maximize the use of visuals both student and teacher made supports deeper understanding not just on a particular concept but of how they are connected making sense of the world. These strategies support cultural competency as they support learner diversity while working on scientific literacy skills such as use of evidence/data, pose questions, find answers. By having a common visual as point of reference along with strategy and tools not only closes the gap on background knowledge and makes accessible to all students but also helps student and teachers have meaningful discourse highlighting students strengths to solve real world problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session participants will learn simple effective visual literacy tools and strategies that make learning science visible to all students, supporting diversity and reinforcing scientific literacy skills that help students make sense of the world.

SPEAKERS:
Marjorie Miles Dozier

Phenomenal Classroom Critters

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W471a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Add excitement to your class with live organisms! Discover simple hands-on ways to explore evolution, adaptation, and behavior with  insects and arthropods. Learn care, handling, and integration of organisms with NGSS standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will takeaway firsthand knowledge and skills to select, handle, and successfully keep insects and arthropods in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Nixon

Rock Their Worlds: Teaching Earth and Space Science Using Browser-Based Lessons and Simulations

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W194b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Simulation Curriculum

Discover more new and interesting facts about plate tectonics, volcanism, Earth materials, geological processes, astronomy, and cosmology using NGSS-focused lesson plans and interactive and thought-provoking exercises and simulations.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will come away from the workshop with more knowledge and information about the subject matter, a new understanding of what is available for convenient teaching tools, and a general increase in the level of confidence while teaching the topics of Earth and space science.

SPEAKERS:
Dave Farina

Shine a Light on Photosynthesis Using BioInteractive Resources

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W474a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Illuminate photosynthesis for your students using free, classroom-ready resources! During this workshop, we’ll build, revise, and disrupt models to help students understand photosynthesis. Model the use of BioInteractive resources using a scaffolded approach to develop and strengthen data literacy skills in students. Provide hands-on opportunities to explore Biointeractive resources that make strong connections to science practices. Inspire participants’ use of these resources in their own classrooms in multiple content areas. Model best practice pedagogical strategies to develop data literacy skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Model the use of BioInteractive resources using a scaffolded approach to develop and strengthen data literacy skills in students.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Eberhard, Ann Brokaw

Supporting Civically Engaged Argument Writing in Science and Technology Classrooms

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W178b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Guided Session Notes and Resources

Show Details

Participants will use a graphic organizer to record their thinking as I describe a unit I taught in which students in grades 9-12 explored issues related to artificial intelligence. Students crafted op-Eds advocating for what we should do in our community about emerging technologies like driverless cars and facial recognition. As I describe the unit, I will highlight how I (1) kicked off the unit with a phenomenon that raised questions about convenience, safety, security, equity, and justice; (2) layered on texts and encouraged students to grapple with multiple perspectives on AI-related issues; (3) used routines and mentor texts to support students in crafting claims and connecting evidence to their claims; and (4) engaged students in processes of revision. Then, participants will work in self-selected groups to explore science/technology/society text sets on topics like lab grown meat and space debris. As they explore the text set, they will engage with a classroom routine to develop a compelling, debatable, defensible, and nuanced claim. Participants will share what they discovered as they explored the text set and wrote claims in their group and will reflect on how these text sets and routines might become part of their classroom practice.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about freely available text sets and classroom routines developed by teachers for supporting civically engaged argument writing about science and technology issues in society.

SPEAKERS:
John Smith

The pH Scale: Measuring pH optically using an RGB Spectrophotometer

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W470b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Lab-Aids

What does pH actually measure? In this investigation, you will measure pH indirectly using indicators and absorption using the Lab-Master. Using their data participants generate a graph of absorbance vs. pH. This graph can be used to determine the pH of solutions, within the measured pH range. Join us for this activity from The Natural Approach to Chemistry program.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to calculate the pH of a basic solution.

SPEAKERS:
Wendy Jackson

Tracing the Spread of COVID

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W192c


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Respiratory viruses like influenza or COVID can lead to worldwide pandemics. We’ll discuss how diseases spread and perform experiments to explore how disease testing works.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore pathology of common diseases, including clinical testing and epidemiology of pathogens.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Ell, Danielle Snowflack

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) - An Effective Approach to Ensuring an Inclusive Science Classroom

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375a


Show Details

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines are a tool that can be used to design learning experiences that meet the needs of all learners (CAST, 2018). Instructional designers and teachers can use these principles to create learning environments that reduce barriers to access for all students, while keeping in mind the learning goals of the lesson. The three guiding principles of UDL are engagement, representation, and action and expression. In this session educators will be provided with examples of these principles in action in sample materials from OpenSciEd and classroom videos. In these examples, participating will identify how the materials have been purposefully designed with multiple avenues for engagement, representation, and action and expression. Additionally, they will identify the built-in supports for teachers to highlight student assets and to address potential barriers to learning for their local student population. Teachers will utilize a tool to help them analyze their own lessons to identify goals, potential barriers, and ways to use the UDL Principles to remove barriers and create flexible paths to learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will utilize a tool to help them analyze their own lessons to identify goals, potential barriers, and ways to use the UDL Principles to remove barriers and create flexible paths to learning.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Delaney

Unpacking the Crosscutting Concepts with a Brand New NSTA Quick-Reference Guide to the Three Dimensions

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375c


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Since its release, the NSTA Quick-Reference Guide to the NGSS has become an essential tool for many educators across the country. A new version titled the Quick-Reference Guide to the Three Dimension has been developed to not only support teachers in all states that have standards based on the Framework for K-12 Science Education. This new version of the Quick-Reference Guide still contains the most useful features of the original, including descriptions of the practices and the crosscutting concepts from the Framework of K-12 Science Education and K-12 progressions of the elements of all three dimensions. In addition, the new Quick-Reference Guide contains several new features that should make it even more helpful. For example, every element now has a unique code (based on the codes in the NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions) that makes it much easier to reference a particular element. In addition, there is an entire chapter devoted to the Performance Expectations. Finally, the guide also contains a number of tools for working with standards. This session will outline all of the features of the guide through the process of unpacking the crosscutting concepts to better understand how to make curriculum, instruction, and assessment more three-dimensional.

TAKEAWAYS:
A deeper understanding of the Crosscutting Concepts and how a well-designed reference guide can make it easier to unpack the three dimensions for work in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard

Using Online Investigations with Digitized Specimens to Enhance Data Literacy and Scientific Reasoning

Thursday, July 21 • 8:20 AM - 9:20 AM

McCormick Place - W181c


Show Details

Online investigations with digitized specimens offer broad opportunities for teachers to engage their students in authentic scientific research. EPIC Bioscience investigations are free, online, NGSS-aligned research investigations that guide students to participate in science practices: asking a question, collecting data, analyzing and interpreting findings, and communicating to others. Investigations use specimens from natural history collections in entomology, vertebrate zoology, mycology, and botany to provide fully-supported, online investigations centered on real phenomena and aligned to NGSS MSLS2-1 through NGSS MSLS2-4. These investigations offer key opportunities to enhance scientific literacy through effective sensemaking with student-collected data on compelling specimens. This session focuses on two key goals to help teachers support sensemaking during phenomena-based student investigations: (1) Identifying and remediating common student errors and confusion during data collection and analysis. (2) Practicing effective instructional strategies focused on enhancing students’ scientific reasoning and data interpretation. This session will involve hands-on experiences with student activities, as well as interactive discussion of classroom examples and evidence.

TAKEAWAYS:
Identify common student errors and sources of confusion during data collection, analysis, and interpretation and deploy strategies designed to enhance student sensemaking from data.

SPEAKERS:
Kirsten Butcher, Madlyn Larson

3D@NSTA: Strengthening Science Teaching Practice with CCCs

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA 2022 CCCs in 3D Learning PPT 7-21-22.pptx

Show Details

In this session, the co-editors of the recent NSTA Press book, Crosscutting Concepts: Strengthening Science and Engineering Learning, will take a deep dive into how crosscutting concepts can be more explicitly leveraged to strengthen science instruction. Presenters will illustrate how two instructional units—one elementary and one secondary—have developed CCCs as lenses on phenomena in order to better connect with students’ everyday experiences and to enhance students’ ability to meaningfully integrate SEPs, DCIs, and CCCs to make sense of authentic phenomena and problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
CCCs are: 1) lenses on phenomena and problems; 2) critical to sensemaking about phenomena and problems; and 3) most useful when meaningfully integrated with SEPs and DCIs.

SPEAKERS:
Jeff Nordine, Okhee Lee

A Holistic Approach to Building Community

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W185b-c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Slide Deck_NSTA Chicago 2022

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Finding support and collaboration, especially in rural settings, can be challenging for educators. The Interstate Science Collaborative (ISC) was formed by state science leaders from a handful of rural states to provide free professional learning for the teachers they serve. Fall and spring book study sessions and a summer learning series were offered with considerations toward equitable participation including making the sessions virtual, being mindful of schedules and capacity, and providing continuing education credits. Feedback from the sessions centered around appreciation from participants for the opportunity to connect with teachers from other states to discuss and share in conversations around common problems of practice. In addition to providing support for educators, the ISC became a safe space for the founding members to share challenges and successes in their own work. Join this presentation to learn about how to set up a professional community in your context that will not only support student learning but can also become a way to create the comradery and community we all need as educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will engage in whole and small group discussion to learn about and share strategies to build a professional community that not only focuses on how to improve student learning but also creates a support network for educators.

SPEAKERS:
Sharon Cates, Christy Krenek, Shannon Wachowski

Bringing authentic hands-on investigations to the molecular biology classroom using fluorescence

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W476


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Discover a completely new approach to studying DNA and enzymes. Using fluorescence your students can now directly visualize DNA base pairing and explore the effects of temperature, pH, and genetic sequence on DNA structure. Then see how inhibitors, concentration, temperature and pH affect the rate of enzymatic reactions. Go beyond building models; watch biology glow!

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore the connection between DNA sequence and DNA structure and investigate the properties of enzymes including competitive inhibition.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan

Broaden Science Participation: Unpack “Analyze & Interpret” to Teach Data As an Equalizer

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W179b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Access to Resource Document
Complete this Google Form to access the Resource Document and a slide deck from the workshop.

Show Details

We live in a data-driven world, and our students will be working in a data-driven workforce. Therefore, it is critical that our Pre-K-12 students learn foundational data literacy skills. However, currently these skills are too often only taught in upper-level classes. All students need these skills and all students, down to our little Pre-Kers, can work with and make sense of science data. Let’s make sure data is an equalizer, rather than another divider in our educational system and society! Join us as we explore what perception and learning science tell us about how our brains process data. We will experience research-based strategies and freely available resources to build science knowledge and self-efficacy through data. Finally, we will explore ways to adapt our existing curriculum activities and data visualizations to help our students more equitably access science. Through hands-on activities and group discussions, participants will leave more empowered to leverage data and data visualizations into their science content in purposeful ways for all learners. Working with and learning science from data fosters critical thinking skills, lifelong interests in science, and facilitates learners’ overall 21st century skills. Let’s set all of our students up for success!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will identify how data literacy is a critical aspect of science literacy in the 21st century for all students and ways to adjust existing curriculum to leverage data as entry points into science inquiry, sensemaking, and knowledge for all learners to see themselves in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hunter-Thomson

Connecting Three-Dimensional Learning to Upcoming Out-of-this-World Phenomena

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W176a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
PPT for 3D astronomy workshop for Chicago - 26Jun2022.pdf
Solar Science - Activities to teach about lunar phases and eclispes.pdf
Solar Science and WTSGD Handout 2022 - 8Jun2022.pdf
Two Beautiful Eclipses Coming to North America Info Sheet - 24Jun2022.pdf

Show Details

Get ready for the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses. See how learning activities about Earth, Moon and Sun provide three-dimensional learning experiences that connect to these events, which will be more spectacular than the 2017 eclipse.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will have a better understanding of what is meant by three-dimensional learning, see how 3-D learning can lead to knowing what causes lunar phases and eclipses, and be prepared to enjoy the solar eclipses in 2023 and 2024.

SPEAKERS:
Dennis Schatz

Did I really just flip this classroom?

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W185a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation note taking worksheet

Show Details

The purpose of the presentation is to model how to flip a classroom from the traditional methods to more innovative methods to engage students. The participants will be able to create a deck by the end of the session. Participants will be given the background and research based strategies that Pear Deck uses to ensure that equity and inclusion are met while ensuring the seamless integration of the platform. Participants will be given the pedagogy of why this tool is needed in their classroom. Participants will be introduced to EdPuzzle and Screencastify to highlight how these tools can be used as well to flip their classrooms. A Pear Deck interactive slide will be presented to the audience. The audience will log in with the given code. As I present the audience will have my screen on their device. The audience will participate in a series of interactive activities designed to immerse them platform and give them the experience that students will have. The presentation is highly interactive with the first half of the presentation be using to interact with the platforms and the second half given for participants to explore and ask questions. The audience will be engaged with device-based activities from the beginning to the end of the presentation. The presentation style will be catch and release. I will capture their attention for some time and then I will release them to navigate through the platforms while I offer support. Attendees will learn how to create a Pear Deck, a screencastify recording and how to navigate through EdPuzzle to either create or utilize existing videos. Attendees will learn how to take the materials they are already using to flip them into a more blended learning model. The attendees will walk away with a Deck that can be used immediately in their classroom and my information to reach out to me if they have any questions during implementation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with the basic knowledge of how to flip their classroom and be able to implement the strategies immediately into their classroom so that they are able to increase equity and inclusion.

SPEAKERS:
Cecelia Gillam

Engineering for Us All: Exploring the "Why," "What," and "Who" of Engineering

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W194a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Baseball card lesson
Baseball card lesson (complete)
Playpump lesson
Product archaeology lesson
Robot arm lesson (with materials list)
Shoe sole sketch and design lesson

Show Details

“You’re good at math; be an engineer.” Isn’t there more to it? Who is an engineer? Engineering helps society by solving problems. Let’s explore “why.”

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn that engineering is more than math + science and take away classroom activities addressing engineering identity, ethics, and society (not your typical engineering activities).

SPEAKERS:
Ken Reid

Engineering Severe Weather Solutions

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W176c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Sever Weather Slide Deck

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Human activities have caused changes in global temperature and weather patterns. This generation of students will need to understand climate science in order to adapt to this changing environment. In this session, participants will explore a project in which students incorporate engineering and basic coding - no experience necessary. We will use micro:bit technology to connect basic coding commands to collect authentic data using embedded sensors. Participants will use this collected data to modify design solutions based on human vulnerabilities to severe weather. Participants will find ways to expose their students to the engineering capabilities needed to solve problems. This project allows students to compare design solutions to identify which is best for the problem at hand and experience the interactive process of evaluating solutions. This project allows for the authentic integration of technology, mathematics, crosscutting concepts, science practices, and easy implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use technology to expose students to coding and engineering design solutions for severe weather.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Kohout, Stacy Thibodeaux

Exploring Gene Therapy and the Central Dogma with BioInteractive Resources

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W474a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Explore free HHMI BioInteractive resources to help students construct an explanation as to how different patterns of inheritance lead to gene expression and how gene therapy can be used to affect that gene expression. Consider ways in which these resources can be used, adopted and/or adapted for different learning levels. Reflect on different ways models can be used in science and the teaching of science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore free HHMI BioInteractive resources to help students construct an explanation as to how different patterns of inheritance lead to gene expression and how gene therapy can be used to affect that gene expression. Consider ways in which these resources can be used, adopted and/or adapted for different learning levels. Reflect on different ways models can be used in science and the teaching of science.

SPEAKERS:
Valerie May, Karen Lucci

How to Design a STEM Engineering Challenge

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W474b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: PASCO scientific

Give your students a real-world engineering challenge! In this PASCO workshop, you will explore the relationship between momentum and impact forces with real-time measurement of collisions. You will design your own crash barrier to minimize the maximum collision force of a moving cart colliding into your barrier. Next, you will analyze your results to iterate and improve on your original design.  Attend for a chance to win equipment for your school!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to design a crash cushion to minimize the collision force of a moving cart and analyze the results to iterate and improve on your design.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Hanna

Half-Earth Project Inclusive Mapping Design Challenge and Hummingbird Guided Inquiry

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W196a


Show Details

The Half-Earth Project team-based Mapping Design Challenge engages students in authentic teamwork to use digital mapping to design their own biodiversity conservation choices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Digital mapping motivated by exploring charismatic species draws diverse students into the multidisciplinary science of conservation decision-making where species, human impacts, and stakeholders have to be considered.

SPEAKERS:
Dennis Liu

Hands-on with Climate Science!

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W175c


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Students may commonly hear the terms carbon dioxide, greenhouse gases, global warming, and climate change. It is important to understand climate science and climate change, and how energy use and consumer choices impact our environment, economics, and standard of living. Session participants will learn hands-on activities to use with their students to develop a better understanding of climate science. They will first explore NEED’s Greenhouse in a Beaker to observe how greenhouse gases, like CO2, act in our atmosphere through the use of common lab equipment. Can I Really Fry and Egg on the Sidewalk uses an infrared thermometer to showcase how radiant energy is absorbed by various surfaces at different rates and be able to see how different surfaces and the spaces surrounding them can have elevated temperatures, leading to a heat island effect. Road Trip involves calculating the carbon impact of transportation choices to learn about their carbon footprint.

SPEAKERS:
Cori Nelson, Sharon Bird

Hexagonal Thinking in the Science Classroom

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W185d


Show Details

Hexagonal Thinking ensures the learning environment features a high degree of student engagement by providing a framework for academic discussion where all students participate. Participants will collaborate with colleagues to experience Hexagonal Thinking using science and math content vocabulary and visuals that will then be used to synthesize information into a piece of critical writing.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn a strategy for making thinking, learning and content connections visible in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Yates, Miranda Rosenhoover

How Did the Elk Cross the Road?

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W178b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
AZGFD K-12 Education Resources (Focus Wild)
Crossing Structure Videos
Elk Crossing Graph
Highway Map Crossing Locations
How did the Elk Cross the Road
program
Notes Handout
Slide Deck

Show Details

By the end of this session, participants will be able to: - Explain the impact of roads on wildlife - Analyze data to design wildlife-friendly crossing structures - Use hands-on tools to teach STEM concepts The majority of this session will focus on real world data analysis and problem solving. Working in small groups, participants will propose solutions to a number of related scenarios. First, they’ll analyze data to determine if highways pose a significant threat to wildlife. Relevant vocabulary will be introduced – including fragmentation, migratory barriers, porosity and passage rates – as we explore the need for ways to move animals across highways without impacting humans. Once a need is determined, they’ll continue their exploration by looking at potential crossing structure solutions. They’ll identify structure location and wildlife-friendly designs to ensure the highest use. They’ll be asked to either create a model or blueprint of their design. Finally, participants will discuss ways to determine the crossing structure effectiveness. This will include a cost/benefit analysis. Additional resources to expand learning will be shared, including links, books, videos, contacts and professional development.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science and Engineering Practices are used by wildlife biologists to help manage wildlife populations and those same skills can be developed in students.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Proctor

Inside and Out: Making membranes memorable with models

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W475b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Inside & Out_ Making Membranes Memorable with Models.pptx
Workshop Resources

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Participants will examine the structure of phospholipids and how it shapes the function of the cell membrane using multiple representations including hands-on models. Cellular processes like active and passive transport will be explored while demonstrating how these models can amplify traditional biology labs and classroom activities. Participants will explore examples of membranes in action that can be applied to units on genetics and evolution to extend the reach of the models throughout the school year.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students can create and revise models to explore how the structure of phospholipids influences the function of cell membranes.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Parfitt

Learning with Chicago Youth about Environmental Justice

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W181b


Show Details

While young people are often framed as apathetic towards science class, politics, and the environment, movements like #ClimateStrike demonstrate that quite the opposite is often true. Yet, teachers often do not know how to bring out this type of vigorous engagement in their classes. In this session, learn from students and teachers who have done place-based projects geared towards teaching chemistry, inspiring civic engagement, and working for environmental justice. Recognizing that taking on authentic problems in science class is difficult, the focus of this workshop will rely on honesty, humor, and reflection to learn from each other about how to overcome challenges from complex chemistry content to resistant student attitudes. Using short interactive role plays, this workshop will share lessons we have learned and engage participants in thinking through and acting out what this work looks like in their contexts. With students and teachers as co-facilitators, this workshop seeks to engage educators’ imaginations in bridging sophisticated science learning, student agency, and authentic community involvement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn to navigate scenarios that can encourage or prevent students' overlapping critical engagement in science class and their communities around issues of environmental justice.

SPEAKERS:
Alejandra Frausto Aceves, Mindy Chappell, Jasmine Jones

Let's Get Physical: Human Physiology Experiments

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W471b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Get active and participate in hands-on experiments. Explore limb position and grip strength, balance, and EKGs/EMGs experiments designed to encourage students to think about the physiology of various human organ systems. Walk away with valuable information, including sample labs and teaching tips.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain experience with hands-on technology that encourages students to explore and test different solutions and make connections to the real world; 2. Get access to free resources to keep students engaged while learning key scientific concepts either remotely or in the lab; and 3. Gain hands-on experiences with innovative products that increase student engagement, promote creativity and collaboration, and develop problem-solving skills.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel, Nüsret Hisim

Lucy’s Legacy – Human Evolution for the 21st Century Classroom

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W195


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

The 1974 discovery of the iconic Lucy fossil in Ethiopia changed our understanding of human origins. Almost everyone today knows of Lucy, but over the last 48 years the field of human origins has exploded thanks to new discoveries all over the world as well as critical new developments in the realm of molecular biology. Few biology classes address these advances. However, the tools and techniques students learn in STEM classes have a direct connection to the advances and changes that have shaped modern work with human origins. Attending this session will give you the chance to appreciate the revolution that has occurred since “Lucy” and offer you tools to bring new understanding to your students in ways you can weave into your curriculum in less controversial ways connected to evolution, fossils, DNA, proteomics, genealogy, biogeography, 3D printing, as well as topics related to more recent human evolution (skin color, lactose tolerance, and high-altitude adaptation). As a 32-year K-12 human evolution educator who has been fortunate to work with leaders in the field, I have had a front row seat to many of the milestones of human evolution in the 21st century and I’m eager to share them with you.

TAKEAWAYS:
Since the discovery of Lucy, our understanding of human origins has grown and changed thanks to new discoveries and technologies – participants will learn about these amazing changes and how to integrate these new discoveries into their biology curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
John Mead

Making A Career In Science Education In 2022

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375b


Show Details

Confused about what to do post COVID? Thinking about switching careers? Learn about the experiences, challenges, and mistakes made by several esteemed science education leaders in this engaging and interactive panel discussion. This panel will feature current and former teachers, school leaders, district leaders, consultants, academics, national STEM education leaders.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about the increasing number of opportunities available for educators both inside and outside of the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Lach

Matter and Energy Learning Progressions in OpenSciEd High School Chemistry

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W196c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Chicago 2022 Chemistry Progressions.pdf

Show Details

The forthcoming OpenSciEd High School chemistry course combines physical science and Earth and space science NGSS performance expectations as a way to engage students in developing understandings around energy and matter. Learn about the focus of the five units that make up this course and their associated performance expectation bundles to see how the three dimensions are used as a way to authentically engage students in making sense of both physical science and earth and space science related phenomena and design solutions. In the session, we will highlight how anchoring phenomena of the first unit, typically associated with earth and space science, helps students make sense of the particulate nature of matter, energy transfers in earth systems, feedback loops, and human interactions with their environment. An in-depth examination of the performance expectation bundles for the following four units will help illustrate the learning progressions students will follow to develop progressively more complex models of the particle nature of matter, its properties, and its interactions using the lenses of all crosscutting concepts, in particular, patterns, energy and matter, structure and function, and stability and change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Incorporation of earth and space science NGSS performance expectations within a chemistry curriculum supports student engagement in and sensemaking of chemistry concepts around properties and interactions of matter and energy.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Vick, Dan Voss, Michael Novak, Tara McGill

Rethinking the Climate Change Paradigm to Engage and Inspire the Next Generation

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W190b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Earth Overshoot

Teaching climate change as a symptom of planetary health using the overshoot model gives students a deeper understanding of environmental science and inspires hope and meaningful action.

TAKEAWAYS:
A more comprehensive systemic approach to our global environmental emergencies that concentrates on the interconnected causes instead of a narrow climate change focus gives students a broader and deeper understanding of our current environmental challenges and sets them up for successfully solving them.

SPEAKERS:
Terry Spahr

Shampoo Evaluation

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W192b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Fisher Science Education

Get your students excited about chemistry and consumer science at one time! Join us as we evaluate various types of shampoo to determine which provides the best value. Investigate pH, viscosity, and other detergent characteristics like foam retention and ink dispersion in this engaging hands-on demonstration. Excellent for helping students understand key surfactant chemistry topics like hydrophobicity and micelles.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn the process of evaluating shampoo for pH, viscosity, foam retention and ink dispersion.

SPEAKERS:
Kymberly Hall

Teaching the Polymerase Chain Reaction in One Lab Period

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W192c


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Want to learn today’s top biotechnology techniques? Join us for a hands-on exploration of PCR and electrophoresis in one hour using the EdvoCyclerJr and the EDGE!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore the science behind the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and learn strategies for performing PCR in short class periods.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Ell, Danielle Snowflack

The Meaning Beyond the Words

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W178a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://my.nsta.org/collection/ktURlAGyUA4_E

Show Details

For years, research on the language of classrooms explored how the way we say things impacts students’ sense of belonging. This session uses the NSTA Teacher Tip Tuesday—The Meaning Beyond The Words: How Language, Race, and Culture Impact Science Teaching and Learning web seminar to consider how we signal to students that we value their ideas and how they communicate those ideas in the science classroom and what we can do as educators to help ensure our students know they belong in the classroom and can do science. Participants will learn about opportunities to continue the learning after the session ends through NSTA’s new Professional Learning Units.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Become aware of how we signal (or don’t signal) to students their ideas and how they communicate their ideas are valued in the science classroom; and 2. Learn strategies to support students in building on their ideas and each other's ideas to move toward building deep conceptual understanding of big ideas in science (disciplinary core ideas).

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips, Kate Soriano

We Are All Explorers

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W184d



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NGFTA Alumni--Workplace Skills

Show Details

How are you engaging all students in critical skills to ensure they are ready for the future of work? What does the classroom feel, sound, and look like when students are making sense of their world and solving real-world problems? Join the alumni from the 2021 Northrop Grumman Foundation Teachers Academy as they share the ways they have transformed their schools/classrooms to align with the reality of work as experienced alongside engineers, technologists, and scientists.

TAKEAWAYS:
Strategies to integrate workforce skills aligned with the vision of the K–12 Framework.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Kenning, Anthony Carter, Yevgeny Pevzner, Leilani O'Dell

What Is Sensemaking? Exploration and Consensus-Building Tasks for Individuals and Teams

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375a


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Join us to learn what sensemaking is and how to use research-based resources to engage students in making sense of the world around them. Leave with a collection of resources to move your professional learning forward no matter where you are on the sensemaking continuum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Develop an understanding of what sensemaking is and how it can help build classrooms where students are able to make sense of the world around them. Leaders walk away with a consensus-building exercise for their team.

SPEAKERS:
Tricia Shelton, Elizabeth Allan

Zombie Apocalypse!

Thursday, July 21 • 9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

McCormick Place - W194b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

Attendees will explore disease modeling through the use of real (virtual) ZOMBIES!

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

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Lukens

NSTA Exhibit Hall

Thursday, July 21 • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall


Show Details

Please join us for this Exclusive Exhibit Hall time today. During this time there are no teacher sessions scheduled and it’s a perfect opportunity to visit the exhibits and discover all the products and services companies and organizations have to offer. Some exhibitors will offer materials for sale throughout the conference.

Birds of a Feather

Thursday, July 21 • 11:50 AM - 12:20 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall


Show Details

Birds of a Feather sessions (BoFs) are informal gatherings of like-minded individuals who wish to discuss a certain topic without a pre-planned agenda.

#LeadershipGoals

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W184d



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
#Leadership Goals - NSTA Chicago Summer 2022.pdf
Slide Deck with all links

Show Details

What are your #LeadershipGoals? All educators are leaders: in their classroom, department, institution, and personal life. During this workshop, participants will reflect on how they envision themselves as a leader, engage with a self evaluation tool, and consider the steps in developing an action plan for making change in their leadership life. Providing resources from the freely available, recently published guide Honoring Teachers as Professionals through AIP Publishing, the authors will share how university/K-12 partnerships led to increases in their own leadership capacity, building of professional networks, and improved professional development opportunities through self-reflective classroom research. We will discuss research and experiences around these partnerships, leadership in education, goal setting, and how participants can work towards the same.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will reflect on how they envision themselves as a leader, engage with a self evaluation tool, and develop an action plan for making change in their leadership life.

SPEAKERS:
Shannon Wachowski

A Hands on approach to effectively teaching anatomy using clay on a skeletal model

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W473


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Anatomy in Clay

In this workshop, attendees will build replicas of human anatomy using clay and a specially designed skeletal model in a classroom setting. Educators will learn how to implement a unique curriculum system which helps students create a kinesthetic map of the human anatomy. They will acquire the knowledge to engage science students with immediate, hands-on learning using a proven method that is nationally recognized to increase student retention and test scores. This workshop will emphasize directional terms, planes, cavities and landmarks on the skeletal model and then build several skeletal muscles. Emphasis will be placed on building the rotator cuff showing their origin and insertion, their movement and discuss exercises to strengthen these muscles.

TAKEAWAYS:
They will acquire the knowledge to engage science students with immediate, hands-on learning using a proven method that is nationally recognized to increase student retention and test scores.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Simonsen

Astronomy: Teaching Nighttime Subjects during the Day

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W192b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Fisher Science Education

Space exploration is expanding and so are the needs for scientists who look to space for solutions to our current issues. So how do you spark the imagination of your kids? Let’s make astronauts cool again! This workshop focusses on creating that spark in middle school aged children by focusing on products that can relate space to students in a classroom during daylight hours. We will focus on three categories of products. 1) Portable, affordable telescopes designed for night time use that can be loaned out to students. 2) Apps and teaching aids that can be used during class to simulate a nighttime setting. 3) Products that specifically are designed to work during the day such as a sun scope or classroom models.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn about a series of products designed to teach space to students during the day.

SPEAKERS:
Thomas Wright

Beginner Biotech: Electrophoresis for the STEM classroom

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W476


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Teach electrophoresis from the inside out. The BanditTM STEM Electrophoresis Kit allows students to build a working gel electrophoresis apparatus. After building it, they use their fully functioning system to run an electrophoresis lab. Link the concepts of circuits, electric fields, and charged particles through this essential biotechnology tool as students will make connections across scientific disciplines. With the accompanying high-quality curriculum, you'll perform molecular biology labs on a budget you didn't think was possible!

TAKEAWAYS:
Connect the physical sciences to biotechnology techniques and implement accessible and affordable electrophoresis for all levels, ranging from Mendelian inheritance to molecular genetics.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan

Computational Thinking and Coding in the Science Classroom

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W474b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: PASCO scientific

Bridging the gap between science and coding can be challenging without the proper support. In this workshop, you'll learn how to use block-based coding as part of your existing physical and life science activities by integrating it into students' data collection process. Learn how you can help students develop computational thinking skills alongside science literacy without reinventing your curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to incorporate block-based coding into your current physical and life science activities.

SPEAKERS:
Barbara Pugliese, Jonathan Hanna

Chickenology: Food Delivery Challenge

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W179b


Show Details

Participants will use sensemaking and the engineering design process to solve a real world food production problem in a small scale format. This lesson introduces the Food Delivery Challenge, in which participants must design a gravity feeder to carry food (chicken feed) to twelve hungry chickens for over 24 hours. To accomplish the task students must design and build a model of an efficient gravity feeder using the materials available to them. The scenario presented to the class: One of the feeders in your uncle’s barn has broken down, and a new one will not arrive until next month. You must create a gravity feeder to satisfy 12 chickens for 24 hours consistently to ensure the health of your flock. Participants will research, design, build and test their design before presenting to the group for feedback, Participants will then use the feedback to redesign for an improved feeder.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Use the engineering design process to collaborate, design and build a gravitational feeder system that will feed 10 pounds of feed over a 24 hour period. 2. Present your design plan, and final product to the class for feedback. 3. Provide feedback to the design team for design improvement.

SPEAKERS:
Leah LaCrosse, Heather Bryan

Cloudy with a Chance of Modeling

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W175a


Show Details

Our students use field work, computer modeling, and long term databases to understand the Earth's changing system. Students collect local weather data. They compare this data with regional and national databases, satellites databases, and climate modeling software (EdGCM).

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn how to introduce climate science in a non-threatening way by empowering their students to take a stand in their communities regarding decisions that affect their future by seamlessly incorporating field studies with professional climate studies.

SPEAKERS:
Carolyn Mohr

Crash Science: When Physics Meets Biology

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W185b-c


Show Details

Use innovative video-assisted STEM activities, demonstrations, award-winning videos, and behind-the-crash-tests tours to teach the science of car crashes. Visit classroom.iihs.org for more information.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants learn how to incorporate culminating STEM design challenges (Project Pedestrian Sensors and Egg-Carrying Paper Car Crash) into their curriculum to promote student awareness and understanding of how engineering and technology are used to build safer vehicles.

SPEAKERS:
Griff Jones, Pini Kalnite

DCI, CCC, and SEPs, Oh My! Sweet and Salty Investigations with a 3-D Twist!

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W176c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
DCI, CCC, and SEPs Oh My! (2).pdf

Show Details

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux

Effective Intervention Strategies: Let’s Hook Students into Learning

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W470a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Explore several intervention strategies to help struggling students in STEM, moving beyond differentiation and scaffolding. Learn other proven intervention techniques and discover how to modify traditional outreach to connect with students so that they gain greater understanding.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore several intervention strategies to help struggling students in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Leslie Spaeny, Jacque Garcia, Dr. Kenneth Heydrick

Engineer Physical Science Excitement with a Carolina STEM Challenge®

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W471a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

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

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will take away hands-on experience in designing, making, and testing balloon race cars and reaction rockets.

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau

Environmental Justice Coalition: Including and Empowering Students in Civic Action

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W178a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Environmental Justice Coalition Presentation

Show Details

This session will provide educators with a clear understanding of environmental justice and give them tools to integrate this topic into science classrooms and student-led initiatives. We will focus on the case study of the Sonoma County Environmental Justice Coalition. During the 2021-2022 school year, middle and high school teams from across Sonoma County were invited to sign up for a year-long learning and leadership development program hosted by the Sonoma County Office of Education. Student teams received training and mentorship around environmental justice throughout the year and created and implemented local action plans to address an environmental justice issue. Students had the opportunity to receive input and mentorship from professionals and share their actions and future plans with local leaders and industries at a culminating showcase. Participants will hear a brief overview of the structure of the coalition and will view testimonials from student members. Participants will receive tools to integrate environmental justice into their classrooms and resources to help student teams develop and implement environmental justice action plans. Finally, participants will work collaboratively to design next steps for scaling environmental justice in their classroom and beyond by using their local resources and networks.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore how to integrate environmental justice and civic engagement in science classrooms and programs.

SPEAKERS:
Ryan Kurada, Anna Babarinde

Global Conversations: International Film Festival

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W186c


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

This session will showcase lessons from around the world focusing on the exchange of ideas and networking. Come view a film created using videos from teachers around the globe, and posters while engaging with other teachers looking to network internationally.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will showcase lessons from around the world focusing on the exchange of ideas and networking. Come view a film created using videos from teachers around the globe, and posters while engaging with other teachers looking to network internationally.

SPEAKERS:
Alison Seymour

GMOs what do you know breakout

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W195


Show Details

Participants will organize in groups and receive clues and puzzles to learn about genetic modification then be tasked to “break out” unlocking BreakoutEDU boxes. Puzzles include myths and facts; GMO or not?; Misleading label; and general terms related to genetics, and recombinant DNA. This activity could be used as review of genetics concepts or as a way to engage learners in research about genetically modified organisms. Free curriculum is available from grownextgen.org.

TAKEAWAYS:
Dispelling many of the myths about genetically engineered crops. An engaging way to involve every student in the process of problem-solving. Introduction to more resources about the connection between agriculture and science concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Jane Hunt

Intergrated Project and Inquiry Based High School Science Curriculum

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W175c


Show Details

Explore curriculum of a 10th grade integrated chemistry and biology course that was designed to incorporate the Next Generation Science Standards while placing importance on the Science and Engineering Practices. The course follows the narrative: “Living systems obey the laws of physics and chemistry. Transformations in matter occur in predictable ways and are a function of molecular shape and molecular collisions. Chemical properties are the result of the arrangement of elements and the forces between them. Reception, sequestration, and transfer of chemical elements allow living systems to leverage chemical transformations to survive, grow, and reproduce. Reproduction allows for the transmission of these traits from one generation to the next. Pressures from the environment favors some traits over others which in turn produces new species over time and is responsible for the diversity of all life.” Students were introduced to content via phenomenon and then engaged with the DCIs, Cross-cutting concepts, and SEPs while working towards a culminating project. For example, students learned various topics of chemistry including stoichiometry and gas laws to design and build a functional Class B fire extinguisher. Following this unit, students applied their understanding of cellular respiration, photosynthesis and the carbon cycle to calculate the amount of carbon sequestered on a section of campus trees.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to use phenomena and a 3D design approach to create project -based, integrated Curriculum that assesses SEPS equally with content. Participants will learn how to use student-centered pedagogical practices, hands-on exploration, and more authentic assessment practices. Participants will be familiar with how Integrating biology, chemistry and environmental standards in order to explore an authentic, real-world problem or challenge increases student engagement and performance.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Helfant

Left at the Scene of the Crime: High School Forensics

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W192c


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Forensic science combines disciplines to determine “whodunit.” In this workshop, learn how to merge hands-on biotechnology experiments with literacy exercises to create an immersive lesson.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will perform hands-on biotechnology experiments that will allow them to discuss the implications of genetic fingerprinting and blood testing of forensic samples in class.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Ell, Danielle Snowflack

Lone Wolf: A Darwinian Speculative Thought Experiment

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W186a


Show Details

Come join us as we participate in a Darwinian speculation reimagined as a Thought Experiment. This is a classic STEAM approach.

TAKEAWAYS:
See how to integrate the arts into STEM = STEAM.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Derusha, Vito Dipinto

NGSS Biology: Exploring the evolutionary connection between Cystic Fibrosis and Tuberculosis

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W470b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Lab-Aids

Use a computer simulation to analyze and interpret mathematical data that explores the evolutionary connection between cystic fibrosis (a genetic disease) and tuberculosis (an infectious disease) and evaluate mathematical representation. Learn about the cause-and-effect relationship between being a CF carrier and experiencing less severe TB symptoms. Explore he mathematical effects of changing environmental variables (prevalence of TB and access to high quality health care) on the frequency of the CF mutation; and make predictions about the future frequency of the CF mutation based on advances in treatment of CF.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about the cause-and-effect relationship between being a Cystic Fibrosis carrier and experiencing less severe Tuberculosis symptoms.

SPEAKERS:
Wendy Jackson

Including Teachers in Developing Large-Scale Assessments for Science

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375b


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Learn about the novel approach taken by Illinois to include teacher voice in developing a statewide three-dimensional science assessment.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about the process of developing a state-wide assessment written by local educators.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Rademaker, Harvey Henson, ANGELA BOX

Partnering with NSTA to Reach Your Professional Learning Goals

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W176a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Slides Partnering with NSTA to Reach Your Professional Learning Goals

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

NSTA Partnerships provide personalized professional learning experiences for groups of K–12 educators. Find out more about this NSTA opportunity that combines membership with access to resources, online tools, and the national network.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will discover the value of becoming a Partner with NSTA for groups of educators.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez, Tricia Shelton

Stop “doing” data and start “using” data! Utilizing Google forms and sheets to collect and analyze data so you can focus on what comes next!

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W179a


Show Details

So many data conversations fall flat because of current methods of data collection. What if we could vary the type and frequency we collect and analyze data using google forms and spreadsheets? This would allow us to have more in-depth conversations about what the data is say and how we can use it to move instruction forward. In this session, 5 different tools will be presented to teachers that allows them to collect data in different ways. With these tools, the focus is no longer on the past and why things happened, but focus on the future of what we can do to respond to the data.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn about and receive templates for multiple tools using google forms and spreadsheets to realize the vision of a good data conversation

SPEAKERS:
Rocco Williams

Surfacing and Addressing the Challenges of Three-Dimensional Science through Transformational Coaching

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W181c



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

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

This hands-on workshop will showcase the transformational coaching method in order to shift science instructional practice by addressing the following questions: - What challenges do science teachers face when implementing NGSS? - How can we coach for change? - What tools do we use when coaching? - What does this look like in a coaching conversation? In this session, we will discuss common challenges faced by teachers when implementing NGSS and we will introduce Elena Aguilar’s transformational coaching model of coaching around teaching beliefs as a means to surface and address these challenges. Participants will learn about and discuss both coaching and NGSS tools that support the coaching process. Participants will then view a recording of a coaching session with a science teacher. While watching the video, they will use the tools discussed earlier in the session to determine how the coach surfaced the challenge and what tools were used to move the teacher toward successful practice. Then participants will have the opportunity to practice coaching each other in coaching triads using scenarios of NGSS implementation challenges. Lastly, participants will have an opportunity to reflect and debrief on the successes and difficulties they experienced in their coaching triads.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with specific strategies and tools on how to move science teachers forward on the NGSS three-dimensional continuum through transformational coaching.

SPEAKERS:
Vanessa Ramos, Anna Kraftson

The NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375c


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

One of the key features of the NGSS and other standards based on the Framework for K-12 Science Education is the idea that a “a progression of knowledge occurs from grade band to grade band that gives students the opportunity to learn more complex material, leading to an overall understanding of science by the end of high school.” (NGSS Appendix A, p. 2) The NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions has a set of 62 maps that illustrate the how the elements of the three dimensions build on each other and connect to one another. Each map focuses on a particular topic and shows the progression students are expected to make in that topic from one grade-span to the next. Arrows connecting individual elements on a map indicate that competency in one element is useful in learning to achieve the other element. Educators can use maps to deepen their understanding of the standards to plan or improve curriculum, instruction, and assessment. This session will provide participants guidance on how to read the maps in the Atlas and use this powerful tool to deepen their understanding of elements of the standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
A careful review of the connections between elements of the three dimensions can provide a clearer understanding of science standards and important guidance in planning instructional sequences to support three-dimensional teaching and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard

Urgent Lessons: Measuring the Effects of Climate Change

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W471b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Learn how to introduce new scientific concepts to your students through the lens of climate change. We will discuss experiments that let students study climate change in the classroom using data-collection technology, such as an investigation into the effect of carbon dioxide on ocean and freshwater pH. All activities are available as a free download for attendees.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain experience with hands-on technology that encourages students to explore and test different solutions and make connections to the real world; 2. Get access to free resources to keep students engaged while learning key scientific concepts either remotely or in the lab; and 3. Gain hands-on experiences with innovative products that increase student engagement, promote creativity and collaboration, and develop problem-solving skills.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel, Nüsret Hisim

Using Climate Science Storylines to Anchor a High School Chemistry Class

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W196c


Show Details

Come explore creative storylines for integrating up-to-date, research-driven climate science into high school Chemistry courses.

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

SPEAKERS:
Michael Wysession

Using Maggots, Flies, and Flesh to Solve a Mystery!

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W194b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

An empty field. A human corpse. Maggots and flies. Who is the victim? What happened? Can you solve the mystery? This middle and high school activity will challenge you to apply science and deductive reasoning to determine what happened!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Forensic science is a STEM career field that combines science, math, and criminal justice concepts; 2. Understanding the natural process of decomposition can help investigators narrow in on identifying victims and causes of death; and 3. Using stories is a great way to engage students and provide context to the science/STEM they are learning.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Lukens

Using the NSTA Sensemaking Tool to Support Creating, Revising, and Selecting High-Quality Science Lessons

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://my.nsta.org/collection/x2paxwvcfUQ_E

Show Details

Gain experience using the NSTA Sensmaking Tool to become critical consumers of curricular materials and support creating/revising lessons for sensemaking.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to use the NSTA Sensemaking Tool to review science lessons for the four critical aspects of sensemaking; and 2. Understand how to use the Sensemaking Tool to support creating and revising existing science lessons for sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Soriano

Using The Science Practices to Explore Selection in Finches With HHMI BioInteractive

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W474a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Create and revise a model as new information is introduced. Engage in collaborative problem-solving around observed scientific phenomena. Model the "teacher-as-facilitator" approach to students "figuring out" the science concepts from the data provided.

TAKEAWAYS:
Create and revise a model as new information is introduced. Engage in collaborative problem-solving around observed scientific phenomena. Model the "teacher-as-facilitator" approach to students "figuring out" the science concepts from the data provided.

SPEAKERS:
Michele Koehler, Jason Crean

When Cells Talk, Things Happen: Cell Signaling

Thursday, July 21 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W475b



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

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

During this workshop, participants will work explore cell communication using hands-on models of synapses. Participants will experience how using models to explore abstract concepts deepens student understanding and inquiry for students and provides opportunities for formative assessments of student understanding. Participants will also have opportunities to deepen and challenge their own conceptual understanding of cell communication by altering the biochemical events within the synapses. These changes will reflect what happens when synapses are disturbed by drugs, including both prescription and drugs of abuse, as well as some mental health disorders. Finally, ideas for three-dimensional summative assessments will be explored.

TAKEAWAYS:
Hands on models of synapses let students explore cell communication and the structure and function relationship of proteins and signaling molecules including toxins and drugs.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Parfitt

Stoichiometry: Tools and Strategies for Improving Student Understanding

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W474b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: PASCO scientific

How can you tell when a reaction is complete? Why won’t adding a reactant always lead to more product? Help students develop a better understanding of mole ratios, stoichiometry, and limiting reactants through this hands-on activity using household chemicals and a Wireless Pressure Sensor. Attend for a chance to win equipment for your school!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn simple hands-on strategies for improving student understandings of stoichiometry, mole ratios, and limiting reactants.

SPEAKERS:
Barbara Pugliese

Becoming AJEDIIs: Teaching and leading STEM education during a pandemic using chemistry and other eqSTrEAM ideas

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W178a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
AJEDII Presentation
Overview of how Historically Responsive Literacy (Muhammad, 2020) is applied to chemistry.
Oil Spill Simulation Inquiry
This is a full description of the oil spill simulation that represents STEM as a key component of "cultivating genius". Integrating STEM meaningfully into lessons as a way to allow students to experience joy while building skills, criticality and intellect.

Show Details

Building on workshops facilitated by Gholdy Muhammad during the 2020-2021 academic year, STEM teachers will explore how historically responsive literacy can be extended to science teaching and learning. The AJEDII Model considers how accessibility, justice, equity, diversity and identity shape pedagogy. Participants will review the framework, develop units aligned to current student learning standards, and explore resources developed by facilitators for a range of instructional modes and situations. When COVID-19 hit our schools, STEM educators took on the task of processing and fighting misinformation, teaching and training students, parents, colleagues and other adults in their community about a wide range of technical terms and implementing novel pedagogical technologies and techniques like never before. The imagined worlds of science fiction were being realized but the ending still has not been determined and has certainly not been predictable. Unfortunately, the pandemic that became most clear in 2020 was exacerbated by social problems that could no longer be ignored. Participants will leave the session with materials for designing instruction for virtual (asynchronous or synchronous) and face-to-face learning based on facilitators’ experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
STEM educators will apply Muhammad's (2020) historically responsive framework to secondary STEM education in learning design

SPEAKERS:
Joy Barnes-Johnson, Shefali Mehta, Mridula Bajaj

Beyond Labz: Realistic Virtual Labs That Bridge the Gap Between Real Labs and Scientific Inquiry

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W473


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Beyond Labz

Workshop Summary: Beyond Labz is a set of sophisticated and realistic virtual laboratories that have been used by millions of students over the past 20 years. Subjects covered by the virtual labs include general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, physical science, and biology. We have recently updated the virtual labs so they are browser-based with a number of new features including tracking student lab books and the student journey through the lab. With over 20 years of experience and feedback from students and teachers worldwide, we have learned much about how to enhance and augment classroom and laboratory instruction using the virtual labs. In this presentation we will provide a brief update on the new features in Beyond Labz, and we will provide onboarding instructions and describe how to use the virtual laboratories in various curriculum settings and use cases, and we will show the labs can be used to enhance inquiry-based instruction. We will also describe some of the recent research we have performed using these and other simulation products we have created.

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

SPEAKERS:
Brian Woodfield

Bon Appétit: Explorations in Food Chemistry

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W471b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Use Vernier pH and carbon dioxide sensors to learn about the differences between baking soda and baking powder while applying chemistry content skills all while using chemicals used for food preparation. All activities are available as a free download for attendees.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain experience with hands-on technology that encourages students to explore and test different solutions and make connections to the real world; 2. Get access to free resources to keep students engaged while learning key scientific concepts either remotely or in the lab; and 3. Gain hands-on experiences with innovative products that increase student engagement, promote creativity and collaboration, and develop problem-solving skills.

SPEAKERS:
Nüsret Hisim, Colleen McDaniel

Claim, Evidence…And Then What? Scaffolding Scientific Explanations with BioInteractive

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W474a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

- Robust student reasoning requires scaffolding and feedback. Attendees will engage in different strategies that provide these for students during the scientific explanation process. -Scientific explanations follow a progression of practice: high school students are asked to provide counter arguments and additional evidence to support their claims. HHMI BioInteractive resources can allow them to do this more effectively. -Explanations can be done individually and as a group, as formative and summative assessments. Participants will engage in different styles of explanation throughout the session. Everyone will leave with at least one new idea for a scientific explanation they can use in their class.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will engage in different styles of explanation throughout the session. Everyone will leave with at least one new idea for a scientific explanation they can use in their class.

SPEAKERS:
James Clark, Samantha Johnson

Creating and Sustaining Innovative Learning Spaces: Grants 101

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W193b


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Need FREE grant funds for STEAM education, but don't know where to start? This session unpacks how to engineer a grant proposal in 12 steps.

TAKEAWAYS:
From this session, educators will be able to: 1. describe grant types and grant funders; 2. illustrate the 12-step grant writing process; and 3. identify sources of grant funding.

SPEAKERS:
Bejanae Kareem

Creating Digital Works with iPad in the Science Classroom

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W186b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Leah LaCrosse NSTA Bulb Page
This page will give access to presentations in pdf and original files.

Show Details

From cartoon strips to mini documentaries, students can create digital works that show their science understanding. Having an all in one tool like the iPad allows students to show growth in their understanding with exciting, creative projects. Capturing videos, sounds and photos begins the student journey in learning. This session will begin with the why and move into the how. Sharing free apps for creation, the presenter will demonstrate the power of student creation. We will also highlight the various ways to assess and publish these student projects.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave this session with ready to go ideas for digital creation using iPad in the science classroom. Student samples from an 8th grade science classroom will be shared.

SPEAKERS:
Leah LaCrosse

Data, Tables, Graphs, Oh My! Strategies to Get All Students Doing & Speaking Science

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W176c


Show Details

We are naturally curious, prone to ask why? How? What? Unfortunately, somewhere along the way students lose the trust in their voices to ask questions of and from data. But data are what we use to do science and it permeates all aspects of society today. What should we do? Stop teaching the vocabulary of science and data first, and instead leverage classroom-ready strategies to empower students to lead with their innate curiosity to practice critical 21st century data literacy skills and master the science content. Join us to explore connections between our science content, inquiry-based activities, and data skills. We will experience research-based strategies and freely available resources for integrating phenomenon-based and local data into our science instruction to promote science literacy and student empowerment. We will participate in activities ourselves and reflect on approaches for how to bring these into our classrooms. Participants will leave more empowered to integrate data into their science content in purposeful ways to better help students do and communicate science. Working with and learning science from data fosters critical thinking skills, lifelong interests in science, and facilitates learners’ overall self-identity as a scientist. Let’s set all of our students up for success!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will identify how data literacy is a critical aspect of science literacy in the 21st century, how students can do a lot more with data than we often think or presume from their science vocabulary alone, and how to leverage existing strategies to authentically integrate data into 6-12 science instruction to teach their science content and increase literacy simultaneously.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hunter-Thomson

Dumpster Dive with STEM

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W175c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Dumpster Dive With STEM Participant Folder

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Connect the human impact of trash pollution to engineering design. Get your students thinking critically and creatively as they collaborate in real-world problem-solving. The global real-world issue of human-generated trash polluting local bodies of water is the main focus of this hands-on session. Using our partnership with the Howard County Conservancy, our students learn about their local watersheds and contribute to a Watershed Report Card. Students see how trash that is often found on our local schoolyards can affect our watershed, and they design a working model for trash removal in a local tributary. Basic coding will be used to design programs that will control sensors and motors through a microcontroller, thus removing the trash from the water source. The model will utilize solar and water power to move the trash into a separate receptacle. Various sensors will also be used to monitor water levels and determine the outcome of the program. This session will allow participants to find ways to increase the environmental stewardship of their students while incorporating engineering design into the science classroom. This project allows authentic integration of technology, mathematics, crosscutting concepts, science practices, and easy implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
Design a project that enhances STEM skills in students such as collaboration, curiosity and creative problem solving.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Kohout, Stacy Thibodeaux

Equitable and Authentic Assessments: Success of Collaborative Lab Practicums in the Middle or High School Science Classroom

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W181c


Show Details

Applying principles of Understanding By Design and Visible Thinking, learn how to design and implement authentic and equitable assessments in any middle school or high school science classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk away with easy-to-implement, real-world examples of collaborative lab practicums.

SPEAKERS:
Aruna Chavali, Laura Bader

Exploring Energy Forms and Transformations in the Real World

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W185a


Show Details

NEED’s Science of Energy stations provide a hands-on approach to experimenting with objects used in student’s daily lives while incorporating scientific processing skills such as making observations, measuring, recording results, compare and contrast, categorize, make predictions, analyze and graph results, and draw conclusions. Workshop participants will rotate through six stations just as their students would in the classroom or OST Program, to learn about the different forms of energy and energy transformations using objects such as a toy car, apple, yo-yo, compass, bouncy ball, glow stick, etc. Using the same materials, the station guides can be easily differentiated for elementary, intermediate, and secondary levels. Each station includes a "What's Happening" article that provides additional informational text on the energy transformation that took place at the station and ties to more real-life examples for further visualization and understanding. The station guides have been correlated to each state’s individual science and math standards, as well as effectively support Next Generation Science Standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
Workshop participants will engage in hands-on experiments just as their students would, using items we encounter in our daily lives that demonstrate energy forms and their transformations and applications to real-life examples for further visualization and understanding.

SPEAKERS:
Cori Nelson, Sharon Bird

Geometric String Art: Something for Everyone!

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W180



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

Show Details

During this session, I will provide participants with black card stock, needles, string, graph paper and tape. We will start by creating the artwork as this will fuel the discussion later. I will walk participants through the steps using a guided slideshow with pictures. They will be given multiple options and allowed to experiment with their selections. I will give them time to work at their tables to create their art and walk around to help. The discussion portion will happen after the art creation. I will ask the groups to share their art with their table. The valuable portion of the session is when we will brainstorm the modifications that can be done to help all students access this activity. I will ask groups to discuss and share out as I create a list. I will add any modifications not already mentioned. Next, I would like the groups to discuss how this can be used in their classes, including the modifications they would need to suit their students. As a take away, participants will have a note taking sheet, access to the slideshow (includes examples and instructions), list of supplies needed and where to purchase, their beautiful artwork, and valuable discussions.

TAKEAWAYS:
In addition to the art work, participants will leave with ideas, templates and modifications for a variety of students.

SPEAKERS:
Terri Serey

Installation Science Exhibits as Assessment Options

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W187c


Show Details

To help develop more scientifically curious and literate students, we use scientific literature or documentaries to engage students in developing the NGSS science practices. Students find an interesting topic, generate a question, collect and analyze data and then develop a Science Installation that communicates their learning to the greater community. Our most recent class project had students study how to grow food in a simulated Mars environment with the conditions controlled by student programmed raspberry pis. High school students organized 6th graders to do hands on data collection. They created a 10x12 foot exhibit that looked like a Martian landscape and highlighted the equipment they used with the plants still growing. The display included QR codes to communicate data and research using student-created videos, infographics, and data tables. Other installations include a monochromatic yellow room where everything looks grey and allowed observers to learn about the properties of light and the ways light energy is used in photosynthesis, the way it can be used to promote electrons, and the way it produces color. Other exhibits include sound waves and a history or music and musical instruments, the chemistry of color, and an environmental study of our use of carbon.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to guide students in the reading of scientific literature or the watching of documentaries in order to generate an authentic question and project. (How can we develop the capacity to farm on Mars? How does yellow monochromatic light produce the absence of color (an episode of Abstract, What can we learn about pollen structure from 3D printed files from Bayer’s agricultural division?) Participants will review a process to take the question and generate an authentic study that transcends a single class, grade, or discipline. (Students in 11th grade worked with students in 6th grade to test growing plants under controlled conditions that simulated Mars. Students in art and physics classes explored the properties of light and created a light-based art exhibit with science lessons on QR codes) Participants will explore a template for guiding students through the creation of an installation/exhibit that creatively shows the question, their experiment, their analysis, and potential solutions or conclusions in a creative and community-informing way. The exhibit is similar to an art installation with QR codes and experiment/study artifacts presented in a museum like scenario.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Helfant

Instructional Materials that Support Equitable Science Instruction for All Students

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W185b-c


Show Details

In this session, participants will be introduced to a framework for identifying the features of a classroom culture that support equitable sensemaking. There are four main features: 1. Who is engaged in (or excluded from) classroom activity? 2. Who is treated as a "knower" in the classroom? 3. What ways of knowing are privileged in the classroom? 4. What science is practiced in the classroom? This framework is based off Kerri Wingert's Classroom Culture Investigations document and utilized as a foundational pieces of the OpenSciEd materials. Participants will unpack this framework and identify in sample pieces of student work and classroom videos examples of each one of these categories in action. They will be provided with tools and resources for self-assessing their own classroom culture including an exit ticket they can give to students to help inform the instruction. Examples of student work and instructional materials will be from the OpenScIEd instructional materials for middle school science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Classroom culture is critical to providing equitable sensemaking opportunities for all students.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Delaney

It's All Fun and Games in High School Chemistry

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W196c


Show Details

High school chemistry focuses on the invisible world of the atom, making the learning of chemistry challenging. The vocabulary of chemistry is its own language; forming connections among abstract ideas can be difficult. When incorporated into the curriculum, games provide students with an experience that allows them to gain a better understanding of chemistry concepts. Device-free games allow students to engage with the content and their classmates. Our comprehensive review games for each unit are designed to provide an opportunity for students to problem solve, think critically and work as a team in a growth-mindset environment. Our experience supports the research that low-achieving students and students receiving educational supports find classroom games beneficial. This workshop will provide teachers an opportunity to play games covering the following topics: matter, atomic structure, periodic table, electron configuration, bonding (ionic, covalent, intermolecular), nomenclature, balancing equations, molar mass, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, solutions, gases, equilibrium and acids/bases.

TAKEAWAYS:
EVERYONE plays and learns along the way. Put ideas together, practice communication and teamwork to improve understanding and application of chemistry concepts. Appropriate for all levels of high school chemistry. Electronic resources for games will be available to workshop participants.

SPEAKERS:
Elaine Kollar, Laura Hessling, Tracy Smith

Let's Get Middle School Students Interested in Climate Change!

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W175a


Show Details

What causes seasons on Earth? How is permafrost affected by climate change? What can we learn from ice cores about climate? These questions are answered through a series of NGSS aligned, hands-on activities. Students design an experiment to test the effect of Earth’s tilt on seasons, explore the effect of climate change on structures built on permafrost, and more! The eesmarts climate change curriculum is composed of adapted lessons surrounding natural cycles that occur on Earth and in our solar system, including the carbon cycle and sunspot activity, how these cycles affect populations, and how humans may affect natural cycles. Activities examine evidence from the past through proxies such as tree rings, cherry tree blossoms, and ice core data. Additional topics include climate and ecosystems, the impact of invasive species, and how to minimize the effect of human activity. The lessons are part of the eesmarts K-12 curriculum, an energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy learning initiative funded by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. They are written in the 5-E Instructional Model and include presentation Google Slides and handouts. Select digital resources will be provided to participants. The complete eesmarts program is free and available to all Connecticut educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore activities involving natural cycles including the sun cycle, the carbon cycle, and seasons, as well as a variety of proxies and what they can tell us about Earth’s climate past and present.

SPEAKERS:
Kathleen Brooks, Karin Jakubowski

Making Sense of Genetic Information Through Modeling: Replication, Transcription, and Translation

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W475b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Making Sense of Genetic Information Through Modeling Replication, Transcription
Workshop Materials

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Center for BioMolecular Modeling

Teachers explore strategies that make student thinking visible while engaging all students with models to investigate the elegance of the Central Dogma of biology. Using the Flow of Genetic Information Kit and instructional strategies that promote modeling, revision of models, collaboration, and reflection, teachers will identify how modeling can be used to reveal student understanding of DNA and RNA structure and function. Teachers will investigate their own ideas and anticipate student ideas in using models. Teachers will explore how models for replication, transcription, and translation can provide spiraling instruction throughout a semester in order to enhance student success with complex ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will identify how modeling can be used to reveal student understanding of DNA and RNA structure and function.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman

Manipulating DNA using CRISPR/Cas9 in an in vitro system

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W476


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Bring authentic CRISPR/Cas9 to your class in the most easy-to-implement format possible. Use Cas9 enzyme paired with different guide RNAs to target specific DNA sequences. Use sequence analysis to predict where Cas9 will cut, then perform the experiment and compare predictions to results using DNA gel electrophoresis. Get to the heart of CRISPR/Cas9 function without the need for live organisms or complicated procedures. Real CRISPR/Cas is more accessible than you ever thought possible!

TAKEAWAYS:
Use real Cas9 enzyme to target and cut DNA with clear gel electrophoresis readouts to view results.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan

Building Yourself as a Teacher Leader and Change Agent

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375b



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

Show Details

Learn about opportunities to become a change agent within your school, district, and beyond. Discussion will be around strategies and programs to support teacher advocates.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn strategies and opportunities to support them in becoming change agents at various levels: within their school or district, local community, and state.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Vick, Maggie Moore

Rethinking the Climate Change Paradigm to Engage and Inspire the Next Generation

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W190b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Earth Overshoot

Teaching climate change as a symptom of planetary health using the overshoot model gives students a deeper understanding of environmental science and inspires hope and meaningful action.

TAKEAWAYS:
A more comprehensive systemic approach to our global environmental emergencies that concentrates on the interconnected causes instead of a narrow climate change focus gives students a broader and deeper understanding of our current environmental challenges and sets them up for successfully solving them.

SPEAKERS:
Terry Spahr

Solid Composite Propellant Model Rocket Science Education

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W194b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: AeroTech/Quest, Div. of RCS Rocket Motor Component

Explore the differences between aerospace-grade solid composite propellant model rocket motors and traditional black powder model rocket motors in science education, STEM programs, TARC Competition, and collegiate rocket team activities. We'll assemble a Quest Astra III model rocket kit during the workshop to take back to your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
In model rocket science education, AeroTech/Quest products have been "STEM from the beginning!”™

SPEAKERS:
Dane Boles

Sweet Science: Exploring Complex Mixtures with Biotechnology

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W192c


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Explore the science of candy colors! In this hands-on workshop, we’ll use electrophoresis and chromatography to separate mixtures of molecules based on their physical properties.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore the physical properties of molecules using chromatography and electrophoresis.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Ell, Danielle Snowflack

Teaching with Co-Lob-Orate

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W192b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Fisher Science Education & Aldon

Looking for ways to connect your classroom, regardless of whether students are in school or at home? Co-lab-orate is an innovative digital lab notebook that allows educators to easily create, assign, and grade lab reports, while helping students communicate with their classmates and teachers. Co-lab-orate can be used to complete hands-on activities done individually or in a group setting, when working at school or remotely. Join Fisher Science Education and Aldon as we conduct an experiment while showcasing Co-lab-Orate’s game changing and cost-effective teaching platform!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will perform a lab experiment and record the results on their own device experiencing the full power of Co-Lab-Orate.

SPEAKERS:
Kymberly Hall, Alex Molinich

The STEM of PBL

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W179b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
_Main_Course.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HyFVEpZyEY
STEM PBL in action
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a487rcwqsLc
Guiding questions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a487rcwqsLc
The Engineering Design Process/Journal Reflections
Projects VS PBL.docx
What Is PBL_ARTICLE.pdf
Why Is PBL Important_ARTICLE.pdf

Show Details

Participants will understand how to develop and effectively implement STEM curriculum units that include project based activities and performance based assessments. Participants will learn to help students answer complex questions and develop solutions for challenges and real-world problems. They will also assist students with extending and refining their acquired knowledge to routinely analyze and solve problems. By the end of this session: 1) Participants will gain a clear and coherent understanding of what a STEM PBL is and how it works. 2) Participants will be able to identify and create effective essential questions. 3) Participants will be able to identify and apply the components of a STEM PBL. 4) Understand how STEM PBL’s will impact instruction for participants and students. Agenda: What is PBL? Why is it important? How does a STEM PBL Work? How to effectively integrate journal reflections. Ways to Implement STEM PBL’s

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to effectively implement STEM PBL’s (Project Based Learning) by integrating the components of STEM and PBL in order to grow students' capacity for creativity, fun, and back-loaded learning in a STEM context.

SPEAKERS:
Adero Carter

Using scientific data and data collection to make sense of real world phenomena!

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W176a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Chicago Packet.pdf
Copy of Opening (1).pptx

Show Details

Using data collection , participants will learn how to actively engage students in a conversation about data and the phenomena that it explains. Participants will learn how to create and/or modify old lessons, labs, and activities into opportunities for discussion , inquiry, and discovery using calculators, Nspire, and labquests.

TAKEAWAYS:
Create a dynamic lesson for use in the science classroom using data collection.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Coker

Using the Scientific Process to Conquer Smallpox

Thursday, July 21 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W196a


Show Details

We can examine natural phenomena and address wicked problems using the scientific process. The smallpox virus emerged approximately 10,000 years ago, and the virus's global spread devastated civilizations. Thanks to the scientific thinking of a Buddhist nun, a milkmaid, and Edward Jenner, smallpox was declared eradicated in 1979 by the World Health Organization. To support the understanding of the nature of science in the NGSS (Appendix H), session participants will engage in activities that demonstrate how science is used to answer questions about the natural world through a process that is consistent, observational, natural, predictable, tentative, and testable. Additionally, participants will examine various media sources to learn how to identify scientific misinformation and the tactics used to make misinformation appear credible. The National Center for Science Education supports science teachers through free professional development and curriculum to recognize and address science misconceptions using the three dimensions of the NGSS. Resources: https://ncse.ngo/supporting-teachers/classroom-resources

TAKEAWAYS:
This session introduces participants to a basic understanding of the scientific process, how our knowledge of the natural world evolves with new evidence, and that science cannot answer questions that do not pertain to natural processes. Attendees will take a deep dive into an NGSS storyline sequence developed to help students understand that science is an ongoing process that must be supported by multiple lines of evidence to be accepted by the scientific community.

SPEAKERS:
Lin Andrews, DeeDee Wright, Cari Herndon, Blake Touchet, Ayesha Alirahi

AP Biology Science Exploration: How to Engage AP Students After the Exam and Increase Community Involvement in STEM

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:10 PM

McCormick Place - W187a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
elementary_name_tags.pdf
elementary_science_explorations_instructions.pdf
Science Explorations_NSTA_2022.pdf
student ideas.pdf
student_grading_sheet.doc

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

This presentation will include a proven model for allowing elementary students to explore and experience AP Biology content (at their level).

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will take with them a protocol and resources for the successful implementation of an idea of what to do after the AP Biology exam. This allows AP students to explore a topic of interest and share that topic with elementary students.

SPEAKERS:
Scott VanderVeen

Arctic Engagement - Interdisciplinary Opportunities and Strategies from Polar Educators International

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:10 PM

McCormick Place - W176a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Arctic Engagement
This is our slideshow with all links, including information about PolarTREC and Polar Educators International.

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

The Arctic keeps the entire world climate in balance and is a crucial, relevant, and engaging area of study for students. PolarTREC teachers will relate their experiences working with polar research scientists in Greenland to action projects for students in grades 6-12. The session will include interdisciplinary lessons and classroom strategies designed to connect polar science with Arctic geography and ecosystems and also economic and cultural systems . Moreover, the presenters are on the Council of Polar Educators International and will introduce participants to that organization and its strategies for building greater inclusion of Indigenous Arctic peoples in the global conversation about climate change and its repercussions..

TAKEAWAYS:
Practical multicurricular resources and activities ready for immediate implementation into curriculum and classroom

SPEAKERS:
Anne Schoeffler

Astronomy: Teaching Nighttime Subjects during the Day

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W192b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Fisher Science Education

Space exploration is expanding and so are the needs for scientists who look to space for solutions to our current issues. So how do you spark the imagination of your kids? Let’s make astronauts cool again! This workshop focusses on creating that spark in middle school aged children by focusing on products that can relate space to students in a classroom during daylight hours. We will focus on three categories of products. 1) Portable, affordable telescopes designed for night time use that can be loaned out to students. 2) Apps and teaching aids that can be used during class to simulate a nighttime setting. 3) Products that specifically are designed to work during the day such as a sun scope or classroom models.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn about a series of products designed to teach space to students during the day.

Connect and Collect: Photosynthesis in Minutes

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W471b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Stop counting bubbles. It has never been easier to visualize photosynthesis in the classroom. Use the latest technology to measure photosynthesis and the variables that affect it. Bring your own device with our Graphical Analysis app installed or use our devices. All activities are available as a free download for attendees.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain experience with hands-on technology that encourages students to explore and test different solutions and make connections to the real world; 2. Get access to free resources to keep students engaged while learning key scientific concepts either remotely or in the lab; and 3. Gain hands-on experiences with innovative products that increase student engagement, promote creativity and collaboration, and develop problem-solving skills.

SPEAKERS:
Colleen McDaniel, Nüsret Hisim

Data and Storylines: The key to helping all students become STEM literate

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:10 PM

McCormick Place - W176c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Data and Storylines
Resources for Teachers
Resource Folder
Resource Folder

Show Details

News bulletins on social media and news sites contain topics that students need to understand now so that they can make informed decisions for their world today and tomorrow. STEM literacy is crucial to learners struggling to understand the multitude of information bombarding them through television, social media and the internet. Students in K-12 must become STEM literate so that they can identify, understand and solve problems in the world around them. STEM Literacy promotes innovative thinking and creativity as well as collaboration, problem solving, and most importantly, critical thinking. Today’s challenges need answers from our students but first they need to understand issues including climate change, space travel, robotics. By using real-world applications of scientific data and storylines, students become critical consumers, problem-solvers, and change-makers. Students who are STEM literate will be able to think critically and act responsibly about issues that impact them. In this session, lessons and strategies will be shared with teachers to inspire and to support their students as they develop STEM literacy skills. These lessons will encourage students to explore, explain and develop solutions to real phenomena and solve real problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Three Takeaways: 1) Teachers will become familiar with technology, literacy and adaptive learning for middle school and high school students. 2) Teachers will be introduced to the free materials available that align with NGSS standards. 3) Teachers will be given ideas on how to incorporate these lessons in class

SPEAKERS:
Diane Ripollone, Kathy Biernat

Demystifying Protein Dimensionality & Exploring Enzymes

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W475b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Demystifying Protein Dimensionality Exploring Enzymes
Workshop Resources

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Are your students confused about protein structure and its relationship to its function? In this hands-on, interactive session, explore how proteins get their dimensionality. Then focus on enzymes, their active sites, and which factors limit enzyme activity. Finally, learn some tips to aid your students in interpreting results from the catalase lab. Extend your students' learning with these NGSS, AP, or IB consistent lessons.  Participants will: • Demonstrate how the unique properties of the 20 amino acids determine the final shape of the protein. • Experience how modifications to the enzyme active site affects its reactivity. • Apply knowledge of enzymes to explain the results of the catalase lab.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore how the unique properties of amino acids determine the final structure of a protein and how that structure impact’s function.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Hutson

Digital Choose-Your-Own Science Adventure

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:10 PM

McCormick Place - W185a


Show Details

Participants experience three different digital design challenges using branching scenarios that provide student choice and data sets involving wind energy, electromagnetism, and the greenhouse effect.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will engage in three digital design challenges to test the efficiency of wind turbine blades, the strength of electromagnets, and the greenhouse effect on different land surfaces (polar region, water, and desert).

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Tonkinson, Sharyon Holness, Kathleen Brooks

Executive Function Supports for Creating Inclusive Science Classrooms

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:10 PM

McCormick Place - W179a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TUPMxotRYq0ZsboPp7i1jxMVKthb0vnv?usp=sharing

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Come learn about simple, applicable strategies to support your students' executive function skills in the science classroom, with an emphasis on project planning, organization, flexible thinking, and time management.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will identify the educational impact of the 11 main executive functions, as well as learn concrete strategies for supporting their students in both general and special education settings.

SPEAKERS:
Krista Northcutt

Exploring the Genetics of Taste: SNP Analysis of the PTC Gene Using PCR

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W192c


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Explore the relationship between genotype and phenotype using your sense of taste and biotechnology! Examine variations in your bitter taste receptor with PCR and electrophoresis.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore the link between genotype and phenotype using PCR and a PTC tasting assay.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Ell, Danielle Snowflack

Genome: Unlocking Life's Code - Genetics Resources from NSTA and NIH

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:10 PM

McCormick Place - W184b-c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Genome: Unlocking Life's Code Collection

Show Details

In this session, participants will be given an overview of the Food Allergy Storyline, a High School Unit that addresses LS1.A and LS3.A. The anchoring phenomenon for the unit is something familiar yet still mysterious to this generation of students - bans on certain foods in their cafeterias and classrooms. Students will probably be able to connect the bans to food allergies but might not be able to explain why a person has food allergies. The first day of the unit allows students to consider what they do and don't know about food allergies and what they want to find out. This gives them a reason for investigating the biological mechanism behind food allergies and intolerances. In doing so, they will make sense of Disciplinary Core Ideas related to genetics and genomics.

TAKEAWAYS:
The Food Allergy Storyline provides an opportunity for students to make sense of Disciplinary Core Ideas related to genetics and genomics.

SPEAKERS:
Patrice Scinta

Inclusive Grading of 3-D Science

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:10 PM

McCormick Place - W178b


Show Details

How can grading better represent students’ 3-D learning? This workshop will take a specific focus on grading phenomenon-driven curricula that do not have typical worksheets.

TAKEAWAYS:
Standards-based grading and careful selection of student work aligned to lesson-level PEs for feedback can help make 3-D learning more meaningful for students.

SPEAKERS:
Kerri Wingert

Informal Science Share-a-Thon

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 3:40 PM

McCormick Place - W183c


Show Details

Informal science can be found every day in the world around us. Visit exhibitors at the Share-a-thon to learn about many of those incredible examples.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Kutsch

Inspiring the Next Generation of Zoologists through a High School and Informal Science Partnership

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:10 PM

McCormick Place - W180


Show Details

A partnership between University Prep Science and Math High school and the Detroit Zoological Society is providing students with opportunities to explore careers in zoology and conservation. Hands-on learning in the classroom with highly qualified teachers is complemented with regular visits to the Detroit Zoo, local green spaces, and the Belle Isle Aquarium, where students participate in facilitated programming, collect data for individual projects, and engage with content area experts. Over the four years in the Zoology Pathway program, students build their conceptual understanding of science skills through authentic learning experiences and explore topics of their personal interest in depth. This program has the potential to support students from groups who are historically underrepresented in STEM fields, including life sciences, and provide them an advantage as they pursue post-secondary opportunities and future careers with an already established professional network.

TAKEAWAYS:
Partnerships between schools and informal science organizations can support underrepresented students in pursuing post-secondary STEM opportunities. Pairing informal and formal science learning can build interest in STEM content, especially for students who are historically underrepresented in STEM fields. Co-collaboration of learning experiences leads to more robust, long-term partnerships.

SPEAKERS:
John Lockhart, Claire Lannoye-Hall

La Ciencia Del Folklore: Connecting Latino Legends to Elementary Science

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:10 PM

McCormick Place - W179b


Show Details

We will model activities that link Latino folktales to science and ELA learning as a means to connect natural phenomena and culture.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will walk away with Latin American folktales that connect to science phenomena for quick implementation in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Ivan Ochoa Martinez, Julio Mendez, Madison Delaney

Meet Me in the Middle, Lite: A Share-a-Thon

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W183b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
UIC Teacher Fellows Info
Informational Flyer on Teacher Fellows program to develop classroom learning companion robots

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Engage in a variety of activities, collect information and resources, and network with middle level leaders. Discover new ideas and materials that you can use next week.

TAKEAWAYS:
The participants will network with other middle level science educators and leaders to discover and engage in activities that will expand their knowledge and be usable in all aspects of their work.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Lou Lipscomb, Alison Seymour, Loris Chen, Cynthia Crockett, Suzanne Cunningham, Nicole Green, Kim Nagle, Katy Garvey, Joseph Michaelis, Dennis Schatz, Stacy Thibodeaux, Anne Schoeffler, Alison Seymour, Barbara Phillips-Bredlow, Cori Nelson, Corydon Strawser, Carey Dieleman, Dawn Konieczny, Erin Towns

Next Generation Dissection

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W471a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Is there still a place for dissections in the NGSS classroom? The answer is yes! We will demonstrate how to integrate the three dimensions of learning while highlighting adaptations and the relationship between structure and function with a frog dissection.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to integrate dissection into the NGSS classroom and expereience a review of frog dissection techniques and anatomy.

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau

Next Level Learning: Using Interactive STEM Cases to Power Up Thinking!

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W190b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: ExploreLearning

STEM cases are an integral part of meaningful inclusive and authentic learning. They can range from community awareness to global crises. Students can instantly make socio-emotional connections to the cases as the phenomenon they are reviewing can be happening just beyond the walls of their classrooms. (And studies show that when students make emotional connections, they are able to redirect more content into long-term memory storage!) In addition, STEM cases can support all students by differentiating delivery and assessment, using technology (which has its own modifications and accommodations), and by also providing handbooks for educators and students to create additional in depth pedagogy and experiences. Because we focus on the process, educators can assess science and engineering skills over time as students complete more than a dozen standards-based studies. Session Outline: 1) Participants will learn more about the value of providing a career-readiness approach to STEM learning. 2) We'll review the research behind an effective program like Interactive STEM Cases. 3) Participants will see how we can see real-time data collection and see how this approach makes sense to pause if we need to support a challenging concept 4) Participants will have an opportunity to jump into an Interactive STEM Case to get excited about adding this resource to their students’ tool kit.

TAKEAWAYS:
The purpose of providing students with real-time scenarios to engage STEM enthusiasm.

SPEAKERS:
David Kanter

NGSS High School Earth Science: Using Climate Proxies

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W470b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Lab-Aids

How can scientists tell what Earth’s climate was like thousands of years before human measurements? This activity simulates the use of fossil ocean foraminifera, tiny organisms whose growth patterns are different in warm or cold water. Your students will analyze and graph samples of replicas of these organisms, and use this information to determine relative warm and cold periods in the past 200,000 years. This activity is from EDC Earth Science, a new NSF-supported high school earth science program from Lab-Aids that uses an active, data-oriented approach to the student of earth science and earth systems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn what Earth’s climate was like thousands of years before human measurements.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Koker

Preparing for the 2023 Annular and 2024 Total Solar Eclipses

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:10 PM

McCormick Place - W175a


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Learn about the many resources available to help plan your viewing of the 2023 annular and 2024 total solar eclipses.

TAKEAWAYS:
In order to see the maximum coverage of the Sun in a solar eclipse, the most important detail is a clear sky and fewer clouds. According to current climate data, the best locations to observe each solar eclipse will be reviewed.

SPEAKERS:
Richard Thomas

STEMscopes Showcase: What’s New at STEMscopes?

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W470a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

If you're using STEMscopes (or wanna-be), this session is for you. Come see examples of the EXCITING and NEW ASPECTS to the most popular digital science curriculum during this showcase. Discover program enhancements, Google integration, streaming, coding, engineering, and much more.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about STEMscopes' various components and programs by experienced users in a hands-on setting.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kenneth Heydrick, Jacque Garcia, Tammy Motley, Amanda McGee, Ashley Mathis, Bobby Barron

Strategies to Improve Communications in Inclusive Classrooms

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:10 PM

McCormick Place - W181c


Show Details

Improve inclusive classroom dynamics between teachers, families, and students by reflecting on disability model perspectives, identifying barriers to collaboration, and determining effective avenues of communication.

TAKEAWAYS:
The triangle of inclusion presents pathways that can be used by administrators and teachers to recognize and overcome barriers faced within the inclusive classroom and includes strategies such as early open communications, student advocacy, professional learning opportunities, and mentorships.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Wack

Studying the Wright Brothers and Testing Airfoils: Bringing STEM into the History Classroom

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:10 PM

McCormick Place - W184a


Show Details

As a high school Engineering teacher, I'm passionate about the effects project-based learning can have on students' ability to engage with classroom material. I don't believe that hands-on STEM work needs to be limited to the science classroom and want to share a project that has been done in a freshman History class and could be adapted to incorporate other topics. Using online 3D modeling software, a 3D printer, and a wind generator, students studying the Wright brothers drew their own historically significant airfoils (like The Spirit of St. Louis and the Enola Gay), 3D printed them, and tested them. Students learned airfoil terminology, like camber and chord, and used airfoil ratios to create their scale models. While testing, we discussed the variations of the wings and why engineers might value payload capacity over speed based on the plane's use. My hope is that this presentation can encourage teachers to bring STEM concepts into other curricular departments as a way to demonstrate the types of connections students can make when they're working hands-on. This presentation will detail the steps of the project, materials needed, and highlight the challenges and lessons we've learned over the four years we've run this unit.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will see an example of how a STEM teacher brought project based learning into a freshman History class and how that project has evolved and expanded over four years. We will present the curriculum and materials needed for this week-long project for others to employ at their own schools.

SPEAKERS:
Abigail Mills

Teaching Conservation Genetics with the Duke Lemur Center

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W476


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Bring your students on an expedition to Madagascar! Analyze morphological data and run electrophoresis gels to determine whether researchers have rediscovered a species of lemur once thought to be extinct. Your students will analyze actual field data, construct phylogenetic trees from DNA sequence data, and compare generalist and specialist species facing ecological change. This collaboration with the Duke Lemur Center was designed with the goal of bringing molecular techniques to Ecology and Evolution units and is based directly on their published and unpublished data. As either a quick, single-period gel electrophoresis lab or a weeklong mini-unit, this lab offers flexibility, engagement, and high-quality curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Bring molecular approaches to ecology and evolution units by exploring authentic data from researchers at the Duke Lemur Center

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan

Teaching Critical-Thinking Skills to Reluctant Teenagers

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:10 PM

McCormick Place - W181b


Show Details

Learn how to overcome the apathy of teenagers, understand their motivations for not asking questions, and get them to be curious again!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will take away multiple strategies to implement in their classroom to spark the curiosity of teens they teach.

SPEAKERS:
Jamye Carr

The Africa Storyline: Successful Strategies for the Co-Taught Classroom

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:10 PM

McCormick Place - W184d



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Africa Modifications Presentation

Show Details

The storyline approach supports a classroom culture that promotes equity and belonging. As teachers who have transitioned from a traditional approach to the Illinois Storylines, we have implemented a variety of practices to meet the needs of every student in the class. Also further supporting NGSS principles, storylines give students the opportunity to engage in science practices as intended. In our session we will discuss strategies for modifying the Illinois Storyline curriculum for students with a variety of unique needs. Participants will be provided with a platform to discuss their classroom dynamic, examples of modified instruction, and the opportunity to practice tailoring the storylining curriculum to meet the needs of their students. We will have the audience actively participating in small and large group discussions on how modifications can be created for a set of storyline activities. Finally all of our modified materials will be shared in a google team drive, which includes over 175 educators currently contributing modified materials.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to recognize and remove barriers that students often face to increase engagement in NGSS storylines

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Pavic, Julia Navarro, Madeline Thomas

What Is a Phenomenon Anyway?

Thursday, July 21 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W194b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Phenomenon Science Education

In this session, we will explore what phenomena are by looking at examples and non-examples and using criteria to figure out the differences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be given criteria and guidelines that they will use to evaluate science phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Sharon Cates, Joshua Smith

A Model for Recruiting and Retaining Hispanic Students in STEM Fields

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W181b


Show Details

Hispanic students are a growing minority in school systems. However, the number of Hispanic students earning certificates and degrees in STEM fields at the post-secondary level is far below that of other students. To address this problem, Hispanic students and their families need to be introduced to STEM subjects (including hands-on activities) and STEM professionals (including professors and students majoring in STEM fields) beginning in elementary school. This communication and relationship building needs to continue in both middle school and high school. It then culminates with dual enrollment classes, mentorships, and internships at the community college level. In this presentation, you will be introduced to the RHiTA (recruiting Hispanics to achieve) program at Walters State Community College and the Hispanic STEM engagement pipeline. You will hear about the successes and the failures of this program and the plans for the future. You will be given tips and advice to create a similar program at your college.

TAKEAWAYS:
Develop and implement a pipeline from elementary school to community college in STEM subjects to engage Hispanic students.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Moore, Elesha Goodfriend

Built for Success: Utilizing Teams to Improve Informal Science Opportunities

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W178a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Presentation - Brian Kutsch

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Informal science learning opportunities can be so much more than a trip to the zoo or museum. The resources available at informal learning organizations can greatly strengthen or supplement those at formal learning institutions. Collaboration is key to achieving such results. In many cases, those partnerships are strengthened through the creation of formalized teams or committees. Quite often, that’s where the struggle begins. Frequently, teams are not structured to react quickly to changes and they don’t mature in a manner that provides stability as they age. Whether starting from scratch or reenergizing an existing team, it’s important to recruit members with the right skills and resources, engage them effectively and layout a structure that allows them to succeed… even during times when you can’t be there to lead them. The guidance discussed in this session will provide attendees with successful tips and K-12 examples that they can take with them as they improve informal science in their communities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Tips on building teams from scratch, reorganizing existing teams and laying the path for continued success.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Kutsch

Changing the Mindset: How Labels for Science Courses Can Affect the Academic Achievement of High School Students

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W184a


Show Details

This session will focus on how educators can support students to change their mindset in relation to the “labels" used to classify their science courses.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be able to: 1. understand the impact that labels used to classify science courses—such as regular, honors, or AP—can have in the academic performance of high school students; learn simple strategies that can be implemented in the classroom to help students changing their mindset in regards of the courses that they are taking; and 3. learn how these strategies can contribute to foster a more positive attitude and a more productive culture of learning in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Ileana Bermudez Luna

Engaging Emergent Multilingual Students in Scientific Sensemaking

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W179b


Show Details

A team of high school teachers and university researchers presents a process of their collaboration and learning about teaching multilingual students using an NGSS-focused curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to design and carry out effective and positive collaboration centered around a specific goal (e.g., establishing a clear structure of work cycle) and several key principles for teaching emergent multilingual students that were developed through the collaboration (e.g., multimodality).

SPEAKERS:
Katerina Kiriazopoulos, Laura Decker, Minjung Ryu, Anna Kordek, Maks Malec

Formative Assessment and Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W187c


Show Details

This session is intended to discuss the importance of formative assessment as a tool for guiding students and helping all students to make progress. A variety of formative assessment tools will be explored. Most importantly, the use of individual feedback on formative assessments will be demonstrated and we will discuss how this leads to improved metacognition and critical thinking skills for students. Attendees will see sample student work on formative assessments and accompanying sample teacher feedback. They will practice making comments of there own, in addition to discussing logistical concerns with the practice of individualized feedback.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session is intended to discuss the importance of formative assessment as a tool for guiding students and helping all students to make progress.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Maguire

Getting at What Students Know Without Grading Taking Over Your Life

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W178b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
getting at what students know without grading taking over your life.pptx

Show Details

Want to know what the students actually know, but don't want to spend all of your time grading? Adjust your assessment questions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to adapt "typical" assessment questions into more meaningful questions in order to better understand what the students know without the endless hours of grading.

SPEAKERS:
Meredith Diehl

Incorporating the 3 Rs of Animal Use in High School Science Classes

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W175a


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

A cross-disciplinary team of teachers, subject matter experts, and curriculum developers have designed resources and materials to facilitate teaching students about the use of animals in scientific research in the United States, as well as Russell and Burch’s 3 Rs principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal use. The materials, which are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, are geared toward high school science students. The modules can be taught separately or in combination, giving educators flexibility to choose specific content areas to share and explore with their students. During the session, we will present two learning plans: one that introduces students to the 3 Rs principles and how animals are used in scientific research, and another that covers the 3 Rs principles in more depth. We will share information, including teaching plans, learning materials, and performance assessment tasks associated with the curriculum, with session attendees.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about the content and activities covered in two lesson plans focused on the use of animals in scientific research in the United States and the 3 Rs principles. Sample lesson plans and associated learning materials, including presentations, articles, and worksheets, will be shared with attendees.

SPEAKERS:
Pam Osenkowski

Integrating CS into Science Storylines

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W176c


Show Details

Science teachers at Lindblom Math and Science Academy in Chicago Public Schools have worked with Northwestern University’s CT-STEM department to develop computational thinking in science units aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. The goal is for students to understand and apply computational thinking practices in their science classrooms to help make sense of phenomena or problems, analyze data, use models and develop explanations. Units, built by teachers, are designed to cover core science concepts in physics, chemistry, and biology. This program allows teachers to work with CT-STEM members to develop new simulations or other CT activities that work best in the unit. This was developed based on teacher need, when simulations didn’t exist to address the big ideas. Integration of NetLogo models, SageModeler, NetTango, and other data analysis activities are used to help students make real world connections. These tools allow students to learn and apply basic computer science ideas and skills as well as the 3-D of NGSS. Developed unit topics include: stoichiometry, climate change, gas laws, and energy. These units are available for public use and can be easily modified on the CT-STEM platform for teachers to use.

TAKEAWAYS:
Overview of how teachers integrated Computational Thinking into science units and how to access units for Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science

SPEAKERS:
Carole Namowicz, Lauren Levites

Kiss the Ground: Why is a Covered Planet a Healthy Planet?

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W184b-c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://my.nsta.org/collection/ca_scvmXiXtk_E

Show Details

In this session participants are introduced to the lesson Why is a covered planet a healthy planet? In this lesson, students use a digital tool to analyze large data sets available from NASA Earth Observations to identify spatial and temporal patterns that can help support (or refute) the claim that tilling the land in spring (Northern Hemisphere) causes an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere and the growing crops causes the amount to decrease in summer. This lesson is based on ideas presented in the film Kiss the Ground.

TAKEAWAYS:
Why is a Covered Planet a Healthy Planet? provides students with an opportunity to analyze large data sets in order to support or refute a claim about the effect tilling the land in the spring has on carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere.

SPEAKERS:
Patrice Scinta

Planning More Accessible Science Lessons with Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W184d



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Claims and evidence.jpg
Debate.jpg
Final Planning Science Lessons For ALL- NSTA Chicago.pptx
Planning Science Lessons For ALL- NSTA Chicago.pdf
Speaking like a scientist.pdf - Inv. Part 1.pdf

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

In this presentation we will start with an existing basic physical science lesson that uses disciplinary core ideas on electricity, the engineering practice of making a model by constructing a basic electrical circuit, and the cross-cutting concept of cause and effect (closing the circuit starts current flow and turns on the light). We will then modify it using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) so it is more accessible, especially for students with disabilities. UDL encourages multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement for presenting and receiving content and information related to the lesson and gives students several ways to acquire the lesson knowledge, Multiple means of expression allows the students several choices in how they can “show what they know” and multiple means of engagement offers learners offers appropriate challenges to get students interested and motivated. Planning or modifying lessons using UDL not only makes lessons more accessible, but it also makes lessons more engaging for all students in inclusive classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
1) Universal Design for Learning (UDL) encourages multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement for presenting and receiving content and information related to the lesson. Use of UDL makes lessons more engaging for all students. 2) Applying UDL (Universal Design for Learning) will make the lesson more accessible, especially for students with special needs. 3) You may start with a lesson you already have. It is not necessary to develop a lesson from scratch when using UDL.

SPEAKERS:
Mary O'Donnell, Gargi Adhikari

Preparing Teachers to Address Challenging Scientific and Environmental Topics through Research, Dialogue, and Experiential Learning

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W181c


Show Details

Ongoing findings from NSF Project: #1950232. Graduate students at an HBCU complete a 14-month accelerated pathway that leads to both a masters degree in biology and teacher certification while being supported with a $20,000.00 scholarship. Project offers unique professional development opportunities and academic interventions that aim to enhance teacher conceptual understanding and efficacy to teach challenging and controversial scientific and environmental topics such as climate change and evolution. Paper presentation will first focus on comparing teacher profiles of the project participants versus the average state graduate of traditional teacher preparation programs. Initially, project data on beginning teacher demographics and diversity will be compared to state and national averages. Here we will show project utility in recruiting diverse candidates into high school science teaching positions. Next, the session will present findings on GPA, and discipline specific content hours at the graduate and undergraduate level along with performance on licensure exams to compare aptitude in biological concepts in project participants vs other beginning teachers. This will demonstrate project impact on recruiting, training and producing science educators with strong content backgrounds. Prior research has shown that in general students that had high school teachers that were had strong content knowledge and high levels of efficacy positively impacted future STEM career and academic success (Adelman, 1999). Lastly, paper presentation will share results on a pre/post assessment of educator efficacy of teaching perceived controversial scientific topics such as evolution, climate change and vaccines. Project participants were pretested upon starting their academic program and post-tested upon completion. These results are compared to a control group of recent graduates from a secondary science traditional teacher preparation program. Findings show impact of program participation on growth of efficacy to teach controversial topics and project utility compared to traditional teacher preparation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Session participants will: 1. Develop an understanding on how to recruit diverse individuals into the profession of secondary science teaching 2. Understand the complexity of the STEM pipeline in regards to K-16 teaching and eventual student career and academic pursuits 3. Appreciate the need for scholarships, incentives, pay and ongoing professional for secondary science educators 4. Understand how content knowledge, academic preparation and experiences associated with research and professional development impact teacher effectiveness and student achievement 5. Realize the importance of teacher efficacy and the need for training at both the in-service and pre-service levels to foster its growth.

SPEAKERS:
Timothy Goodale

Providing actionable feedback to build students’ self-reflection skills

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W181a


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

How many teacher comments on student work are left unread? Or, even if they are read, how useful are they to the student? Can the student positively internalize the feedback and use it to improve their work? Chances are the answer is no! But it doesn’t have to be this way! During this session, participants will learn more effective strategies for giving actionable feedback and methods to help their students utilize feedback to improve their work. First we’ll learn how to ask questions in student feedback and how differently questions are internalized by the student. For example, consider the difference between, “I don’t understand what you mean here,” and “Can you explain in more detail what you meant in this statement?” Then we’ll discover how to make sure teachers' feedback is read and used by students to improve their work. By making self reflection a formalized step in the learning process, teachers provide students opportunities to practice this important skill! Participants will receive a worksheet with feedback tips and tricks.

TAKEAWAYS:
Several methods that can be applied immediately in the classroom, providing feedback encouraging students to be self reflective of their own work.

SPEAKERS:
Regina Borriello

Scientific Tools to Identify and Correct Student Misconceptions

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W186b


Show Details

Misconceptions are both worrisome and problematic to STEM educators because students continue to build knowledge on their current understanding, negatively impacting their learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, participants will be provided with a framework to deconstruct, reconstruct, and construct (D.R.C. Model) the teaching and learning experience in the STEM classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Jackson-Osagie, Catherine Alexander

STEM-Inquiry-SEL Connections

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W186a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
SEL-PBL Session Slides
SEL-PBL Toolkit

Show Details

Explore connections between inquiry, project-based learning (PBL), and social-emotional learning (SEL) through a new essential practices guide. Learn strategies that build SEL skills, making PBL accessible to all students.

TAKEAWAYS:
In order to make project-based learning accessible for all students, the development of social-emotional skills must be intentionally planned and explicitly taught.

SPEAKERS:
Kristana Rogers

That doesn't look like a science fair!

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W179a


Show Details

This session is designed to help teachers deepen their understanding of the effective and practical strategies needed to facilitate a successful science fair competition or symposium in either a face-to-face or hybrid environment. Participants will be provided with a variety of instructional strategies and free curriculum materials to ensure that all students have access to a social learning platform that will encourage opportunities to collaborate with peers and mentors through intentional planning. The instructional strategies used in this presentation will promote student engagement, differentiation, and scientific understanding to help form a more inclusive learning environment within the classroom and within the district community.

TAKEAWAYS:
--Participants will experience a variety of impactful instructional strategies that promote authentic scientific research and presentation to promote access to equitable future opportunities for students regarding college and/or career endeavors

SPEAKERS:
Angela McMurry

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W180


Show Details

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. participate in a discussion on defining STEM based professional development; 2. have an opportunity to view strategies that supports inquiry in science and 3. be able to view research and data that supports the impact of STEM based professional development on achievement.

SPEAKERS:
Takisha Gastile

Using GeoSpatial Data to Teach Climate Justice

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W176a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Link to Schools for Climate Action Campaign
Free resources for student advocacy for climate justice on local, state and federal level.
Presentation
Resources, curriculum, lesson plans, sample case studies of student advocacy

Show Details

Let's discuss the expansion and availability of geospatial data (arcGIS, EJScreen, CalAdapt) to examine environmental justice issues in their own community and create climate resilience action plans for an authentic audience (city council, school district, state lawmakers).

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore strategies for using geospatial data to examine, interpret, and act on place-based environmental justice issues in their communities.

SPEAKERS:
Nancy Metzger-Carter

Visual-based science education as see through the eyes of a neurologist

Thursday, July 21 • 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM

McCormick Place - W185a


Show Details

I plan to show examples of narrated, evolving images. I plan to show images of neuranatomy. I plan to show the results of a student performance using visual-based teaching. I plan to discuss other tips for effective teaching.

TAKEAWAYS:
Why students learn more in less time by viewing narrated, evolving images than by reading a textbook.

SPEAKERS:
Sheldon Margulies, M.D.

“What is in our air?” Introducing Air Pollution for grades 5-8

Thursday, July 21 • 5:10 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W184a


Show Details

While receiving less media exposure than climate change or plastic waste, air pollution is a substantial environmental challenge of the 21st century. The World Health Organization estimates that about seven million premature deaths globally can be attributed to outdoor and household air pollution. Many education organizations and guidelines, including the NSTA and NGSS, emphasize understanding, monitoring, and mitigating human impacts on the environment as a key competency for middle school students. While science education research is still working to identify the association between environmental knowledge, attitudes, and environmentally responsible behaviors, scholarly literature suggests that increasing knowledge of environmental issues is a critical first step towards fostering environmental concern and changes to actions. In this session, educators will learn how to implement a sequence of lessons and activities to explore air pollution sources, how polluted air impacts human health, and strategies to tackle this pressing challenge. The session will cover implementing a scientific inquiry lesson around investigating local sources of air pollution, identifying global trends using online databases, and applying concepts to a Mystery Town activity. These lessons are aligned with NGSS standards for Middle School Earth science and support a broad vision to prepare environmentally and scientifically literate citizens.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators who attend this presentation will explore a lesson and activity sequence, congruent with 5e and the NGSS, that introduces students to the science ideas encompassing air quality such as factors and sources of pollution, and associations with adverse human health effects.

SPEAKERS:
Benjamin Janney

Build a K–12 STEAM Pipeline Through Family STEAM Night

Thursday, July 21 • 5:10 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W180


Show Details

Engage students, families, and the community in STEAM through Family STEAM Nights in order to equitably build understanding and interest in STEAM.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to create, recruit, and implement a Family STEAM Night to engage students, families, and the community in STEAM.

SPEAKERS:
McKenna Serowka

Building a Better ADI Understanding: Using Student-Created Avatars to Explain Past Scientist Experiences with ADI

Thursday, July 21 • 5:10 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W176a


Show Details

This presentation reviews students researching and presenting on past ADI events in science through the creation of scientist avatars.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. This session highlights the use of a classroom-tested assignment where students are asked to create a personal avatar where they are pretending to be the actual scientist; and 2. The assignment works well to show actual ADI events that explain how science changes over time.

SPEAKERS:
William Sumrall

CMU CS Academy: Free Python Courses and Teacher Tools for the CS and STEM Classroom

Thursday, July 21 • 5:10 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W175a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
CMU CS Academy Free Python Courses for Middle School and High School

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Come learn about a free CS curriculum for teachers with Carnegie Mellon University's CS Academy: Creative and Exiting Tools for STEM Classrooms Using Python.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to create your accounts and the different types of Python courses available, all free of charge. You can use the curriculum immediately upon account creation for small projects or entire classes.

SPEAKERS:
Sofia De Jesus

Digging Deeper into the Data with an Adapted CER Framework

Thursday, July 21 • 5:10 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W185b-c


Show Details

This session focuses on improved outcomes for students’ written science explanations when including data description prompts and instructional facilitation to adapt the CER framework.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about the importance of a preliminary step of incorporating data descriptions when utilizing the CER framework to guide students’ written explanations and reasoning of data visualization.

SPEAKERS:
Andrea Drewes

Energizing Students for Greater Energy Savings

Thursday, July 21 • 5:10 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W175c


Show Details

Energy is the second largest expenditure in American schools. Managing energy use in a school setting is difficult without having students, faculty, and staff engaged and actively participating in a management program. This presentation will serve as the steppingstone for how to conduct one’s own educational energy audit in their classroom and school building. The hands-on investigations turn the school building into a living laboratory to explore energy efficiency, monitor energy use, and decide on the best behavioral changes based on data collected. The lessons introduce students to the concepts of energy, energy consumption, economic and environmental effects of the energy industry and its consumers, and the difference between conservation and efficiency. Activities encourage the development of cooperative learning, math, science, comparison and contrast, public speaking, and critical thinking skills. By engaging students in an energy management program, you have hundreds of enthusiastic mini energy managers ready to help identify things like broken water fountains, leaky doors or windows, inappropriate lighting use, vampire loads, and unwanted temperature variations within their own building. Students take ownership of their school and take better care of it while leading their peers to be conscientious users of energy. They learn these skills to bring back to their home and community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn hands-on activities that introduce students to the ways in which we use energy in the home and at school while helping teach students to take ownership and lead their peers to be conscientious users of energy.

SPEAKERS:
Cori Nelson, Sharon Bird

Inoculating Against Science Denial

Thursday, July 21 • 5:10 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W181a


Show Details

Too many students fall for disinformation. Learning facts is not enough. New research shows students need more critical-thinking skills, and supplemental curriculum helps.

TAKEAWAYS:
Critical-thinking curriculum is available to help “inoculate” students against disinformation and science denial.

SPEAKERS:
David Hundsness

Inspiration to Fruition

Thursday, July 21 • 5:10 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W185a



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

Show Details

Inspiration to Fruition provides any educator with a game plan on how to take an idea and available resources and create a project that enhances the student experience and skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. A template for designing a grassroots STEM or PBL project; 2. Top 10 tips on how to make managing the project actually manageable; and 3. Proof that trusting one's intuition to build a project based on an inspirational event can bring to fruition an amazing experience for students.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Hartings, Jessica Brown

Lessons Learned: Strategies to Address Invisible Illnesses and Health-Impairment Disabilities in STEM Classrooms

Thursday, July 21 • 5:10 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W179a


Show Details

Resources and strategies to support P–12 and postsecondary students in STEM classrooms who have invisible illnesses/ health-impairment disabilities will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will get an overview of resources and strategies that address the need for safe and equitable learning environments for P–12 and postsecondary students with invisible disabilities/ health-impairment illnesses in STEM classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Nancy Grim-Hunter

Making Group Work Fair: The Potential Pitfalls of Student Peer Evaluations

Thursday, July 21 • 5:10 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W178b


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Although group projects have been shown to increase learning and cooperation, bullying can sneak into student peer evaluations. Examples and alternatives to ghosting presented.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science classrooms are a great place for group projects to enhance learning, but students may unwittingly be ghosted from their group, ultimately making them seem like they are not a team player. We as teachers must be diligent against bullying/ghosting.

SPEAKERS:
Diane Huelskamp

Model-Based Inquiry in Biology: Three-Dimensional Instructional Units for Grades 9–12

Thursday, July 21 • 5:10 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W176c


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

We will introduce our recently published NSTA book containing a collection of units and resources to help teachers engage students in three-dimensional learning through model-based inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how model-based inquiry supports three-dimensional sensemaking across the arc of a unit of instruction in biology classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Campbell

Overview of Our Beautiful Planet: Climate Change Films and Lessons from NSTA, The Climate Initiative, and Kikim Media

Thursday, July 21 • 5:10 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W184b-c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Our Beautiful Planet: Climate Change Films and Lessons from NSTA, The Climate In

Show Details

This session will introduce participants to Our Beautiful Planet,  a collection of classroom-ready films and lesson plans that highlight the science and engineering practices scientists use to explain the phenomenon of climate change. The collection of over 10 lessons brings Sensemaking to environmental science by cultivating student curiosity with engaging and eye-popping phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
Our Beautiful Planet is a series of compelling 5-7 minute science films and lessons highlighting the cutting-edge research that climate scientists are doing to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues.

SPEAKERS:
Patrice Scinta

Science Education Leadership: Helping Administrators Build Knowledge and Skills to Support Quality Science Instruction

Thursday, July 21 • 5:10 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W181c


Show Details

This session will present attendees with an up-to-date literature review, as well as original research, regarding administrators knowledge and acceptance of evolution and evolution education law. After discussing the research, a virtual library of general resources will be shared with attendees that they bring back to their school and district administrators. Additionally, attendees will learn how to locate or create resources to add to this virtual library that are specific to their state standards, specific content areas, and local communities. The goal is that attendees will return to their schools and districts and be better able to participate directly or indirectly in Instructional Leadership Team roles in their communities in order to promote high quality science instruction for their students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about our current understanding of administrators' knowledge of evolution and evolution education law and walk away with a virtual toolbox of resources that can be shared with building and district level administrators to better support quality science instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Blake Touchet

Using Historic Articles As Case Studies In Physics

Thursday, July 21 • 5:10 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W179b


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Older science magazines (from the early 1900’s) are replete with articles and photos of unusual inventions and ideas which can be transformed into case studies that elicit active discussions in science classrooms. Magazines like Popular Science and Science and Invention often had articles on proposed scientific inventions, their ‘technology of the future’, that were never successfully produced. We use their proposals as the basis for mini-case studies in physics classes. Ideas like rocket mail, houses powered by radium, and jumping over Niagara Falls in the family sedan were all proposed in the first half of the 20th century. Determining whether or not the proposals were scientifically viable makes for engaging physics activities. In addition, students can look at aspects other than the pure science: the proposed idea might be scientifically feasible, but would it be prohibitively expensive or damage the environment or the users? Additionally, students can explore how historically the ideas might have made sense (e.g. a radium house in 1900 would have been thought of differently than it is now). In this talk we will give participants ideas of where to find free articles, work through several case studies, and give examples of many others.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn ways to implement case studies based on historical scientific innovations.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Brown

What do these numbers actually mean? Rethinking Student Grades and Scoring.

Thursday, July 21 • 5:10 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W181b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Biology Assessment Standards.docx
What do these numbers actually mean.pptx

Show Details

A grading system based on total points does not accurately reflect the level of student understanding of science content. Students who demonstrate that they understand half of the content should not earn a failing score. Nor should students earn arbitrary points for doing non-science content related things. Student scores should reflect what a student understands and not how well the student can play the game we call school. We teachers are encouraged to do standards based grading, but not everyone knows how or where to start or even if it is worth putting forth the effort to make the change. Participants will be led through my journey in becoming a teacher who uses standards based grading. The struggles in changing my mindset about grades and the way I grade will be presented as well as the benefits of having a better understanding of what the students actually know, having student grades more accurately reflect what they know, having fewer students fail among other things. Basic strategies for assessing level of understanding will also be presented. Time will be given for questions and answers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be given strategies about changing their view of scoring students by the total number of points they got correct verses the student's level of understanding.

SPEAKERS:
Meredith Diehl

Why Are They Not Curious Anymore?

Thursday, July 21 • 5:10 PM - 5:40 PM

McCormick Place - W184d



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Why Are They Not Curious Anymore.pptx
PowerPoint slides presented during the conference, with speaker notes.

Show Details

Sagan said that when kids are young, they cannot stop asking questions. By high school, they stop asking. This needs to change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Ways we can help students learn and retain science concepts, critical-thinking skills, and inquisitiveness using alternative approaches to teaching.

SPEAKERS:
Juan Bacigalupi

HHMI Night at the Movies

Thursday, July 21 • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375d-e


Show Details

HHMI Night at the Movies is Back!! Join HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and BioInteractive for a complimentary dinner and special screening of the award-winning film My Garden of a Thousand Bees . See bees like you’ve never seen them before with acclaimed wildlife filmmaker Martin Dohrn, who set out to record all the bee species in his tiny urban garden in Bristol, England during the coronavirus lockdown. Dohrn’s spectacular cinematography reveals the dramatic lives these native bees lead, and highlights the critical role they play in healthy ecosystems.

The screening will be followed by a discussion with special guest Dr. Samuel Ramsey, a.k.a Dr. Buggs . Dr. Ramsey, an entomologist and master science communicator, will explore some fun and exciting ways you and your students can help your native pollinators.

The screening is free but please REGISTER to attend.

ESPRESS-O Yourself @ NSTA’s Morning Coffee Chats

Friday, July 22 • 6:40 AM - 7:40 AM

McCormick Place - Starbucks


Show Details

Grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and join us for an informal get-together with your peers. Each day of the conference will feature a morning coffee chat, providing participants an opportunity to share ideas and experiences, expand their network, and connect with colleagues and friends from around the country. All are welcome to attend!

Located at the Starbucks adjacent to the exhibit hall entrance.

NSTA Sunrise Exercise: Yoga

Friday, July 22 • 6:40 AM - 7:40 AM

McCormick Place - Rooftop Garden


Show Details

Calling all yoga enthusiasts. Regardless of whether you’re a newbie or veteran, schedule time to join Jasmine for a gentle warm-up; traditional vinyāsa-style yoga (balance poses, core, strength building); deep stretching for hips and hamstrings; and, of course, meditation for relaxation and de-stressing. Beginner friendly!

Elevator to the rooftop garden is located near Skyline Ballroom W375e.

AUTOPSY: Forensic Dissection Featuring Carolina’s Perfect Solution Pigs

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W471a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

This “real” classroom autopsy revitalizes your mammalian structure and function lesson to three-dimensional instruction and addresses standards. Participants dissect a Carolina’s Perfect Solution® pig by modeling the protocols of a professional forensic pathologist.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants dissect a Carolina’s Perfect Solution® pig by modeling the protocols of a professional forensic pathologist.

SPEAKERS:
Patti Kopkau

CONSTRUCT: a Crowd-sourced Online Tool for Developing Middle-school Physical Science Assessments using Disciplinary Core Ideas

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W184d


Show Details

Do the test questions you use adequately reflect your students’ true understanding of science? We’ll share guidelines for writing effective questions that don’t leave any of your students out and will help you determine whether your students are making sense of phenomena they are investigating - do their ideas match science ideas of the NGSS? Using a research-based “citizen science” approach, teachers can volunteer their favorite items and help improve our existing MOSART questions. Crucial item characteristics will be measured and reported, such as difficulty, effectiveness, gender, and racial/ethnic bias. Write new questions or revise ones you already have to address how well students make sense of elements outlined in the NGSS DCIs. The following is a question that is too difficult for middle school students: Matter is made of tiny bits called atoms. What is between the helium atoms in a balloon? a)Tiny particles that bind atoms together. b)A chemical substance that attaches helium atoms together. c)Nothing; the helium atoms touch each other on all sides. d)Nothing, just empty space. e)Air. How would you revise this item? We’ll have “practice” opportunities to look at assessment questions that are difficult or biased and discuss possible revisions with other educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Write assessment questions to address item characteristics of difficulty, effectiveness, gender, and racial/ethnic bias

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Crockett, Philip Sadler

Energizing Your Achievement - Shell Teacher Awards

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W193a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Instructional Methods and Teaching Philosophy tips
Shell Awards Requirements
Shell Combined flyer 2022-23.pdf
Shell Programs presentation

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Come start your winning application for the Shell Science Teaching Award, or the Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award. We'll walk through the application step by step and you'll be able to begin your application or nomination form live.

TAKEAWAYS:
Collaborate with past winners and judges to learn how to start your winning application for the Shell Teaching Awards. We'll walk through the application step by step and you'll be able to begin your application or nomination form live.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Upton, Melissa Collins

Engaging students in problem-based learning through environmental innovation challenges

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W195


Show Details

The Innovate to Mitigate (I2M) project empowers teachers to employ a problem-based learning approach to incorporate climate change education in their classrooms. Teachers, regardless of whether they teach language arts, science, engineering, or math, work with students to identify potential causes of climate change and to develop a prototype as a potential solution. Collaborative student teams, utilizing the various strengths and interests that they bring from diverse backgrounds, design and develop their projects and finally create a competition pitch. I2M provides a structure for teaching climate change throughout the school year, supports students to discuss their developing mitigation ideas with peers across the nation, and provides an outside incentive for them to work towards an end goal. We propose a mini-simulation of the competition experience where teachers, acting as students, participate in the sensemaking promoted by the competition. Teachers read a short article about an aspect of climate change, brainstorm in small groups to propose a solution that mitigates the problem, and discuss mitigation ideas with other workshop attendees. Facilitators present ideas for collaboration among their students and across the hall with other teachers, identify key NGSS integration opportunities, provide examples of student projects, and help teachers think about integrating such a project into their own classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn how to identify entry points for climate change education that capitalize on student desires to make a difference about climate change, support collaboration, and incorporate three-dimensional sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Santiago Gasca, Natalie Stapert

Exploring mendelian inheritance with a litter of Labradoodles

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W476


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Furry puppies and Mendelian genetics, two things everybody loves! This activity invites students to trace the inheritance of the furnishings trait (the presence of a mustache and bushy eyebrows in dogs) in a litter of puppies. Molly the labradoodle has had a litter of puppies, but who’s the dad? Is it Otto the labradoodle or Zeus the poodle? Students use Punnett squares to make predictions then run electrophoresis gels to determine the answer. There will be puppy pictures!

TAKEAWAYS:
Connect genotype to phenotype, use Punnett squares to predict inheritance of a Mendelian trait, and run electrophoresis gels to connect modern genetic tools to classical Mendelian inheritance

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan

From CRISPR to 23 and Me: The Revolution in Human Genetics

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W196a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
From-23-and-Me-to-CRISPR
Slides from the presentation
Suggested Lesson Plans
Lesson Plans from the Presentation.

Show Details

Techniques such as CRISPR, mitochondrial transfer, and mRNA therapeutics have opened up new possibilities for genetic manipulation, bringing new possibilities to energize the biology curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
We will explore the specifics of how these powerful genetic engineering techniques work and discuss ways to incorporate them into the curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Kenneth Miller

In the Tube Where it Happens: Using Models to Support Understanding in Biotechnology

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W475b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
In the Tube Where it Happens
Workshop Resources

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Educators will use models to experience strategies that engage students in making sense of patterns in molecular structures and functions that have led to advances in biotechnology. Strategies will include collaborative sense-making, using models as explanations, and reflect on learning. Teachers will describe the structures of DNA and enzymes that researchers capitalize on to create biotechnology applications such as restriction enzymes and PCR. Teachers will identify how models, conceptional and physical, can be used by students to reveal their ideas and understandings. Teachers will identify formative assessment opportunities in the modeling process.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will experience how models, conceptual and physical, can be used by students to reveal their ideas and understanding.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Arnholt

inquiryHub Chemistry: A Phenomenon-Driven, Year-Long, 3D High School Course

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W196c


Show Details

This session provides an overview of inquiryHub Chemistry’s year-long, open-source materials. In the session, designers and pilot teachers will share their experiences adapting their practice to meaningful, equity-oriented chemistry learning using units like “How could we search for life beyond Earth?” “How can a small amount of nuclear material destroy a city but also power it?” and “Why are shellfish dying?”. inquiryHub Chemistry comprises 5 units addressing NGSS high school physical science standards in line with A Framework for K-12 Science Education. inquiryHub Chemistry promotes deep conceptual understanding of chemistry using hands-on manipulatives that show how atoms bond. This session will offer 1) An overview of the year-long sequence of open-source chemistry materials, including units on reactions, periodic trends, and in-depth models of matter and energy 2) a chance to experience one of the most complicated models in the curriculum: the Fuels magnet manipulative models, and 3) opportunities to connect with a national network of educators who have taught inquiryHub Chemistry.

TAKEAWAYS:
Open-source inquiryHub Chemistry materials can be used to promote deep understanding of models and NGSS chemistry ideas

SPEAKERS:
Kerri Wingert

Integrating Computer Science into Science Courses Without Losing Your Mind

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W175a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Orban_nsta22.pdf

Show Details

Computer science CAN be integrated into high school science classes. Here are some ideas from the STEMcoding Project!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will work on three "STEMcoding" activities on: 1. climate change with connection to spreadsheets; 2. orbital motion for Earth science; and 3. the first of the "physics of video games" activities.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Orban

Local Phenomenon-Based Projects

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W185d


Show Details

Learn how to better integrate local phenomena into classroom learning through the use of long-term projects and a competition.

TAKEAWAYS:
Strategies to use student-chosen local phenomena as the basis for long-term projects and participation in a national STEM competition.

SPEAKERS:
Winnie Boyle

Phenomena to Questions: Practical Engagement Strategies for Student Sensemaking

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375b


Show Details

Explore how to use phenomena to generate student questions that allow for further investigation to support student sensemaking.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to effectively use phenomena to allow for authentic student questioning and how to use those questions to increase student engagement and sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Vick

Putting the A into STEM

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W178b


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

The main goal of this presentation is to help teachers enhance curriculum choices that enrich students lives by integrating the visual arts with environmental science and conservation concerns that allow students to make real world global connections. Leonardo DiVinici is best know for painting the Mona Lisa, but did you know that he also kept nearly 13,000 pages of notes that fuse together art, nature and the physical universe? This professional development session will be centered around how you can incroporate conservation education practices as well as different art techniques into your science lessons that will engage all students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will take away easy art techniques that can be incorporated in science lessons as well has how to add conservation education into their curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Jackie Halsey

Python Coding with Vernier Sensors

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W471b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Learn how to integrate Vernier sensor data into Python coding. Explore how coding can enhance your students’ experience in the science classroom by providing another avenue of engagement. Teachers of science and coding alike will benefit from this hands-on workshop.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain experience with hands-on technology that encourages students to explore and test different solutions and make connections to the real world; 2. Get access to free resources to keep students engaged while learning key scientific concepts either remotely or in the lab; and 3. Gain hands-on experiences with innovative products that increase student engagement, promote creativity and collaboration, and develop problem-solving skills.

SPEAKERS:
Tom Smith, Dave Vernier

Rock Their Worlds: Teaching Earth and Space Science Using Browser-Based Lessons and Simulations

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W194b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Simulation Curriculum

Discover more new and interesting facts about plate tectonics, volcanism, Earth materials, geological processes, astronomy, and cosmology using NGSS-focused lesson plans and interactive and thought-provoking exercises and simulations.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will come away from the workshop with more knowledge and information about the subject matter, a new understanding of what is available for convenient teaching tools, and a general increase in the level of confidence while teaching the topics of Earth and space science.

SPEAKERS:
Dave Farina

Science in Action: Updating the Marine Debris Monitoring & Assessment Project Educators’ Guide

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W181a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Guide to NOAAs MDMAP for Educators (DRAFT ONLY)
Presentation Slides

Show Details

Marine debris is a widespread pollution problem in our ocean and waterways. It can harm wildlife, habitats, and our economy. This issue is human-caused, but it also has human solutions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program is dedicated to better understanding and preventing marine debris and its impacts on our environment. One of the best tools we have to combat marine debris is understanding the distribution, abundance, and types of debris in the marine environment. The Marine Debris Monitoring & Assessment Project (MDMAP) is a NOAA citizen science initiative to survey and record marine debris on shorelines. By participating in the MDMAP, students can generate critical data on marine debris for use by community organizations, policymakers, researchers, and NOAA. MDMAP data can also support student-generated action projects, providing opportunities to plan and implement authentic changemaking efforts. The NOAA Marine Debris Program plans to demonstrate and solicit feedback on an updated tool to support implementation of the MDMAP protocols with students: The MDMAP Educators’ Guide (Guide). We will introduce the updated protocols, provide a demonstration of activities in the Guide, and engage in a discussion with educators about implementation, suggested extensions (including action projects), and feedback.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees at this session will learn about the updated Marine Debris Monitoring & Assessment Project Educators’ Guide: a refreshed citizen science tool for monitoring shoreline marine debris available from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, including planning and conducting protocols with students, working with survey data, and creating authentic, meaningful action projects for students based on their experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Alexandria Brake, Tanya Kea-Marie Torres

Self-Paced STEM and Equity for All Learners

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W181c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Self-Paced STEM and Equity for All Learners Slideshow

Show Details

Self-paced classrooms are a means to run a STEM class where the teacher becomes a facilitator of learning to their students. A self-paced classroom is one where the students will engage with the class material at a rate that is appropriate for them. Assignments are rated into different categories worth different point values so that students can make a choice each day in how they want to approach their learning. This kind of environment encourages development of executive functioning skills, cooperative learning skills, and other soft skills necessary to be successful as a 21st century learner, scientist, or engineer. It also meets the needs of both the highest and the lowest functioning learners. In this session, we will learn in more detail about self-paced classrooms, how to implement them, and how to develop different types of activities and locate resources that work well for this kind of environment, including interactive digital notebooks, pixel art, EdPuzzles, digital crossword puzzles, lab experiments, digital and live escape rooms, and more! Join me as we learn how we can make equity for all enjoyable for all the students.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to use various computer programs, specifically in the Google Suite, to create an equitable classroom environment.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Stewart-Miranda

SGI Biology: Looking for Patterns in Species Diversity

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W470b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Lab-Aids

Look for patterns in species diversity in coral reef ecosystems and other animals to determine cause and effect of relationship and understand how ecosystem interactions affect patterns of biological diversity. Takeaways: 1. Compare maps showing the geographical ranges of several different species and several different abiotic factors; 2. For each species, determine which abiotic factors correlate with species diversity and which do not; and 3. Consider the importance of species diversity to an ecosystem.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Compare maps showing the geographical ranges of several different species and several different abiotic factors; 2. For each species, determine which abiotic factors correlate with species diversity and which do not; and 3. Consider the importance of species diversity to an ecosystem.

SPEAKERS:
Wendy Jackson

Student-friendly Approaches to Colorimetry, Beer’s Law, and Kinetics

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W474b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: PASCO scientific

Help students discover the relationship between solution concentration and the amount of light absorbed through guided inquiry. Learn how to use a colorimeter and a spectrometer to collect and analyze solution data, develop a mathematical model, and test it by determining the unknown concentration of a solution.  Attend for a chance to win equipment for your school!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to develop student understandings of colorimetry and Beer's Law by testing solutions with spectrometers and colorimeters.

SPEAKERS:
Barbara Pugliese

Stream Ecology: Slimy Leaves for Healthy Streams

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W473


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: LaMotte Company

Help students discover the value of aquatic macroinvertebrates as living indicators of water quality. Determining the biotic index helps students connect the dots between water quality chemistry tests and what is actually living in that body of water. Creates opportunities for mapping skills, observation, reading, art, and math skills. Students can develop their own experiments. Observe aquatic macroinvertebrate specimens, conduct activities, learn classification skills and calculate a biotic index in this hands-on introduction to stream ecology. A totally flexible tool that can be adapted for varying time limits, number of students and grade levels.

TAKEAWAYS:
Help students discover the value of aquatic macroinvertebrates as living indicators of water quality. A totally flexible tool that can be adapted for varying time limits, number of students and grade levels.

SPEAKERS:
Tara Muenz

Take the Mess and Stress Out of Bacterial Transformation

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W472


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Simplified prep and innovative technology makes your bacterial transformation work for you, not the other way around. In this workshop, you will perform transformation in a few simple steps without the water bath and ice bucket, and use a new innovative media plate that comes pre-made. See how this lab will let you spend your time teaching and analyzing data, not prepping.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about a faster, simpler, and more reliable way to teach bacterial transformation

SPEAKERS:
Jody Saxton West

The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study for Molecular Biology with HHMI BIoInteractive

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W474a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Explore the free HHMI BioInteractive resources to better understand the science behind the Covid-19 headlines and see the real-world connections between understanding viral replication cycles and how biologists discover ways to detect and track viruses, treat infections, and prevent future epidemics.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore the free HHMI BioInteractive resources to better understand the science behind the Covid-19 headlines and see the real-world connections between understanding viral replication cycles and how biologists discover ways to detect and track viruses, treat infections, and prevent future epidemics.

SPEAKERS:
Valerie May, Michele Koehler

Tracking SARS-CoV-2 Spread Using an Easy Gel Electrophoresis

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W475a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Outbreak! A new viral disease is spreading rapidly, but how? Analyze patient DNA samples to determine who was infected and figure out how it spreads.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Walk through a customizable scenario for the classroom in which students use epidemiological techniques to figure out how a novel disease might be spreading; 2. Analyze DNA using agarose gel electrophoresis to determine the infection status of a large set of patients; and 3. See how this adaptable public health and epidemiological puzzle is an excellent context to teach viral disease biology.

SPEAKERS:
Leigh Brown, Tamica Stubbs

Uncovering Student Misconceptions About Mathematical Models

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W194a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Uncovering Student Misconceptions About Mathematical Models (1).pdf

Show Details

Students come into a science classroom with varying or little to no background knowledge. Mathematical modeling in the science classroom is a critical piece of any three-dimensional lesson. Come learn how one science teacher uses real-world student-collected data to make modeling fun and inclusive of all students!

TAKEAWAYS:
Equity in the science/math classroom; data collection and analysis; and mathematical modeling.

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux

Using Biotechnology to Diagnose HIV/AIDS

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W192c


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

HIV is a sneaky virus. Once inside the body, it suppresses the immune system. Learn about testing, tracing, and treatment using a simulated diagnostic ELISA!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will explore medical testing for common diseases, including how they work and what they mean.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, Brian Ell

Using Google Sites for Student Learning Journals

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W187a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Leah LaCrosse NSTA Bulb Page
This page will give access to presentations in pdf form.

Show Details

In this session, the presenter will showcase previously created student learning journals that were built with Google sites. Participants and presenter will brainstorm the possible categories and connections that are possible in student learning journals. Finally, attendees will be walked through a building process in which they create a sample student learning journal in google sites. Various tools in Google sites will be highlighted as well as ways to publish, share, and assess student learning growth.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave this session with an understanding of how to set up and implement student learning journals using Google sites.

SPEAKERS:
Leah LaCrosse

Write from the Start

Friday, July 22 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W176c


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Have you read great articles in the NSTA journals that changed or added to the ways you and your students do science for the better? You could inspire other educators across the country in the same way by sharing your teaching ideas, activities or lessons as an NSTA journal author!

TAKEAWAYS:
Tips on how to prepare and submit your manuscript for publication in NSTA's journals.

SPEAKERS:
Peter Lindeman, Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn

Battling Ignorance: 4 Words That Can Change The World

Friday, July 22 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375e


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Changing the world sounds like a tall order. But in reality, educators play their role to help change the world every day. Join Stephen Pruitt, former science teacher and science/policy leader, for a humorous, yet important discussion about the critical role of teachers in changing the world. Dr. Pruitt will share his experiences, both personal and professional, to remind us of the power of teachers in his life and as we recover from COVID. Dr. Pruitt has long been a member of NSTA and has worked for the national importance of science education and the support of teachers. His comical storytelling and somewhat unique look at the world will engage and inspire you as we all continue the fight against ignorance.

About the Speaker
Stephen PruittStephen Pruitt is the sixth president of the Southern Regional Education Board in July 2018. Under his leadership, SREB has continued its work on college and career readiness, postsecondary attainment, workforce preparation, learning environment, and support of the SREB states’ policy and education leaders to improve the education systems for each student.

During his career, Dr. Pruitt has amassed education policy, assessment, and instructional background at the local, state, and national levels.

Before coming to SREB, Dr. Pruitt was Kentucky’s state commissioner of education. At the national level, he had worked closely with state agencies and educators around the country to improve policy and practice in science education. In Georgia, Dr. Pruitt began his career as a high school science teacher and subsequently served in several roles for the Georgia Department of Education. Dr. Pruitt can be reached via email, [email protected], or followed on Twitter, @DrSPruitt.

SPEAKERS:
Stephen Pruitt

A Cancer Case Study Storyline and Research Lesson

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W196a


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Enjoy conversation about our research lesson collaboration with the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center EYES (Educators and Youth Enjoy Science) teacher research experience.

TAKEAWAYS:
Authentic teacher research experiences can catalyze students' career interest, authentic classroom inquiry, curriculum development, and relevant professional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Steven Rogg, Pamela Wagner

Speed and Velocity: Lessons with Motion Graphs

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W474b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: PASCO scientific

Graphs of Position, Speed and Velocity often confuse students attempting to describe motion. In this hands-on workshop from PASCO you will create and compare these graphs and discuss their meaning. This lesson helps students understand the distinction between positive and negative position, and velocity.  Attend for a chance to win equipment for your school!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to use sensors to help students understand the distinction between positive and negative position, and velocity in motion graphs.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Hanna

Bring molecular genetics to your biology classroom with PTC tasting

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W476


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

miniPCR bio™ is the leader in bringing PCR and gel electrophoresis into classrooms with affordable, innovative, hands-on tools and activities. Join us to explore how small genetic changes can change our ability to perceive the world around us. The TAS2R38 taste receptor gene can confer the phenotypic ability to taste the chemical phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and other bitter flavors. Your students can test their own TAS2R38 taste receptor gene and determine whether they have taster or non-taster alleles of the gene. Our most popular lab has been rewritten with updated curriculum appropriate for levels from introductory to AP bio and college. Come learn how our miniPCR® machine and blueGel™ electrophoresis system make classroom biotechnology faster, simpler and more intuitive than ever before.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use affordable hands-on tools to bring PCR and gel electrophoresis to any biology classroom

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan

Building a Classroom Community for ALL Students

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W184b-c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Creating A Learning Community
Slides and resources for establishing a classroom community.

Show Details

Creating an equitable classroom requires the creation of a learning community that integrates supports for all students to succeed. Learn how to use common strategies with intentionality to build a classroom community that supports sensemaking. In this session participants will learn strategies that allow you to take your students to the next level as a community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how different strategies can be used to support ALL learners to create a community that learns together.

SPEAKERS:
Megan Caruso, Randie Johnson

Cut, Paste, Confirm: Real CRISPR Gene Editing and PCR Genotyping

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W475a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Dig into CRISPR, a revolutionary technology in gene therapy. Learn about a classroom CRISPR lab activity with robust controls and a free paper model.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about a lab activity in which students do real CRISPR gene editing and confirm the chromosomal edit with PCR; 2. Receive and practice using a free paper model to teach the function of Cas9, a key protein in CRISPR technology; and 3. Hear the latest in CRISPR technology, including current efforts in gene therapy.

SPEAKERS:
Leigh Brown, Tamica Stubbs

Digital Energy Escape Room for Middle School

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W179b


Show Details

Participants will be given a chance to experience what their students might encounter in this eesmarts digital activity based in an escape room format. Clues must be gathered and puzzles solved using science knowledge to successfully complete the challenge. The format provokes high student interest and engagement due to its game-like nature. The use of technology lends itself well to remote learning but can also be seamlessly translated to enhance in-person learning. The focus of the content in this particular activity involves the transformation of energy and its impact on the environment. Participants will be actively engaged throughout the presentation by experiencing the escape room. They will be provided with a digital toolbox to help them create an interactive slide of their own. This escape room is a companion to the eesmarts K-12 curriculum, an energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy learning initiative funded by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. Select digital resources will be provided to participants. The complete eesmarts program is free and available to all Connecticut educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will experience and explore ideas to enhance in-person learning through competitive activities and gamification using and adapting a digital escape room format with an energy focus or their existing curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Tonkinson, Sharyon Holness

Discovering Dynamic DNA: More than Just As, Ts, Gs, and Cs.

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W475b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Discovering Dynamic DNA
Workshop Resources

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

The structure and function of nucleic acids is a foundational concept of biology. Although most students recognize the double-helical structure of DNA, they have difficulty understanding the importance of the details. During this hands-on, minds-on workshop, participants will examine how modeling with this approach deepens student engagement and inquiry. While investigating our first model, participants explore how using a simple but carefully designed model allows students of all levels to discover basic features of DNA structure and function, and to formulate questions about it. Next, workshop participants will explore DNA’s dynamic structure and function using an atomically accurate model of DNA. With this model, we will assemble five nucleotides, buid DNA and RNA polymers, and examine the features, including the flexibility, of both molecules. Both models will be used to demonstrate the function of DNA, including transcription and translation. (NGSS Science and Engineering Practices / Developing and Using Models) to explore the structure of DNA, this workshop will challenge teachers to go beyond the traditional approach of just teaching the facts of DNA structure. By using well developed models, students can engage with these foundational concepts through discovery and inquiry. We will demonstrate an NGSS-aligned teaching practice in which students are encouraged to ask questions and develop critical thinking skills. Teachers will also learn how these instructional materials can be utilized to design formative and summative assessments for their students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Consider how a model-based approach to investigating DNA deepens student understanding and inquiry.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Arnholt

Discussion-Based Learning: How to Use Talk as a Tool

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375b


Show Details

Academic discourse is a vital part of promoting student sensemaking. Learn how discourse can be used to promote equity and access in the science classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to use discussion strategies in the classroom to move student thinking forward, use talk as a formative assessment, and build a classroom culture that promotes student discussion.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Rademaker, Cheryl Knight

Effective STEM Partnerships Enhance Student Learning

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W193a


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

In this workshop we will demonstrate for teachers how easy it is to form lasting, interactive partnerships with corporations, nonprofits, and local community organizations and discuss how these partnerships create a community of STEM learning that allows students to connect their learning with the real world. We will model a variety of direct connections between classroom science concepts and corporate processes and bring awareness to the power of establishing successful connections between organizational systems and careers. Field-based, first hand experiences in forming partnerships will be shared in an open discussion that helps educators identify the numerous benefits for both learners and partners that are brought by incorporating potential partners within the classroom. We will provide a systems-based approach for how to research potential partners, develop effective relationships, and reduce potential feelings of uncertainty on behalf of both the educator(s) and the non educator(s). Additionally, we will explore the power of perspectives as we highlight how non educators learn the value of their shared time, experience, and knowledge with students. We will look at tried and true, interactive presentations made by corporate, nonprofit, and community partners and discuss the importance of student feedback that is later provided to the partners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to establish meaningful corporate and nonprofit partnership opportunities, the benefits of partnering, and the natural connections that exist between a variety of science concepts and corporate systems that promote student engagement and real world learning.

SPEAKERS:
Debby Nelson, Elizabeth Kaleta

Exploring STEAM with Transformation

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W192c


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Edvotek

Creating colorful transformed bacteria is an unforgettable way to teach the central dogma of molecular biology. Learn how to use transformed bacteria to create bio-art!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about bacterial transformation and the ways that the technique explores the relationship between genotype and phenotype.

SPEAKERS:
Danielle Snowflack, Brian Ell

How Argument-Driven Inquiry Can Make Learning Experiences More Meaningful, Rigorous, and Equitable

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375c


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

This session introduces a way to create learning experiences that are meaningful, rigorous, and equitable for students. Participate in the same sort of rich and meaningful learning experiences that are called for by the NGSS.

TAKEAWAYS:
The characteristics of learning experiences that are meaningful, relevant, and equitable for students and how to give students an opportunity to use their own ideas along with the DCIs, CCs, and SEPs in the service of sensemaking during these experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Hutner

Learn how BIOZONE’S superb interactive texts and BIOZONE toolkit supports teachers to deliver flexible and engaging NGSS and AP programs

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W190b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: BIOZONE

BIOZONE’s interactive worktexts are designed to support teachers by providing tools and content to:

  • Deliver accessible content within a differentiated classroom.
  • Engage students through inquiry or phenomenon-based learning.
  • Undertake effective and meaningful assessment using curricula specific assessment tools.
  • Enhance content delivery using the BIOZONE toolkit.
  • Enable flexible delivery in remote, in class, or blended delivery environments.

During this presentation we will showcase our two NGSS series and our new AP titles.

  • BIOZONE’s two NGSS series (Standard NGSS Series and Integrated NGSS Series) have been specifically designed to fully embrace the spirit and intent of the Next Generation Science Standards. These phenomena based titles are and fully three-dimensional, the DCIs, SEPs, and CCCs are embedded within each activity, delivery of material is scaffolded using the 5Es Instructional Model, and carefully designed assessment tasks conclude each chapter. Discover which NGSS series is right for you.
  • BIOZONE’s AP Environmental Science and AP Biology are structured on the units and topics outlined in the CEDs, with the Big Ideas and Enduring Understandings spiralling across all units. Students are engaged in learning through inquiry, case studies, investigations, and second hand data analysis. Assessment tasks based on the CED stipulations conclude each chapter.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover how BIOZONE’s interactive worktexts and BIOZONE toolkit empower teachers to deliver engaging, effective programs within a differentiated classroom. 2. Discover how the BIOZONE tool kit augments the worktext and supports teachers to deliver a flexible and engaging program. 3. Learn about BIOZONE’S two NGSS series (Standard NGSS Series and Integrated NGSS Series) and our new Advanced Placement titles for AP Biology and AP Environmental Science. All workshop attendees receive a FREE BIOZONE eBook personal license and a FREE copy of the BIOZONE title of their choice.

SPEAKERS:
Lissa Bainbridge-Smith

Measuring g Three Ways

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W471b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Measure the acceleration of gravity with whichever sensor you have, or no sensor. We’ll discuss using a Picket Fence and a Photogate, tossing a ball over a Motion Detector, and using Vernier Video Analysis app. Data collected in class can be shared to remote students. Share your favorite g labs with other teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain experience with hands-on technology that encourages students to explore and test different solutions and make connections to the real world; 2. Get access to free resources to keep students engaged while learning key scientific concepts either remotely or in the lab; and 3. Gain hands-on experiences with innovative products that increase student engagement, promote creativity and collaboration, and develop problem-solving skills.

SPEAKERS:
Dave Vernier, Tom Smith

Promoting the 5th C-(Citizenship) of 21st Century Skills and CRE into an Inclusive STEAM Classroom

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W176c


Show Details

The use of inclusive STEAM pedagogy is the forefront of using NRC Framework, Hill’s model, and 21st Century skill in unison for generating a sustainable STEAM curriculum. In this presentation, a demonstration of how to utilize these frameworks into creating project-based learning units that showcase diversity and the embodiment of students seeing diversity in the STEAM careers. The NRC framework will include SEPs for developing and using a model, planning and caring for an investigation, and using mathematical and computational thinking and CCCs of cause and effect, structure and function, and energy and matter. The use of the NRC framework with sensemaking (phenomena, science and engineering practices, student ideas, and science ideas) was the basis for developing a hurricane unit for 6th grade and macromolecule unit for 8th grade. Both of these units are grounded in these frameworks and the 5 C’s (communication, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, citizenship) and the Hill’s model for cultural and historical education (CRE). All these frameworks are woven together on the Hill model lesson plan template to create hands-on PBL for the students. This presentation will give both STE(A)M and science teachers ideas on how to create a curriculum that incorporates more inclusivity and diversity while showcasing the work of my students.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to create a lesson that incorporates the 5 C's, CRE, SEPs, CCCs, and sense making into a lesson.

SPEAKERS:
Jenniffer Stetler

Solving Environmental Issues Through Civic Action, Invention and Primary Sources

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W194a


Show Details

Identifying problems, and complaining about them, is a talent many might claim. Identifying a problem and creating a solution is much less common but remains a core scientific principle needed to help students change the world. Finding a solution, however, is not enough; there must be an implementation plan as well. Scientific literacy teaches students to pinpoint and explore problems, but they must also take civic action--beginning in their own backyards. This session will introduce primary source-based inquiry learning tools by PBS NewsHour Classroom and Indiana University’s Center on Representative Government to help teachers meet this need. The workshop will consist of two NGSS-aligned activities on the connection between the environment and civic action.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to engage students in identifying environmental phenomena in their own backyards and how to take action to address it.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Osborn, Victoria Pasquantonio

Speed Sharing: Building Apps and Computer Science

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W185b-c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Leah LaCrosse NSTA Bulb Page
This page will lead to presentation materials in pdf form.

Show Details

1) Building Apps in Science…No Code Required
In this presentation, I will share how students can create their own digital apps for science. No code is required, and apps can be shared and used all year long!

2) Developing an Entrepreneurship Infused Digital Fabrication Course at Millikin University
We will explore the iterative development of an entrepreneurship infused honors seminar aimed at introducing a diverse population of students to digital fabrication technologies and their varied applications.

3) Promoting Student Voice in an Elementary Computer Science Classroom
Discover how student input and voice can shape equitable computer science experiences while promoting critical thinking in the Elementary Computer Science Classroom.

 

SPEAKERS:
Leah LaCrosse, Kyle Knust

TEST Speed Sharing: Creating a Classroom Culture That Supports Equitable Participation

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W183a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://my.nsta.org/collection/k3k8DzZ6ckE_E

Show Details

Join the members of NSTA as they share how to create a classroom culture that supports equitable participation, and learn how to implement these best practices within your own classroom. A roundtable discussion will follow.

TAKEAWAYS:
Sharing of ideas on creating a classroom culture that supports equitable participation

SPEAKERS:
Kate Soriano, Kristin Rademaker, Holly Hereau

Speed Sharing: Creating a High School Classroom Culture That Supports Student Sensemaking

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W196c


Show Details

Join the members of the NSTA High School Committee as they share how they incorporate sensemaking into their classrooms and learn how to implement these best practices within your own classroom. A roundtable discussion will follow.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. High school science sensemaking discussion; 2. Implementation strategies of sensemaking; and 3. Networking with other high school teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Hutson

Speed Sharing: Leadership

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W184a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA_SpeedSharingLeadership_MingesWols.pdf
USM P2P Morgan Microcredentials NSTA Chicago July 22 2022.pdf
Morgan/ Micro-credential Slides NSTA July 22

Show Details

1) Using Micro-Credentialing to Support Teacher Growth
This session features an innovative school/university partnership that utilizes strategic mentoring, high-quality professional development, and stackable competency-based micro-credentialing badges to improve STEM educator preparation.

2) The Importance of Being a Leader in Professional Organizations
Participants will discover ways to get involved in professional organizations, including NSTA and their state chapters, as to avoid the "essence drain" amid the challenges of education today.

3) Giving non-science majors the option to put the “A” in STEAM.
This session discusses how student learning can be assessed in a more equitable manner, allowing students the option to communicate comprehension using non-traditional responses.

SPEAKERS:
Angela McMurry, Dewayne Morgan, Heather Minges Wols

Speed Sharing: STEM and STEAM

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W184b-c


Show Details

1) Don't Reinvent the "STEM Lesson" Wheel
Creating meaningful lessons takes time. Finding helpful resources shouldn't.

2) Filling the STEAM Pipeline through Scholarships / Internships
This session will provide participants with information that teachers can share with their students relating to scholarship and internship opportunities that are offered to them for pursing studies and STEAM careers.

3) STEAM Practices to Support Identity And Equity in Learning
STEAM, or integrating art with STEM, can broaden participation in science learning. We will cover a set of core STEAM practices, developed in our work with both youth and educators, that support diverse learners and contribute to the creation of equitable learning environments.

 

SPEAKERS:
Nancy McIntyre, Perrin Teal Sullivan, Jessica Strauss, David Rosengrant

Speed Sharing: Technology

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W185a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://padlet.com/avandrevala/g7io1ri9acthvcls
https://sites.google.com/hlpusd.k12.ca.us/terridactylteach/home
NSTA - Examples of Hybrid STEAM Inquiry Activities
Online Materials Design (Speed Share Technology)
Effective, Engaging, and Efficient: Virtual Scaffolds that Transfer to Classrooms -- Design Summary Handout

Show Details

1) Digital Escape Rooms to Engage all Learners
Learn how to create a Digital Escape Room using your favorite lessons. Modifications included to make them fun for everyone!

2) Examples of Hybrid STEAM Inquiry Activities
Ready-made Science & STEAM inquiry lesson examples will be shared for participant’s implementation and modification.  Give your students voice and choice in how they learn!

3) Effective, Engaging, and Efficient: Virtual Scaffolds That Transfer to Classrooms
Evaluations of student processes and outcomes during online science investigations reveal five design priorities to create effective materials for flexible learning contexts.

SPEAKERS:
Terri Serey, Annamarie Vandrevala, Kirsten Butcher, Madlyn Larson

Taking Macromolecules to Micro!

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W472


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Finally a FUN way to teach macromolecules without the crazy prep! In this microscaled lab activity, students can test for starch, glucose, protein, lipids and even DNA, without the need for large volumes of reagents, cleaning test tubes, or boiling reagents. Students can use their new knowledge to perform tests on some unusual samples.

TAKEAWAYS:
Get hands on with a lab thgat takes only minutes to set up, uses less reagent and take less time to test for protein, starch, glucose, lipids and DNA, then apply this microscaled protocol to test other samples for these 5 macromolecules

SPEAKERS:
Jody Saxton West

Taking the Next Steps with Vocabulary: New Strategies to Increase Word Relationships

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W470a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
STEMscopes-NSTA-2022-July22-Science-Vocabulary.pdf

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Are you looking for an engaging and innovative way to get your students to understand not only the meaning of a word, but how it fits into the bigger picture? Put on your thinking cap and join us as we use vocabulary to take students on a learning adventure! Experience ways to zoom in and zoom out of science content using a variety of differentiated strategies and structures. Take these ideas straight back to your classroom for immediate use. Great for intervention!

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore intervention strategies to help struggling students in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Jacque Garcia, Dr. Kenneth Heydrick

The Scoop on STEM Competitions Administered by NSTA

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W176a



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

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Join us for a chance to learn more about  NSTA-administered competitions and awards from NSTA staff and past participants. NSTA-administered competitions include NSTA Teacher Awards, the Army Educational Outreach Program, Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge, and Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision competitions. This engaging hour will include discussion and tips on how to engage K–12 students in project-based learning opportunities that are no cost to participate.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Engage with educators that have participated in NSTA-administered competitions and awards; 2. Learn more about opportunities to engage students in project-based learning; and 3. Share best practices and tips to foster inquiry-based learning and showcase ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Acacia McKenna

Using Earth and Space Science Storylines to Anchor a High School Physics Class

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W195


Show Details

Let's explore creative storylines for integrating up-to-date, research-driven Earth and space science into high school physics courses.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Earth and space science storylines provide engaging avenues for students to learn fundamental physics core ideas and reinforce understandings of both crosscutting concepts and science and engineering practices; 2. Most of the classical physics curriculum originated within fields of Earth and space science, so aspects of geophysics integrate naturally within a modern high school physics curriculum; and 3. For most high schools, aligning a high school curriculum with the NGSS requires the addition of a substantial amount of Earth and space science, and integrating relevant geophysical content into a high school course can help do this.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Wysession

What the Flip? Where to Start When Flipping Your Classroom.

Friday, July 22 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W193b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
What the Flip handout.docx
What the flip.pptx

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Participants should come to this session with some ideas/dreams in mind of how they would like their classroom to look. Discussion will get the program rolling. A presentation will be given with some ideas as to a starting point to flipping the classroom as well as some key ideas to making the class time meaningful. Simply taking lecture out of the classroom and inserting worksheets will NOT make flipping a worthwhile experience. Having more time to get students to participate in meaningful learning experiences will make the effort worth it. Plus, it involves less instructor effort in the long run as students are doing most of the work. Participants will be given time to work independently or in groups to come up with ideas as to how to modify historically "typical" science lessons into ones that are more engaging, meet students where they are at, and increase student understanding of key science principles. Presenter will give feedback on ideas. Question and answer time will be provided as well. Sometimes, all it takes is a starting point in order to reinvent one's teaching style and reinvigorate one's passion for teaching.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants who have been wanting to flip their classroom, but don't know where to start will learn basic strategies to incorporate into their classroom to get students doing meaningful learning activities.

SPEAKERS:
Meredith Diehl

NSTA Exhibit Hall

Friday, July 22 • 11:40 AM - 1:00 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall


Show Details

Please join us for this Exclusive Exhibit Hall time today. During this time there are no teacher sessions scheduled and it’s a perfect opportunity to visit the exhibits and discover all the products and services companies and organizations have to offer. Some exhibitors will offer materials for sale throughout the conference.

All Students Can Do STEM: STEM-ulating Projects for Clubs, Camps, and Classrooms

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 19


Show Details

STEM classrooms can be exclusive if teachers do not identify the lack of prior learning opportunities and misconceptions early in the year. Come learn how one teacher uses coding to bridge the gap in her STEM classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
STEM inclusion activities; coding in the classroom; and STEM project ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Kohout

Birds of a Feather

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:20 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall


Show Details

Birds of a Feather sessions (BoFs) are informal gatherings of like-minded individuals who wish to discuss a certain topic without a pre-planned agenda.

Connecting to Science Identities

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 32


Show Details

This poster session connects phenomena-based teaching to Funds of Knowledge and the development of science identities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to support language development in the science classroom. Attendees will learn about the research between developing science identities and success in science. Attendees will learn about Funds of Knowledge and its role in connecting students to the science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Helen Brandon

DebriefScape: Innovative Supports for STEM in Special Education

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 17


Show Details

Improving STEM instruction for students with disabilities is a national need. Come explore one project's work to support coaches and teachers to do just that!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will take away knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, the free tools and resources being developed to support teachers and coaches.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Hallett-Njuguna

Ditch the Screens and get Outside! Exploring Ecosystems through an Inquiry-Based Project

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 24


Show Details

Learn how you can utilize iNaturalist in the classroom to get students designing and executing their own inquiries right in their backyards!

TAKEAWAYS:
From this session, attendees will takeaway strategies in which they can utilize iNaturalist in order to have their students explore the ecosystems around them and make nature come alive.

SPEAKERS:
Alexander Eden

Engaging Diverse Learners with Art Integration and Hands-On Science with Tardigrades

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 23


Show Details

This study investigates sixth-grade special education students' achievement, competency beliefs, fascination, and engagement with science. Students learned about tardigrades by participating in a STEAM hands-on investigation. Comparable to this study, Christensen, Knezek, & Tyler-Wood (2015), found hands-on STEM activities were likely to cultivate engagement and maintain “positive dispositions” at middle school levels. Similarly, Hwang & Taylor (2016) found that accessibility through art integration with STEM, engaged and motivated students to participate. While previous studies such as these are significant, there is a lack of research focusing on diverse learners. During this study, students learned basic skills with dissecting and compound microscopes to examine tardigrades. Driving questions included tardigrades’ ability to survive extreme conditions. STEAM was integrated in the unit in the form of dance and painting. Summative assessments included a multiple-choice test with a constructed response question and an art component. Likert scale surveys were used to collect data for action research. The research question was: How do hands-on learning and art integration with tardigrades affect students’ achievement, competency beliefs, engagement and fascination with science? The unit was part of Research Topics in Plant Biology-Systematics at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how hands-on learning and art integration with tardigrades affect students’ achievement, competency beliefs, engagement, and fascination with science.

SPEAKERS:
April Bartnick

EVOLUTIONARY MOVERS & SHAKERS: Researching, Debating, and Ranking the “Top 20” Evolutionary Scientists of All Time.

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 26


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Don’t debate evolution – Rather dig deeper into evolution by having your students research, debate, & rank the top evolutionary thinkers of all time.

TAKEAWAYS:
Rather than stage a debate over evolution which tends to be fraught with misinformation, have your students debate & rank the top figures in the history of evolutionary thought. They can then compare their ranking with that of a group of evolutionary experts.

SPEAKERS:
John Mead

Game Theory & Escape Rooms

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 31


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Escape-room activities offer promise for fun and function in developing social problem-solving skills. Participants will learn implementation and design strategies for their own ER environments.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how escape rooms help to engage students in dynamic learning environments and how to begin developing up your own activities.

SPEAKERS:
Joy Barnes-Johnson, Mridula Bajaj, Shefali Mehta

Global Conversations: International Film Festival and Share-a-thon

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 21


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

In this self-directed session, you will be able to: Interact with educators in face-to-face poster presentations; Watch short video submissions from educators around the world; and Participate in hands-on/minds-on, takeaway learning experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science education occurs everywhere on this planet. We can get ideas and best practices from collegues around the world.

SPEAKERS:
Alison Seymour

How can water districts help me?

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 8


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Water Districts offer so many resources that educators are unaware of. Find out how you can connect with your local water district while learning about water.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Resources offered by your local water district. 2. Learn about your local water resource. 3. Expose your students to careers in the water industry.

SPEAKERS:
Monica Sijder

Importance of incorporating cultural standards in science instruction - Rural West Alaska as a case study.

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 18



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Official Booklet of Alaska Education Cultural Standards
28 page document describing the cultural standards used to complement Education in Alaska

Show Details

Alaska has cultural standards take an important role in science instruction. Using rural Alaska for case studies, learn how cultural standards can enhance science teaching.

TAKEAWAYS:
Session participants will learn: 1. what cultural standards are; 2. how they were applied in instruction in several sites in the YK Delta in Alaska; and 3. how the proper application of cultural standards can be applied in any setting with any demographic group.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew West

Increasing girls interest in STEM at the high school level through school wide STREAM programming

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 12


Show Details

Explore how one all-girls school created and implemented a school-wide STREAM program. This session highlights our successes, failures, and outlines the program’s lasting positive impact.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, we discuss our experiences in creating a transformative STREAM program designed to serve all students. This program assumes a mission centered approach to teaching Science, Math, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math. We facilitate as students make connections across each of these disciplines with an emphasis on scientific observation, technological exploration, artful engineering design with the goal of solving relevant problems rooted in social justice. This session walks participants through our rationale of the STREAM program as well as our process from inception to realization. We discuss how schools can start or strengthen their own STEM, STREAM, or STREAM programs by outlining our success and failures and the lessons we learned throughout our experiences. Student work and feedback will be highlighted in addition to our plans for expanding our program in the future. We detail how this experience has changed us as educators and administrators - in particular regarding our views of inspirational teaching and learning. We also offer suggestions on how to broaden our community of STEM educators in order to lend support and resources as we all engage in this innovative way to help our students ask and answer important questions in their lives.

SPEAKERS:
Megan Leider

Learning Better Science Practices with Science Fair Projects

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 5


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

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 an research project on science fairs) and how to help their students develop a good title for their own project.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Bowen

Let Your Inner STEM Grow

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 25


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

You can't grow a flower without seeds, just like students can't grow their STEM identity without a growth mindset.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn why growth mindset is a vital aspect of the foundation of students' STEM identity.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Hebert, Abigail Lupinacci

Photovoltaic Array Use in Earth Science Classes

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 3


Show Details

Teacher describes installation of two solar arrays, and how students use the arrays to investigate alternative energy and effect of array angle on electricity production.

TAKEAWAYS:
Solar arrays allow students to interact with a real world technology changing sunlight into usable electricity. Two solar arrays that tilt independently allow students to evaluate data from a controlled experiment. Solar energy is part of response our society needs to respond to the challenge of global warming and our need for energy.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Rose

Rise of the Mutant Weed: Using DNA Analysis Tools to Identify Mutations that create Superweeds.

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 9


Show Details

This workshop demystifies bioinformatics using free online tools. The activity explains the mechanisms behind herbicide resistance and genetic changes that help weeds avoid chemical control.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will see a real-world example of artificial selection in action, while also increasing the awareness of free bioinformatics tools available for everyone to compare and analyze DNA sequences.

SPEAKERS:
Jane Hunt, Zack Bateson

STEM Integration for ALL Students in the Classroom

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 6


Show Details

This hands-on workshop will excite and engage teachers of STEM disciplines using integration and inquiry to promote every student's confidence in the ability to challenge themselves in each discipline.

TAKEAWAYS:
What does true STEM integration look like in an inclusive classroom?

SPEAKERS:
Bridget Pugh

Teaching Sustainable Agriculture with Tinkergardens

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 16


Show Details

Tinkergardens are STEM focused learning environments that increase student engagement through the design of garden systems and the production of hyper local produce.

TAKEAWAYS:
Tinkergardens provide a way to integrate engineering into science classrooms and increase student engagement in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Meghan Hess Shamdasani

The Impact of Informal Learning: Accessing and Infusing Inspiration, Education, and Hope into Children from Underserved Communities through Mobile STEM Workshops/Camps.

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 15


Show Details

Babyscientist organizes/operates STEM workshops/camps in underserved communities engaging students in hands-on scientific experiments. We’re in the business of creating dreamers, believers, and creating scientist!

TAKEAWAYS:
How our method of informal learning inspires and motivates children of color from underserved communities to pursue careers in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Kristy McDowell

Three Easy Steps to Adding Inquiry to Labs

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 14


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

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:
Three easy ways to build inquiry into traditional "cookbook" activites.

SPEAKERS:
Regina Borriello

Use NASA’s Universe of Learning integrated STEM Learning and Literacy Program (UoL) and its network of informal education partners to learn about the universe

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 27



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NASA's Universe of Learning Astrophysics STEM Outreach Program
National Science Olympiad
UoL NASA NSO Poster.pdf

Show Details

The Universe of Learning partnerships provides STEM educators tools, from exoplanet searches and robotic telescopes to image analysis, to implement programs specific to individual audiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
NASA’s UoL STEM program partnerships provide a wide range of free materials, projects and interactive activities that can easily be incorporated into any educational setting.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young

Using Drones in the Classroom For Land and Crop Surveying Simulations

Friday, July 22 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 10


Show Details

This session will lead participants through a discussion on why and how to use drone technology in the classroom. It will showcase a problem based learning activity in which drones are used in a surveying simulation.

TAKEAWAYS:
How and why using drones can enhance the curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Jane Hunt

3-D Learning for a Sustainable World

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W196a


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Three-dimensional learning, as outlined by NGSS, allows students to view science as an interrelated world of inquiry. Today’s environmental challenges require a 3-D approach to understand the phenomena and data and how our landscapes and ecosystems have changed as human population has doubled in the past 50 years. In this hands-on session, the presenter will lead participants in hands-on activities (problem-solving challenges, simulations and modeling) that use real-world data sets and 3-D learning in a variety of formats to analyze and think critically about some of the key ecological topics in Biology and Environmental Science courses (including AP) – population trends, climate change, land use, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. Presented activities emphasize students’ ability to collect, analyze and interpret data as central to developing and using models, identifying patterns and designing solutions. The presenter will also share interactive digital tools for engaging students remotely. The presenter will discuss how to implement these activities as part of broadening students’ understanding of the NGSS topics “Human Sustainability” and “Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems. Participants will receive lesson plans (including assessment ideas) and background materials in an electronic format.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will come away with cross-disciplinary ideas to incorporate 3-D learning strategies into hands-on activities around the NGSS topic of Human Sustainability.

SPEAKERS:
Stephanie Ruder

Beyond the Chocolates! Using grants to fund your classroom projects.

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W193a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Beyond the Chocolates
Grant writing for educators.
Beyond the Chocolates- Grant Writing for Educators
Beyond the Chocolates- Grant Writing for Educators

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

The objective of this workshop is to guide educators through a mock grant-writing process. We will begin the session by discussing the grant process from proposal requests to awards. We will discuss misconceptions such as tax-exempt status requirements, time constraints, deliverables, project impact, collaboration, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to go through the process by searching for grants and completing a mock proposal. They will be provided with “step by step” guides to help them design a project, clarify their project objectives, create a budget, and determine the impact for their students, schools, and community. Participants will present their proposals and provide peer-to-peer feedback during the discussion part of the session.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to write a grant proposal for a classroom project.

SPEAKERS:
Emilia Odife

Build a Heart with STEM...and Play-Doh!

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W194b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

You will learn how to build and code a four-chambered heart (no coding experience required) while learning about how the heart works. This is a great project for middle and high school science and STEM students!

TAKEAWAYS:
Science and Engineering practices can be achieved in a practical and engaging process that requires students to apply science knowledge while developing some STEM skills.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Kohout

Building Meaningful STEM Learning Experiences: Using 3D and XR for Interactive Online Learning

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W192b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Inspirit

Recent times have called for changes in the ways students learn STEM and have exposed gaps in current virtual STEM instruction. In our session, K-12 educators will learn about and be empowered to incorporate powerful VR and 3D STEM tools into their learning systems. We will use Inspirit’s virtual labs and 3D learning content features to teach and practice this. Our content is designed to stimulate high knowledge gain, deep engagement, and critical thinking in learners through their active involvement in virtual gamified environments. We’ll also answer some fundamental questions about technology integration into the classroom: (1) What is XR? What devices do we need to improve student learning outcomes? (2) How can we align with existing agencies and beliefs to support more meaningful and long-term integration? (3) What does it take to bridge the best practices of academic research in gamifying STEM education with practical considerations for making this technology work in the real-world? Through this hands-on and discussion-rich experience, participants will gain tools to align new media technologies with diverse curriculum, standards, and desired outcomes and examine how to use virtual 3D STEM labs in meaningful ways in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to deepen the level of student engagement and critical thinking skills using affordable, accessible, interactive, gamified STEM experiences via 3D learning tools.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Taylor, Luke Nilles, Gerry Marchand

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER): Are You CERtain Your Students Understand the Data? (Part 1)

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W470a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
STEMscopes-NSTA-2022-July22-CER-Parts1and2.pdf

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) is a way for students to explain observed phenomena in a scientific way, allowing students to use observations, data, and critical reasoning. CER is an acclaimed and highly successful instructional strategy that is changing how students understand concepts and write explanations for phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
Understand the benefits of using the CER Framework.

SPEAKERS:
Tammy Motley, Ashley Mathis, Dr. Kenneth Heydrick

Climate, COVID, Conspiracy, and Classrooms: Supporting scientific literacy by fighting science denialism

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W186b


Show Details

Science denial, anti-intellectualism, and conspiracy theories have long, sordid histories. Today, rampant science denialism threatens personal and public health, economic sustainability, and prosperity. Globally, it poses existential threats to humanity. How has the situation deteriorated so far? How can so many people deny, not only the reality of climate change - a slow-moving and invisible enemy - but also the reality of a global pandemic and the effectiveness of simple protective/preventive strategies? The explanation is straightforward. Widespread scientific illiteracy enables moneyed and/or politically powerful interests to manipulate a credulous public in ways that undermine understanding of science and generate distrust of the scientific community. Campaigns often waged on unregulated social media are disturbingly effective. When disinformation, willful ignorance, and belligerence strike, who's on call? Right now, almost nobody ... and that's a problem for all of us who, as science educators, understand and value the role of science in general, and STEM topics and approaches more specifically. We will then explore a variety of online resources and discuss individualized teaching strategies that educators can deploy to overcome these challenges in our classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
This workshop will briefly review the history, driving forces behind, and current status of science denialism, to clarify what we are up against. We will then explore online resources and individualized teaching strategies that can overcome these challenges in our classrooms. No single "magic bullet" (or magic YouTube video) can rescue us. We need a full-court press by all of us in education, focusing on cultivating in our students a true understanding of the nature of science, appreciation for the value of expertise in STEM fields, and a willingness to engage on a personal level with disturbingly cult-like beliefs.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Levine

CRISPR: Introducing a New Era in Molecular Biology

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W475b



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

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Center for BioMolecular Modeling

The discovery of CRISPR as an adaptive immunity system in bacteria marks a significant milestone in the development of molecular biosciences. This system has provided us with new tools with which we are now poised to begin editing the human genome. In this workshop, we will tell the story of the discovery of CRISPR as a group effort involving many research groups found in many countries around the world. We will then use the hands-on CRISPR Adaptive Immunity Kit to explore how this system functions to protect bacteria from infection by bacteriophages. We will also present teachers with ways to connect this new topic to foundational concepts that are already being taught in high school biology classrooms. Finally, we will introduce teachers to an engagement activity that challenges their students with the question – Could you have discovered CRISPR?

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will understand how CRISPR functions as an adaptive immunity system in bacteria

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman

Digital Slides to Enhance In-Person Data Collection

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W180


Show Details

Throughout the pandemic teachers have learned how to successfully navigate their world in a virtual setting. Now the benefits of virtual teaching can be used to enhance in-person learning. This hands-on session gives participants the opportunity to use scientific tools such as a photometer, infrared thermometer, and watt meter to collect data. Digital interactive slides containing additional data will then be introduced to enhance the classroom experience. Digital interactive slides increase student engagement with clickable features providing meaningful data and useful information. Teachers will also be given instructions and resources to create their own interactive Google slides aligned to their curriculum. Though the focus of this session is data collection for high school physical science, digital interactive slides can be created for all grade levels and content. These activities are companions to the eesmarts K-12 curriculum, an energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy learning initiative funded by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. Select digital resources will be provided to participants. The complete eesmarts program is free and available to all Connecticut educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will use tools such as a photometer, infrared thermometer, and watt meter to collect data, and enhance this experience with digital interactive slides providing additional data.

SPEAKERS:
Sharyon Holness, Rebecca Tonkinson, Karin Jakubowski

Engage in teacher developed activities that will allow your students to experience

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W184d



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA2022teacherinfo.docx
background information and simple worksheets to collect data

Show Details

In this session, the participants will explore some lessons developed by teachers in the National Space Biomedical Research Institute-Teacher Academy Project (NSBRI-TAP). These are interactive, physical and focus on spatial disorientation and the musculoskeletal system as affected by microgravity. The teachers will engage in the activities and collect sample data as they would with students and interpret the results. These are both educational and fun as we need to desperately restore enthusiasm for science studies. The presenter has anecdotal stories from many astronauts of their physiological reaction to microgravity conditions that he will share. Teachers will be provided lesson plans and worksheets for use with their students. Sample activities: Title: IN-FLIGHT EXERCISES Grade Level: 5-8 Content Area: Life Science and Health National Science Content Standards: Standard A. Science as Inquiry (Grades 5-8 & 9-12) • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry • Understandings about scientific inquiry Standard C. Life Science (Grades 5-8) • Structure and function in living systems • Regulation and behavior Standard F. Science in Personal and Social Perspectives (Grades 5-8 & 9-12) • Personal health Title: SHIFTY EYES Grade Level: 5-8 Content Area: Space/Life Science National Science Content Standards: Unifying Concepts and Processes (Grades 5-8) Models Standard C. Life Science (Grades 5-8) Structure and function in living systems Regulation and behavior Diversity and adaptations of organisms Dr. Wilson also participated in two experiments on NASA’s KC-135 (Vomit Comet): 1) testing a resistance exercise machine to fly in space designed at The Cleveland Clinic and 2) an experiment where the corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) was subjected to microgravity while a control group of worms was grown by elementary students in Las Cruces, NM. He will explain and share the results of these experiments and of one flown by teachers from Miami-Dade School District in Florida involved in his Future Scientists Program.

TAKEAWAYS:
The International Space Station (ISS) is a research platform and is helping scientists develop countermeasures to the adverse effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body.

SPEAKERS:
Craig Wilson

Engineering/Entrepreneurship Curriculum for middle school students to pre-service teachers

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W175c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Eng Ent NSTA Presentation.pptx
https://uakron.edu/education/think-tank/

Show Details

Think Tank to Shark Tank: Engineer to Entrepreneur is a free, ten-session project-based curriculum developed from a summer camp for middle school students. In the camp and curriculum, students work through developing a solution to a pain point (problem) they or loved ones interact with in life. Students develop a unique solution using the engineering design process, create a prototype, identify their potential customers, develop a business model and marketing strategy to present to local business leaders to provide guidance and support on market and opportunity realization. A facilitator or teacher may implement the curriculum in either a one-week experience with morning and afternoon sessions, a two-week experience, a ten-week after-school extra-curricular, or educators can choose elements to implement within a course throughout the academic year. The summer day camp, still in operation, runs for six hours a day for a five-day week with a break for lunch. Faculty use the curriculum to teach pre-service teachers in primary, middle, and high school to demonstrate the integration of engineering and entrepreneurship design principles into the classroom. During this interactive session, participants will gain access to this curriculum, and methods of integration into a pre-service teacher education course or program.

TAKEAWAYS:
During this interactive session, participants will gain access to this curriculum, and methods of integration into a pre-service teacher education course or program.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Plaster, Karen Plaster, Karen Plaster

Enhance Science Practices and Data Literacy Using HHMI BioInteractive Resources

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W474a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Do you want to develop data-literate students? We’ll use free resources and model instructional strategies that incorporate science practices and improve data literacy skills.Model the use of BioInteractive resources using a scaffolded approach to develop and strengthen data literacy skills in students. Provide hands-on opportunities to explore Biointeractive resources that make strong connections to science practices. Inspire participants’ use of these resources in their own classrooms in multiple content areas. Model best practice pedagogical strategies to develop data literacy skills

TAKEAWAYS:
Model the use of BioInteractive resources using a scaffolded approach to develop and strengthen data literacy skills in students.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Eberhard, Ann Brokaw

Experience Before Explanation: Making STEM Lessons Accessible for All

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W185a


Show Details

Come learn how you can make your STEM lessons more accessible for all students by making a few simple changes to your instructional sequence. During this session you will experience an engaging hands-on lesson that models what this structure can look like in a real classroom. We will also discuss the research behind allowing students to experience concepts before introducing students to new vocabulary terms and how this can give all students an entry point into learning STEM content.

TAKEAWAYS:
Sequence matters! When we allow students to experience concepts before we introduce scientific and academic vocabulary, we give all students an entry point into STEM content.

SPEAKERS:
Leslie Silbernagel, Lee Jimenez

Featured Panel: Call to Action for Science Education

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375e


Show Details

The Call to Action for Science Education—issued this summer by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Mathematics and funded by the Carnegie Corporation—provides an argument for the importance of science education; identifies major challenges for implementing coherent science education K–16; discusses how science relates to the other STEM disciplines; highlights science education programs and instructional practices that have shown to be most effective; and provides clear recommendations on how teachers, communities, and local, state, and federal stakeholders can work together to improve science education and broaden opportunity in the discipline.

At this featured session science education leaders will discuss the report and outline ways you can join this nationwide effort to change the trajectory of science and STEM education.

SPEAKERS:
Jim Short, Heidi Schweingruber, Erika Shugart

Fueling Success for Students: Win Up to $15K for Your Students and School

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W176a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Shell Combined flyer 2022-23.pdf
Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge checklist
Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge w-awards - Chicago.pdf

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Do you impact your school and community with STEM? If you teach K–12, come learn how to apply to win up to $15K through this teacher competition.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to apply for the Shell-sponsored teacher competition and two Shell-sponsored teacher awards.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Upton, Ruth Ruud

Get OUTside!: A Look at Creating and Teaching in Outdoor Learning Spaces with 3D Instruction and Digital Tools

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W187c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Digital Nature Journal Page.docx
I left this as a changeable Word Doc so that you can adjust it to your needs.
Presentation Slides

Show Details

In this session we will look somewhat in-depth at what it takes to teach science students in the outdoors, how digital tools can facilitate that learning, and how to connect that learning to a variety of the NGSS and the 3 dimensions of science instruction. We will first look at creating a learning space for students in the outdoors, namely what spaces can be used, and how to make sure students are learning and safe in the outdoors. We will then focus on how to teach and manage students while outside in a variety of outdoor learning environments, hopefully helping them to connect with nature and inspire stewardship for nature in ALL places. As we look at some examples of lessons and ideas that can be used while teaching in the outdoors we will also point out the ways that this type of teaching and learning connect with NGSS and the 3 dimensions of science instruction. We will also look at how digital tools can be used to facilitate this outdoor learning, whether it is face-to-face learning, hybrid learning, or fully online learning. This session will hopefully be able to be conducted outside and in a very hands-on way.

TAKEAWAYS:
We will take a look at using outdoor learning spaces for your students, namely how to find spaces and build a great outdoor learning environment, how to teach and manage students safely while outside, and what digital tools can be used to facilitate that learning.

SPEAKERS:
David Joy

Got Milk? DNA, Enzymes, and Lactose Intolerance

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W471a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Examine enzymes through historical, cultural, and economical lenses by using lactase to produce lactose-free milk. Modify experimental conditions to design and test your own procedures.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn to make and use sodium alginate beads to encapsulate lactase to produce lactose-free milk ann then manipulate experimental variables to maximize lactose-free milk production.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Nixon

How can we support and assess student growth in the practice of arguing from evidence?

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA 2022 - Supporting students in arguing from evidence.pdf

Show Details

Arguing from evidence can be an integral part of the knowledge-building work students do as part of any three dimensional science learning, as students make sense of their findings and use them to develop and evaluate competing models and explanations. But how do we help students grow in sophistication in this practice over time? This presentation will provide an overview of the learning progression, tasks, and scaffolding used to help students refine and assess their arguments in the OpenSciEd middle school program, focus is on the support and growth embedded within a 7th grade chemistry unit. Participants will have opportunities to analyze curriculum supports, students’ written work, and video of discussions of students engaged in this practice using classroom artifacts from implementations of the OpenSciEd Bath Bomb unit.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn what the practice of arguing from evidence can look like in middle school classrooms, tools that can support scaffolding practice, and how teachers can use it to assess where students are at in their sense-making.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Novak, Brian Reiser

iHub Anchoring Phenomenon Routine Polar Ice Unit

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W196c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Experiencing the iHub Anchoring Phenomenon Routine in the Polar Ice HS Chemistry

Show Details

Attendees will experience the Anchoring Phenomenon Routine as students do in iHub’s Polar Ice unit. This routine engages students in asking questions about why people from around the Earth are being displaced from their homes as a starting point in a unit of study focused on how we can slow or stop polar ice from melting before the sea level rises too much. After experiencing the routine, attendees will analyze the routine through an equity lens.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how the iHub curriculum supports teachers in eliciting and making use of students’ own questions and their experiences in instruction, which supports student motivation and agency (Harris, Phillips, & Penuel, 2011).

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Patton, Kathryn Fleegal, Beth Vinson

Informal Science Roundtable

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place - Field B


Show Details

Do you need ideas on how to incorporate informal science into learning? Visit with the professional at this table as we discuss ideas and tactics.

Leveraging the Last Dimension: Crosscutting Concepts Across Grade Levels

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W184a


Show Details

In this workshop, participants will engage in an activity demonstrating the power of the CCCs as a tool for guiding student thinking and teacher collaboration.

TAKEAWAYS:
The CCCs can be used as a tool to reach a desired learning objective while also vertically collaborating around the grade level–specific details they encompass.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Stults, Chandra James, Saswati Koya

Light Your Classroom on Fire

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W181c


Show Details

In Jan. 2018 a new partnership formed between Cobb Fire, UL Labs and Cobb County Schools. We joined forces to teach students about Fire Dynamics and career opportunities. This unique partnership allowed teachers and fire fighters to attend professional development together to learn how to implement the UL Fire Dynamics curriculum. Then the teachers and firefighters joined forces in the classroom to support the students as they experimented with fire properties and determined if it was a case of accident or arson. The students then have to submit a Claim, based on evidence they gathered during their research. Their reasoning must be supported. The local arson investigators from Cobb Fire attend the student presentations and give them feedback on the accuracy of their Claims. Students are learning about a variety of STEM applications in the fire service and the teachers are getting time with a variety of content experts. This program has been an excellent opportunity for students to make real world connections to science concepts they are learning in the classroom. Our fire department is using this as an opportunity to cultivate a more inclusive vision for fire service by spotlighting diversity in the fire department.

TAKEAWAYS:
UL's FREE Fire forensic PBL investigation helps students apply what they've learned in class. Fire dynamics are a great phenomena to explore and engage students. Partnerships enhance classroom learning.

SPEAKERS:
Sally Creel, Amy Gilbert

NSTA/ISTA Session- Bridging the Gap: Connecting STEM/Science Learning in CTE

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Bridging the GAP

Show Details

Student understanding of how science and STEM ideas and concepts are applied within their chosen career pathway is a critical component of many Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, but for a variety of reasons these connections are often overlooked. Some states even provide CTE courses and Career Pathway standards that seem to go against the three-dimensional and student-centered learning grain. Yet, to truly meet the vision of the K-12 Framework, students in CTE and Vocational Education pathways should also be provided opportunities to engage in three-dimensional sensemaking in the context of their CTE course. In this session, we explore explicit connections between three-dimensional science learning and Agricultural, Food and Natural Resources as just one example of how three-dimensional student learning and sensemaking can be incorporated into CTE. We then explore how similar strategies can be utilized in other pathways with the goal of bridging the gap between science learning and practical application for students in CTE.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn strategies for integrating scientific sensemaking into CTE courses to support their students' mastery of the scientific concepts they will apply in those fields.

SPEAKERS:
Bridina Lemmer, Chris Embry Mohr

How Much Physics Can You Do with a Meter Stick?

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W474b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: PASCO scientific

Join us for a hands-on workshop where we will use PASCO’s latest innovations to perform experiments on rotation, torque, optics, and even Lenz’s law! Learn how to perform multiple physics experiments using your most versatile physics tool, the meter stick, and PASCO’s low-cost meter stick accessories. Attend for a chance to win equipment for your school!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to perform multiple physics experiments using PASCO's inexpensive meter stick accessories.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Hanna

PBL Learning in the Physics Classroom- a year long journey

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W195



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Circuits/Solar Cell Project
Collision Unit
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15CxV3iPSte05jvUEQlqYffUW4ZQa0UGY?usp=sharing
Music Project Folder
Music Project Folder
Sail Car Unit- Newton's Laws
Note- Not a pbl unit per se but including it because it includes materials that I use to get kids ready for the Collision unit.
Solar Water Heater Project

Show Details

Presentation outlines four project based learning units related to a central theme, what do we need to survive and thrive. The first unit is a Forces and motion unit where the culminating project is to design an object to protect a valuable object from the force of a collision. The second unit explores waves through the context of music. Students think about the role of culture and music in thriving and then learn about how waves work through designing their own instruments from recycled materials. The energy unit focuses on sustainable energy, conservation of energy as well as mirrors and optics as students build either their own solar collectors or their own solar ovens and finally students study projectiles through writing their own bow and arrow user safety manual. Participants will leave with ready to use Project based units. Participants will have time to brainstorm modifications to one unit of choice to make it applicable to their personal teaching style and setting.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with ready to use PBL Physics units as well as have time to modify those units to make them their own.

SPEAKERS:
Sara Plowman

Rethinking the Climate Change Paradigm to Engage and Inspire the Next Generation

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W190b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Earth Overshoot

Teaching climate change as a symptom of planetary health using the overshoot model gives students a deeper understanding of environmental science and inspires hope and meaningful action.

TAKEAWAYS:
A more comprehensive systemic approach to our global environmental emergencies that concentrates on the interconnected causes instead of a narrow climate change focus gives students a broader and deeper understanding of our current environmental challenges and sets them up for successfully solving them.

SPEAKERS:
Terry Spahr

STEM + Empathy in Use in the Design of an Improved Bionic Arm

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W185d



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Slides
Session slides with links to all resources and contact information

Show Details

Empathic engineering design can help develop students’ cultural competence as well as inform the design of more useful innovations for people with limb differences.

TAKEAWAYS:
School-based activities that are oriented toward improving community members’ lives can simultaneously support the development of students’ cultural competence and integrated STEM literacy.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Meabh Kelly, Brittany Klimowicz

The Egg Drop Meets 2020

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W176c


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Participants will design and test a vessel that will land an egg dropped from a substantial heights without breaking the egg. Participants will use a variety of materials to provide the softest landing possible. Participants will employ technology to assist them in designing their vessels and shape their final methods.

TAKEAWAYS:
Design and test an egg vessel with real time data. Analyze live data to better design a successful egg drop vessel. Experience the engineering design process. - Using technology to test prototypes. -employing the engineering design process. -applying modern technology to past challenges.

SPEAKERS:
Brad Posnanski, Todd Graba

The Plight of the Bumble Bee: Genetic Biodiversity of Bees

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W475a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Save native bees! First step, catalog native bee biodiversity. Try out a classroom activity where students use genetic analysis to identify native bee species.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about a classroom activity in which students learn to identify bee species using entomological tools and genetic methods; 2. Hear the story of the discovery of Bombus incognitus, a recently discovered “look alike” bee native to Colorado; and 3. Learn about how DNA barcoding can be used to identify species that cannot be identified by visual or geographical information.

SPEAKERS:
Tamica Stubbs, Leigh Brown

The Shape of Stories: An SEL Introduction to Data Visualization

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W183c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
The Shape of Stories An SEL Introduction to Data Visualization.pdf

Show Details

In this workshop, participants will be introduced to the work of Kurt Vonnegut who argued that stories have shapes that can be graphed. They will explore different ways of graphing simple stories and how this technique can be used at all grade levels to introduce data visualization. Participants will also see examples of story graphs from different perspectives and discuss how this can be used as a tool to teach students about data representation and interpretation. Following the introduction, participants will engage in a story graphing activity, creating a graph of their own story and sharing it with another participant. We will then reflect on this experience and discuss how the activity can be used in the context of social emotional learning with both students and educators. Participants will then explore story graphing and data visualization resources and discuss how they might use these resources to address specific STEM topics or to integrate multiple content areas such as math, science, and art in their classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to introduce graphing and data visualization using stories and how this strategy can be used in connection with social emotional learning to engage and empower educators and students.

SPEAKERS:
Anna Babarinde

Visualize transcription and translation in real time using simple hands-on tools

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W476


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

The P51TM molecular fluorescence viewer from miniPCR bio allows you to observe molecular processes in ways that were never before possible. With BioBits®, you can put cutting-edge cell-free technology in the hands of your students. Experiment directly with transcription and translation by making RNA and proteins that glow, all without the need for specialized equipment, cell cultures, or time-consuming protocols. Go beyond making models; use fluorescence to light up your biology classroom! Learn how this engaging activity can be scaffolded for students from middle school through college.

TAKEAWAYS:
Use cutting-edge cell-free technology to visualize transcription and translation in real time with no need for living cells and open new area of the molecular biology curriculum to labs using fluorescence visualization

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan

Who is Baby Whale’s Father? DNA Fingerprinting Solves the Mystery!

Friday, July 22 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W472


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Come learn and get hands-on experience on how to teach gel electrophoresis and DNA fingerprinting in a single classroom session. You will pour, load, and run a gel, capture gel image, analyze the results, and deduce a probable conclusion for a whale of a forensic mystery.

TAKEAWAYS:
Determine the paternity of a baby whale using electrophoresis, and see how engaging and reliable hands-on labs excite students for careers in environmental and conservation sciences

SPEAKERS:
Jody Saxton West

Adolescent Award Brain: NGSS Engagement Strategies for Classroom Management

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W185d



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Adolescent Award Brain - NGSS Engagement Strategies for Classroom Management
email [email protected] for a set of the reproducibles. Visit adolescentawardbrain.com in MID -AUGUST for more!
Adolescent Award Brain - NGSS Engagement Strategies for Classroom Management
Email @ [email protected] or go to website @ adolescentawardbrain.com

Show Details

Utilize recent findings about adolescent brain development to create an inclusive, participatory-engaged NGSS/STEM environment and quell disruptive behaviors before they start.

TAKEAWAYS:
NGSS "Rules of Engagement" for better classroom management.

SPEAKERS:
Julie A. Smith

Bringing 3D Learning Home and Back to School Again

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W181a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
3D Prompts_PPT_NSTA Chicago2022.pdf
Bringing 3D Learning Home(2).pdf

Show Details

Using CCCs can help organize and focus learning in a variety of settings. Out of necessity, we taught teachers to think deeply about connections to content and practices within the context of something they observed that was interesting to them while they were working from home. Examples learners chose that were relevant to them helped to connect personal experiences and interests with ordinary spaces and their science learning, and thus supported equitable engagement. Making these connections allowed teachers to recognize a multitude of science ideas and practices that could be connected to science standards at their instructional level, therefore developing new ideas. We refined this process and recognized that its flexibility can be taken back to the classroom and used settings that are seemingly science content deserts, to help students begin to see science in places they never thought of before. This session will take participants through this process and have them apply these ideas first to the setting of the conference and then to their own teaching situations.

TAKEAWAYS:
Leveraging CCCs to connect students’ observations of ordinary, relevant contexts provides more equitable opportunities to deeply engage with DCIs and SEPs.

SPEAKERS:
Ana Houseal, Clare Gunshenan

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER): Are You CERtain Your Students Understand the Data? (Part 2)

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W470a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
STEMscopes-NSTA-2022-July22-CER-Part2.pdf

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Using the data from Part 1 of this session, we will apply our learning to an engineering design challenge and share additional CER tips. You’ll see the connection between lesson design, inquiry-based instruction, and application of learning with ONE activity that requires minimal preparation but elicits lots of participation! Attendance to Part 1 is recommended but not required. Takeaways: Understand the benefits of using the CER Framework as it applies to engineering.

TAKEAWAYS:
Understand the benefits of using the CER Framework as it applies to engineering.

SPEAKERS:
Tammy Motley, Ashley Mathis, Dr. Kenneth Heydrick

CRISPR II: Using Cas9 as a Genome Editing Tool

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W475b



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

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Center for BioMolecular Modeling

The discovery of the CRISPR adaptive immunity system in bacteria has provided us with a powerful new tool with which we can begin to edit the human genome. The Cas9 endonuclease is able to bind to a specific unique site in the 3.2 billion base-pair human genome – and make a double-stranded cut. This sequence-specific cut is the first step in the process of genome editing. In this workshop we will explore the molecular mechanism of CRISPR Cas9, including the use of a guide RNA to program the nuclease to target a specific nucleotide sequence. Teachers will be introduced to a hands-on model – Cas9 Making the Cut – that can be used to introduce this topic to students. This Making the Cut Kit is designed to be used after the students are first introduced to the CRISPR system using the CRISPR Adaptive Immunity Kit. We will also explore how Cas9 is being engineered to become an even more powerful genome editing tool.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how Cas9 can be programmed with guide RNA to recognized any specific sequence of DNA.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman

Cut, Paste, Confirm: Real CRISPR Gene Editing and PCR Genotyping

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W475a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Dig into CRISPR, a revolutionary technology in gene therapy. Learn about a classroom CRISPR lab activity with robust controls and a free paper model.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about a lab activity in which students do real CRISPR gene editing and confirm the chromosomal edit with PCR; 2. Receive and practice using a free paper model to teach the function of Cas9, a key protein in CRISPR technology; and 3. Hear the latest in CRISPR technology, including current efforts in gene therapy.

SPEAKERS:
Leigh Brown, Tamica Stubbs

Discover NSTA’s Digital Resources and Online Community

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W179a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Slides Discover NSTA’s Digital Resources and Online Community, NSTA Chicago

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Explore the NSTA website with us! NSTA provides high-quality digital resources and opportunities—all within a professional community—that support professional learning and classroom instruction. NSTA staff will be available to answer questions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will become knowledgeable about the plethora of digital resources available on NSTA’s website and will learn how to add them to their library.

SPEAKERS:
Flavio Mendez, Michelle Phillips

Easily Understand Recursion through Natural Phenomena

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W187c



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

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Recursion is a challenging topic for some students. In this session, we’ll present a blended approach to introducing recursion, wherein a textual description of natural phenomena is presented in an easy-to-understand, attractive, and informative graphic format. Fundamental rules of production systems are also presented, all in a format specifically targeted to high school students. Students generally gain mastery of this topic within a few weeks through this approach, achieving both a deep understanding of the concepts and a rewarding sense of accomplishment. As a bonus, they usually enjoy the topic and appreciate the opportunity this approach gives them to be creative.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to enable students to be creative while learning about recursion

SPEAKERS:
David Ben-Yaakov

Engaging with Your STEM Ecosystem Through After-School Programs: Lessons from Science Olympiad

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W179b


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

A challenge that STEM education presents to educators is how to stay current in an ever-evolving field to accurately represent and engage their students with new topics, activities, and careers. Too often STEM teachers become locked-in on a set of topics, activities, and careers because of the resources and opportunities to which they have access. After-school programs, and their ability to foster partnerships within a school’s larger STEM ecosystem, are one mechanism to open up STEM programs within schools to new topics, activities, and careers while offering avenues for professional growth and learning for the classroom teacher. By introducing the Science Olympiad program and the strategies used by our school participants for over three decades to build partnerships, connect to their STEM ecosystem, and expand learning we intend to help attendees draw parallels to their STEM ecosystems and their after-school programs. Building off of this information, attendees will analyze and discuss ways their STEM ecosystem can contribute to their STEM program, develop approaches for asking ecosystem members for support, and recognize opportunities to grow their STEM program through after-school programs. The session will close with a discussion of attendees’ specific challenges and issues ensuring attendees leave with actionable solutions.

TAKEAWAYS:
The big takeaway from this session will attendees examining their STEM ecosystem to identify potential partners who align with their programming and can support student learning.

SPEAKERS:
John Loehr

Equilibrium Misconceptions Are Best Resolved By Inquiry!

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W196c


Show Details

Chemical equilibrium is a central topic to the understanding of both Chemistry and Biology-yet students have many misconceptions about equilibrium. The NGSS standard HS PS1-6 covers this important topic. In a recent AP Chemistry Exam, the vast majority of students did poorly on the topic of had misconceptions about equilibrium-73 % of the students received a zero or had no response to the equilibrium question. Students are most familiar with equilibrium problems and experiments where the K value is small-usually less than 1. This AP Exam question dealt with a large K value causing the majority of students to do poorly. In this presentation, participants will take part in a “hands on” inquiry activity using appropriate technology to collect and analyze data for a chemical equilibrium having a large K value. Participants will: undertake a “hands on” equilibrium Inquiry with a large K value, use Inquiry to resolve equilibrium misconceptions, & use appropriate technology for data collection/analysis. Join this workshop to take an inquiry lab back to use in your classroom. Handouts will be provided. There will be time allotted for participant questions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn to use Inquiry to overcome student misconceptions about chemical equilibrium.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory Dodd

Feeling Moody?

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W194b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

We will bring science and coding together as participants learn to do some basic coding (no experience necessary) while developing a mood ring! The science of color mixing is explored while determining the right body temperature thresholds. Is fuchsia flirty? Should green be groovy? It’s up to you!

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn how to incorporate STEM/coding skills (no coding experience necessary) with science concepts to create a highly engaging lesson for students that tackles many of the science and engineering practices.

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux

Getting Carried Away: The UpLab

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W176a


Show Details

Using the Dual Range Force Sensor, participants will determine how many helium balloons are needed to lift themselves and the house from Disney’s film Up.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Using the phenomenon of the helium balloon lifted house from the movie "Up," attendees will leave with a lab using the Dual Range Force Sensor to determine the amount of balloons needed to lift themselves and the house; and 2. the session will show how this can be used for any level of student, and as a bonus will also incorporate how the data collection and analysis can be collected using Python coding.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Graba, Brad Posnanski

Making Connections: Life Science, Critical Thinking, and Dissection

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W473


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: TeachKind

Research on the efficacy of non-animal dissection methods, student concerns about animal welfare, environmental issues, and cost are some of the factors contributing to the increasing demand for modern non-animal dissection options in Biology and life science classes. This workshop is timely and relevant for all Biology and life science teachers – including pre-service and beginning teachers – to deepen understanding of life science standards, increase familiarity with modern dissection resources, and apply critical thinking skills to evidence-based decision making. This interactive session will provide the opportunity for participants to unpack middle school and high school life science performance expectations from Molecules and Organisms: Structures and Processes and Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity. Participants will create consensus learning targets for life science performance expectations, gain hands-on experience with virtual dissection programs and realistic dissectible models, and evaluate evidence to support decision making for selecting dissection resources. OPTIONAL: Participants are asked to bring a laptop or other device.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain hands-on experience with dissection software programs and synthetic dissectible models and apply evidence-based decision making to meet the increasing demand for modern non-animal dissection options.

SPEAKERS:
Sally Sanders

Modeling Ocean Acidification: A Hands-On Approach

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W474b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: PASCO scientific

Making global phenomenon feel local is key to supporting student understandings of climate change. In this workshop, we'll share activities that make climate change meaningful. Join us to learn how to monitor local CO2 levels, model ocean acidification, and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to explore (and create) global data sets with free classroom-ready resources. Attend for a chance to win equipment for your school!

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to monitor local CO2 levels, model ocean acidification, and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to explore (and create) global data sets with free classroom-ready resources.

SPEAKERS:
Roger Palmer

Modeling Investigation of How Quarks Obtain Mass Through the Interaction of the Higgs Boson

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W195


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Each attendee will receive materials and instructions to construct a Higgs Boson. Dice and investigative procedure are included to determine the mass of six quarks.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to take an abstract concept and create concrete hands-on investigations; 2. Suggestions to go from teacher-centered to a student centered-curriculum; and 3. The importance of looking for trends, patterns, and regularities for modeling.

SPEAKERS:
Gary Schiltz

Rethinking the Climate Change Paradigm to Engage and Inspire the Next Generation

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W190b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Earth Overshoot

Teaching climate change as a symptom of planetary health using the overshoot model gives students a deeper understanding of environmental science and inspires hope and meaningful action.

TAKEAWAYS:
A more comprehensive systemic approach to our global environmental emergencies that concentrates on the interconnected causes instead of a narrow climate change focus gives students a broader and deeper understanding of our current environmental challenges and sets them up for successfully solving them.

SPEAKERS:
Terry Spahr

Science Education in an Age of Misinformation

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W184d


Show Details

We are living in an Age of Misinformation. Developing the capabilities to evaluate scientific information is a key goal of scientific literacy. Moreover, “obtaining, evaluating and communicating information” is a core practice of NGSS. The NGSS standards, however, were developed a decade ago before misinformation became so pervasive and were not developed to address this threat. Much of this misinformation is scientific. Therefore, this session will present a set of ideas and materials about how to address this challenge. These have emerged from a report developed at Stanford University drawing on the expertise of an international group of science educators, scientists and psychologists entitled “Science Education in an Age of Misinformation”. In this session, we will present the main arguments and recommendations of the report. Using a set of practical, web-based classroom examples, participants will work in small groups to trial and discuss the suggested teaching approaches and materials we have developed. Opportunities will be provided for feedback, questions and discussion in a final plenary. What we will present will empower teachers of science with ways they can support their students to avoid being misled by the purveyors of misinformation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn what are the challenges posed by misinformation and what they can do to help science education address this challenge using practical examples of exercises and ionnovative teaching materials.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Pimentel

Science Instruction in an Era of Accountability

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W187a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Activity Sheet
Jamboard

Show Details

An understanding of the structure of our educational system will allow us to better navigate this system in ways which promote social justice in the science classroom. Consequently, this session will start with a discussion of accountability reform initiatives (such as high-stakes testing) and the impact those mandates have had on science education. Thus, the first part of the session will focus on the interplay between reform initiatives and equity by examining how mandates worked to widen the achievement gap. The NGSS challenges states to make changes to their curricula and bring the focus back to science. We will then move to a discussion regarding how we can use the vision embodied in the NRC Framework to promote quality teaching practices in the science classroom and bring the focus to science instruction. Here we examine equity-driven practices that can work to promote social justice in the science classroom. Participants will identify components within the NCR Framework which promote equity by engaging all learners—specifically historically marginalized students—in the learning process.

TAKEAWAYS:
Accountability mandates such as high-stakes testing are working to funnel time and resources away from science instruction, however, 3D learning and inclusive practices can mitigate the effects of those mandates by promoting sound pedagogical practices.

SPEAKERS:
Klodia Saad

Spiraling Resources: How Climate Change Connects the Biology Curriculum with HHMI BioInteractive

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W474a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

- Climate change is not just a human impact topic; it can be a phenomena for bioenergetics, ecology and evolution as well. - Spiraling a phenomena throughout a curriculum creates more robust connections and allows students to build on their understanding using new ideas. It also provides an important scaffold; students bring in prior knowledge from previous units to help them understand the current unit which allows teachers to build off students’ islands of competency. Engaging with climate change throughout an entire year provides students with a more complete understanding of a complex problem. It allows multiple entry points for all students: data analysis, arguing from evidence, planning and carrying out investigations, mathematical and computational thinking and developing and using models.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engaging with climate change throughout an entire year provides students with a more complete understanding of a complex problem. It allows multiple entry points for all students: data analysis, arguing from evidence, planning and carrying out investigations, mathematical and computational thinking and developing and using models.

SPEAKERS:
James Clark, Samantha Johnson

Teaching Biology in a Time of Conflict—Challenge, Opportunity, and Optimism

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W181c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Covid Lesson Plans
Suggestions for lesson plans built around the biology of Covid-19
Teaching Science in a time of Conflict
Slides from the Presentation

Show Details

These might seem to be grim times in the science classroom, but I will suggest in many ways that these are actually the “Best of Times.”

TAKEAWAYS:
The challenges we face present unique opportunities to engage students with topics of interest that are deeply relevant to their everyday lives. As a result, the challenges can be used to enhance student interest and teaching effectiveness.

SPEAKERS:
Kenneth Miller

Teaching COVID-19 diagnostics in the Classroom

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W476


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Demonstrate the power that molecular techniques bring to managing infectious disease outbreaks. In this case study, students act as healthcare providers at an airport screening facility and test fictional patients for infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Students use PCR and a handheld P51 fluorescence viewer to diagnose their patients. The data for this lab can be collected two ways: endpoint detection or qPCR time point observations. Endpoint detection allows your students to use a single observation of fluorescence to diagnose their patients, in a single class period and without the need to run a gel. For longer classes, students can monitor their PCR samples over time to model the principles of qPCR, the gold standard for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students act as healthcare providers at an airport screening facility and test fictional patients for infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and investigate the principles of qPCR in the classroom, in a single class period!

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan

The Sticky Sickle Cell Situation - It Takes Two to Tango

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W472


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Sickle cell is an autosomal recessive disorder, and genetic testing is available to determine carrier, affected and normal genotypes. Run and visualize an electrophoresis gel to determine the genotypes of a family with some history of sickle cell, and hear about progress with treating this disease.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore a new genetics lab that is ideal for students in a biomedical pathway

SPEAKERS:
Jody Saxton West

Tick-Borne Diseases and One Health: Connecting Humans, Animals, and the Environment

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W196a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Ticks NSTA 2022.pdf

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Investigate the spread of tick-borne diseases in humans and animals. Experience hands-on/minds-on NGSS-focused lessons related to One Health, the connections between human, animal, and environmental health.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about hands-on/minds-on NGSS-focused lessons related to One Health and engage in three-dimensional activities that focus on the science practices of analyzing data and constructing explanations.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Brosnick, Dina Markowitz

Toshiba America Foundation wants to work together with teachers who are looking for a better way of doing the right thing

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W175c


Show Details

Toshiba America Foundation wants to work together with teachers who are looking for a better way to engage the community in STEM. Participants will hear from educators that have won money for their school and communities to implement STEM action projects.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how they can receive cash awards and acknowledge for STEM action projects.

SPEAKERS:
John Anderson

Transform Your Physics Classroom With Active Learning Through Scientific Phenomena

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W192b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

As veteran physics teachers, we know how challenging it is to create an active learning environment using phenomena & science practices on your own. Pivot Interactives makes active learning throughout the learning cycle easy with a dynamic platform that invites students to explore scientific phenomena freely. Teaching physics while actively & frequently engaging students meaningfully doesn’t have to be just a dream. Come learn about the newest ways Pivot interactives helps you overcome the challenges you face as a physics teacher, so you can create the physics class you’ve always envisioned. Hear from fellow physics teachers about how they transformed their classroom with active learning through phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, physics educators will see the newest ways Pivot Interactives’ gives them effective, streamlined tools to engage physics students with phenomena & science practices through active learning.

SPEAKERS:
Peter Bohacek

Transforming Teaching Through Curriculum-Based Professional Learning

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375a


Show Details

Carnegie Corporation of New York released a challenge paper calling on the education field to transform teaching and learning through the elements and essentials of curriculum-based professional learning. Learn how schools and systems are helping teachers experience the instruction their students experience to help change instructional practices, leading to better student outcomes.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore the rationale for a challenge paper dedicated solely to the issue of curriculum-based professional learning; 2. Discover the 10 elements and three essentials of professional learning critical to effective implementation of high-quality science instructional materials; and 3. Consider implications of the roles and responsibilities for putting into action the elements of curriculum-based professional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Jim Short

Women in STEM Mentorship Program: Building a Bridge to STEM at Community Colleges

Friday, July 22 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W185a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Presentation: Women in STEM Mentorship Program
Press Release
Sample Checklist
Sample Meeting Guidelines
Sample Mentor Welcome Packet
includes Code of Conduct, Communication Guidelines, and Photo/Video release
Sample Multi-year Module Plan

Show Details

Join us as we share our experience in developing and piloting our Women in STEM Mentorship Program (WSMP), a year-long mentorship program that pairs high school juniors and seniors who identify as female with female college STEM faculty to build relationships and positively impact the social development and academic achievement of participating young women as they consider pursuing a STEM field at College of DuPage. In this presentation, we will be discussing the creation, implementation, and piloting of a mentorship program focused on attracting high school students, who identify as female, to the STEM fields. Eight high school juniors and seniors participated in the Women in STEM Mentorship Program. Mentees were paired with STEM faculty who teach at a community college. In addition to this, we will be discussing our findings and the changes that we will be making to future cohorts. We hope to hear directly from some of our mentees and mentors, who will share their experience. Finally, we will share what we believe makes our program different from other STEM mentorship programs and provide examples of how we created the program that you can take with you should you wish to start your own.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how community college STEM faculty can work to support potential incoming underrepresented students through a mentorship and networking program. We hope to have mentors and mentees available to share their experience.

SPEAKERS:
Sara Spaniol

“With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility”: Using Pop Culture to Teach Science

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W179b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
“With great power comes great responsibility”- Using Pop Culture to Teach Science.pptx
“With great power comes great responsibility”- Using Pop Culture to Teach Science.pptx
The URL for the google slides has the embedded videos and links. The PPT videos may not work as well, but the links to all of the videos are in our sources section.

Show Details

Can pop culture help better foster scientific habits and student engagement? A science educator and a pop culture scholar provide ideas and resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
Ideas for integrating pop culture and science teaching.

SPEAKERS:
Zachery Franks, Vito Dipinto

3D Assessment that Leverages Interest & Identity

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375a


Show Details

Phenomenon-driven assessments can be aligned to standards and engaging to students. This session will answer the question, “How can a 3D assessment engage students’ interest and identity while promoting high-quality science learning?” We call this “5-dimensional” assessment. We will present several examples of phenomenon-driven assessments in grades 5-12 and deconstruct them. What makes them engaging? How does a 3D task unfold over several questions? Where are the big science ideas? Then, we will analyze the student work that 5-dimensional assessments can generate in order to see what 3D learning can result from aligned tasks. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to construct a 3D task, investigate student interests, and give meaningful feedback to students that goes beyond “right and wrong” multiple-choice questions. The final part of the presentation will offer examples of tools participants can use to adapt their own assessments by 1) finding meaningful phenomena, 2) connecting the DCIs, SEPs, and CCCs, and 3) writing prompts that integrate all dimensions.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to design meaningful, interest & identity driven 3D assessments for secondary students

SPEAKERS:
Kerri Wingert

Algae Blooms and Algae Beads: Agriculture, Ecology, and Economy

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W475a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

See how you can teach both photosynthesis and cellular respiration with algae beads in one hands-on lab in the real-world context of algae blooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to work with algae beads, a fast and easy-to-use model organism; 2. Walk through how students can measure and learn about both photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the same hands-on lab; and 3. See how students can develop scientific explanations of algae blooms and the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico using their learned knowledge about photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

SPEAKERS:
Leigh Brown

Building Science Literacy Skills Using Primary Sources

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W181a


Show Details

Explore the use of primary sources to support three-dimensional science learning during an interactive presentation of examples, resources, and ideas for your own lesson plan.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn what primary sources are in science, why primary sources support acquisition of science literacy skills, and how to integrate primary sources into science and STEM lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Loris Chen, Donna Governor, Kathy Biernat

Classroom Communities that Thrive through Camaraderie and Connection

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W185a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Classroom Communities that Thrive through Camaraderie and Connection Folder

Show Details

It takes time and intentionality to build a community of learners who trust each other, respect differing perspectives, share ideas freely, and seek feedback from their peers. This session explores a variety of strategies that can be easily implemented to build this culture and community from day one. Strategies that foster this type of connection, collaboration, and camaraderie will be discussed using examples and tips to implement in the classroom, starting with some fresh ideas for getting to know students and helping them get to know their classmates. Many of these ideas combine strategies we already know and add a collaborative and inclusive spin to them. Allowing for multiple types of student interaction is important to ensure all voices are heard and valued, not just the loud and proud. Including time for students to process independently, in small groups, and in the large group is important to developing an inclusive community. A variety of strategies will be shared to support these levels of interaction in the classroom, making student thinking visible in individual, small group, and whole group displays.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers can elevate their practices to include all students and develop a classroom culture that invites student interaction, increases student engagement, and fosters equitable experiences on a daily basis.

SPEAKERS:
Beth Pesnell

Computational Thinking Using Computer Simulations in High School Biology

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W196a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Computational Thinking in Biology Powerpoint Final.pdf
NSTA CT-S Student Lesson Word FINAL.pdf
NSTA CT-S Teacher Lesson Plan FINAL.pdf

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

While the NGSS emphasizes the science and engineering practice of computational thinking, there is less familiarity and support for the implementation of this practice compared to other practices. In this session, high school biology teachers will learn how to recognize if a task requires computational thinking or not by analyzing a set of tasks. They will learn how to promote computational thinking in their classrooms by engaging with a newly developed computer simulation. This freely available simulation is based on a real-world phenomenon and designed to address specific performance expectations in biology. Teachers will explore the simulation as learners first, engaging with it as their students would. Then they will reflect on how they used computational thinking to explain the phenomenon. Teachers will leave the session with access to the simulation, suggestions for lesson plans, ideas for incorporating the activity into their curricula, and strategies for utilizing the simulation with all learners in their classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to promote the science and engineering practice of computational thinking in the high school biology classroom. Participants will be introduced to a freely accessible computer simulation (and suggested lesson plans) based on a real-world phenomenon designed to address performance expectations in biology.

SPEAKERS:
Wendy Jackson, Maia Binding, Ben Koo

Copper, An Essential Metal: A Two Unit Inquiry!

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W196c


Show Details

Copper is used in plumbing, coinage, and electrical wiring; yet we often take this element for granted. Copper has been known since at least 9000 BC, but many of its reactions and properties have only been determined in recent centuries. This inquiry requires students to: research the chemical reactions of copper (redox, double displacement, and decomposition), apply prior knowledge of stoichiometry and conservation of matter, analyze a copper solution using spectroscopy, and use proper laboratory techniques and skills. NGSS standards HS PS1-2, HS PS1-5, and HS PS1-7 will be addressed. Participants will: Research and design an Inquiry experiment, use technology to collect/analyze data, & visualize what occurs on the submicroscopic level by employing particulate drawings. Join this workshop to take home a two-unit inquiry lab to use in your classroom. This Inquiry is a perfect end-of-course lab practical. There will be time allotted for participant questions. Handouts will be provided.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how Inquiry can be used successfully in their classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory Dodd

DNA Forensics Solves the Murder Mystery of Dr. Ward

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W472


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Hair, fingerprints, and DNA are left behind at the scene of a murder. Can you use them to find Dr. Ward's killer? Your students will love being the crime scene investigators while learning how to use electrophoresis to perform DNA analysis in a single classroom period. Come learn how!

TAKEAWAYS:
Become a forensic scientist to solve the mystery of who killed a prominent doctor, and see how engaging and reliable hands-on labs excite students for careers in forensics

SPEAKERS:
Jody Saxton West

Empower Students with the Sustainable Development Goals

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W183c


Show Details

Are you looking to fuel student engagement, incorporate real-world problem solving, and build empathy through STEM? If so, please join us to learn how the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, student-created learning centers and STEM-based contests promote learner ownership and innovative problem solving. Since the SDGs highlight global inequalities, learning about them builds awareness and develops empathy. This, in turn, encourages students to consider STEM-based solutions to create a more sustainable future that also reduces barriers for underrepresented populations. Our classroom-ready resources allow students to self-select an SDG, become experts about its impact on the global community, and create an informative, interactive learning center. This process increases student interest and engagement and develops leadership skills. As people participate in these student-created centers, they learn about the SDGs and consider positive solutions for each. Ultimately, learning center participants are encouraged to become SDG ambassadors who spread global awareness. In addition, we will share how a systems-based approach for STEM contest integration not only forges STEM pathways, incorporates science and engineering practices, and expands career awareness, but also creates future-ready citizens who are equipped with skills to increase prosperity within our global community.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how the Sustainable Development Goals and the Engineering Design Process promote empathy, increase classroom participation, and spark innovative student-based solutions that reduce global barriers within underrepresented populations in order to create real-world change.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Kaleta, Debby Nelson

Making the Invisible Visible through Engineering Design: A focus group

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W475b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Experience engineering design in action! Share your teacher insights as you evaluate competing design solutions for actual products. $50 Thank you gift certificate; first 20 participants.

TAKEAWAYS:
Focus Group to provide feedback on competing design solutions for actual product.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman, Kim Parfitt, Heather Ryan, Kris Herman

Gamifying Energy and Climate Change Education

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W473


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Generation Atomic

Teachers will learn how to play MegaWatt, a new card game designed in the UK by engineers, and then how it can be utilized in the classroom to build students' understanding of how the electricity grid works and the array of externalities that can cause power outages or derail progress towards a clean energy future. The game is 3-5 plays and requires about 30 minutes to play, making it a great fit for most classroom sizes and blocks.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teaching systems thinking with a well-designed card game can be done easily and engage students in a new and exciting way.

Keep Calm and Chemistry On: Successful Lab Activities for the New Chemistry Teacher

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W471a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Explore easy, engaging, and safe chemistry activities that guarantee a reaction in your students. These lab activities support three-dimensional learning and work every time, not just periodically.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers observe an endothermic reaction demonstration and participate in hands-on activities, including small-scale reactions and manipulatives to introduce balancing equations.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Nixon

Knockout! Bringing authentic CRISPR/Cas gene manipulation to your classroom

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W476


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

Allow students to explore CRISPR/Cas genome editing in a living organism! The Knockout! Lab gives students the knowledge and tools to disable, or knock out, a gene in bacteria. Students will transform bacteria with a plasmid that carries the Cas9 gene and a guide RNA that targets the lacZ gene, then use white/blue phenotypic screening to confirm successful gene knockout. Importantly, students can use PCR to verify at the genotypic level that gene targeting occurred. We will also feature free educational resources from miniPCR bio designed to make CRISPR/Cas accessible to biology students of all levels. Our free CRISPR/Cas paper models walk students through examples of cutting-edge research, as well as the clinical use of the CRISPR/Cas to cure sickle cell disease.

TAKEAWAYS:
Perform an authentic CRISPR/Cas gene knockout in your classroom, use optional PCR and gel electrophoresis to further verify phenotypic results, and try free CRISPR/Cas resources for your classroom

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Bryan

Let Me Upgrade Ya!- Science Pedagogy (The Hip Hop Edition)

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W181b


Show Details

Let Me Upgrade Ya! This fun and engaging session is designed for science teachers, teacher leaders, instructional coaches, administrators, and anyone else who enjoys teaching. Participants will explore researched based strategies for engaging the brain and retaining information. Reviewing the research of these strategies will give validation for their classroom use. A demonstration of the strategy will create buy in and a reference point for all participants on how they can implement these strategies in their classroom. This session will engage participants to actively dance, sing, draw, reflect, and play games all while learning science. The researched based strategies that will be highlighted in this session promote the diversity of learners in every classroom and multi-learning styles.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn high leverage strategies to engage students in science instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Jeremy Harden

Lights-Camera-CRASH: Exploring Crash Science with Griff Jones and the IIHS’s Vehicle Research Center

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W180


Show Details

Go behind the scenes of a crash-test center and use award-winning videos, paper car crashes, and egg drop cushions to teach motion and energy. Everything free at classroom.iihs.org.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to use inquiry-based, NGSS-focused activities and video-supported engineering design experiences integrating STEM concepts with vehicle crashworthiness and crash avoidance technologies to promote students' safer decision-making when riding in or driving a vehicle.

SPEAKERS:
Griff Jones, Pini Kalnite

Moment of Inertia and Angular Momentum with Video Analysis

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W471b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Use Vernier Video Analysis app for ChromeOS, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android to investigate the motion of a physical pendulum colliding with a cart. Access to Vernier Video Analysis and the experiment from our lab manual will be shared with you. Bring your own device or use one of ours!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain experience with hands-on technology that encourages students to explore and test different solutions and make connections to the real world; 2. Get access to free resources to keep students engaged while learning key scientific concepts either remotely or in the lab; and 3. Gain hands-on experiences with innovative products that increase student engagement, promote creativity and collaboration, and develop problem-solving skills.

SPEAKERS:
Tom Smith, David Carter

Observing the Earth for a Sustainable Future

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375e


Show Details

Research scientist Africa Flores-Anderson uses data from satellites to map algae blooms in lakes and forest degradation in her home country of Guatemala. Join Flores-Anderson as she shares her personal journey from small-town girl to National Geographic Explorer, using satellite imagery to better understand our planet.

About the Speaker
Africa Flores-AndersonOriginally from Guatemala, Africa Flores-Anderson is a research scientist at the Earth System Science Center at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). She is passionate about using data and satellite images for environmental conservation. As a National Geographic Explorer, she is working to forecast harmful algae blooms in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala using artificial intelligence. She also works to strengthen the capacity of countries in environmentally sensitive areas to use Earth observation data and geospatial technologies for managing natural resources and environmental risks. Flores’s research focuses on forest monitoring, water quality and ecological forecasting.

SPEAKERS:
Africa Flores-Anderson

PreService Science Education Preparation for Special Education Teachers:: Content and Strategies for intersectional inclusive classrooms

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W185b-c


Show Details

This presentation will address the science and math education preparation of preservice special education teachers using the NGSS and NCTM standards as the central source of curriculum. Focus will . be on the intersectionality of race, culture and disability in providing access and building fluency in science content in inclusive classrooms k-12. Preservice teacher’s student learning impact projects use phenomena driven science snack activities will be showcased as well as cross curricular experiences using three dimensional learning as the anchor . These projects are designed using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and also address targeted supports for specific learners that address barriers to learning including input, output, information processing and affect., Additionally the anti racist pedagogy and content embedded in the projects will be discussed. . Video and zoom demonstrations. Audience participation and discussion will be encouraged.

TAKEAWAYS:
Strategies for diverse students in special education to access science curriculum in a engaging and meaningful way.

SPEAKERS:
Beverley Evans

Science Literacy and the “CRAP” Tool from HHMI BioInteractive

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W474a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Engage with a resource to help students evaluate the credibility of science in the news. Reflect on how to incorporate the CRAP test into face-to-face or online courses to build science literacy. Engage with a different resource that allows you to practice a method of reading the primary literature that will make it accessible to your students

TAKEAWAYS:
Engage with a resource to help students evaluate the credibility of science in the news. Reflect on how to incorporate the CRAP test into face-to-face or online courses to build science literacy. Engage with a different resource that allows you to practice a method of reading the primary literature that will make it accessible to your students

SPEAKERS:
Karen Lucci, Keri Shingleton

STEMscopes Showcase: What’s New at STEMscopes?

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W470a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
STEMscopes-2022-July22-STEMscopes-Showcase-NSTA (1).pdf

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

If you're using STEMscopes (or wanna-be), this session is for you. Come see examples of the EXCITING and NEW ASPECTS to the most popular digital science curriculum during this showcase. Discover program enhancements, Google integration, streaming, coding, engineering, and much more.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about STEMscopes' various components and programs by experienced users in a hands-on setting.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda McGee, Dr. Kenneth Heydrick, Jacque Garcia, Tammy Motley, Ashley Mathis, Bobby Barron

The Quantitative and Qualitative Modeling of the Doppler Effect

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W195


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

The first 50 attendees will be be given the materials (circluar rings, rulers, and paper) to model the Doppler effect. Attendees will need a calculator for the quantitative portion of the workshop.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to take an abstract concept and create a concrete hands-on investigation; 2. Suggestions to go from teacher-centered to a student centered-curriculum; and 3. The importance of looking for trends, patterns, and regularities for modeling.

SPEAKERS:
Gary Schiltz

Transform Your Biology Classroom With Active Learning Through Scientific Phenomena

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W192b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

As veteran biology teachers, we know how challenging it is to create an active learning environment using phenomena & science practices on your own. Pivot Interactives makes active learning throughout the learning cycle easy with a dynamic platform that invites students to explore scientific phenomena freely. Teaching biology while actively & frequently engaging students meaningfully doesn’t have to be just a dream. Come learn about the newest ways Pivot interactives helps you overcome the challenges you face as a biology teacher, so you can create the biology class you’ve always envisioned. Hear from fellow biology teachers about how they transformed their classroom with active learning, scaffolding, personalized feedback, phenomena-based assessments, increased use of science practices, and increased access to phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, biology educators will see the newest ways Pivot Interactives gives them effective, streamlined tools to engage biology students with phenomena & science practices through active learning.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Friberg, Peter Bohacek

Using Three-dimensional Assessment Prompts to Drive Student Sense-making

Friday, July 22 • 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM

McCormick Place - W175c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
3D Prompts_PPT_NSTA Chicago2022.pdf
Guide Writing Coherent 3-D Prompts

Show Details

The Vision set forth by A Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards emphasize science as the integration of practices (SEPs), content (DCIs), and big ideas (CCCs). By using all three dimensions, students are able to make sense of phenomena while learning science concepts and processes. However, this way of thinking and learning takes practice and guidance. Teachers play a pivotal role in helping their students to engage with this kind of science learning. Therefore, they must find ways to explicitly integrate and embed all three dimensions in activities, lessons, and assessments. This participatory presentation will explore how teachers can explicitly embed SEPs, DCIs, and CCCs into prompts (questions and guiding statements) to promote more integrated opportunities for student sense-making. By generating prompts that include SEPs, DCIs, and CCCs, teachers can guide students to think in a more three-dimensional way and gain the skills to do so outside of the classroom. Attendees will identify strategies for posing integrated prompts, consider the benefits of multi-dimensional prompts for students, practice asking and improving prompts, and apply these strategies to use in their own classroom context.

TAKEAWAYS:
Creating prompts (questions and guiding statements) that explicitly promote the three dimensions can drive more integrated, equitable student learning

SPEAKERS:
Ana Houseal, Clare Gunshenan

ESPRESS-O Yourself @ NSTA’s Morning Coffee Chats

Saturday, July 23 • 6:40 AM - 7:40 AM

McCormick Place - Starbucks


Show Details

Grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and join us for an informal get-together with your peers. Each day of the conference will feature a morning coffee chat, providing participants an opportunity to share ideas and experiences, expand their network, and connect with colleagues and friends from around the country. All are welcome to attend!

Located at the Starbucks adjacent to the exhibit hall entrance.

NSTA Sunrise Exercise: Yoga

Saturday, July 23 • 6:40 AM - 7:40 AM

McCormick Place - Rooftop Garden


Show Details

Calling all yoga enthusiasts. Regardless of whether you’re a newbie or veteran, schedule time to join Jasmine for a gentle warm-up; traditional vinyāsa-style yoga (balance poses, core, strength building); deep stretching for hips and hamstrings; and, of course, meditation for relaxation and de-stressing. Beginner friendly!

Elevator to the rooftop garden is located near Skyline Ballroom W375e.

"Say That Again???..." Know Your Students' - and Your Own - Misconceptions in Science

Saturday, July 23 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W175c


Show Details

“Kids say the darndest things” don’t they - or do they? Either way, it’s really what they believe, whether it’s correct or incorrect. Do you know what ideas your students bring to the classroom and use to shape their ideas about science? How do we accurately assess their ideas against the disciplinary core ideas of the NGSS? We wonder where those ideas come from and why they own them. Our students make sense of science from many places and venues and then use that as a foundation for their learning. However, it may not always be a solid foundation. We can help students develop their science knowledge using phenomena, observation, and robust assessment as well as a through a deeper understanding of the misconceptions they hold. Know the extent of what your students are thinking and why they think it using research-based assessments and the importance of including their ideas in those assessments. Explore students’ ideas and misconceptions (as well as your own!) in the Physical Sciences at various grade levels and know some of what they bring with them before they walk in the door!

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn research-based misconceptions that students hold across grade bands in the physical sciences in order to incorporate those into assessment.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Crockett

Accidental Rocket Scientist: Hip-Hop, Humor, and Connections

Saturday, July 23 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W192a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Company

Learn how to make math and science come alive through humor, hip-hop, and connections. As Dajae recounts her “unplanned” journey of becoming a NASA Rocket Scientist, she will share exactly what it takes to bring a sense of culture to the classroom. Take-away her teaching strategies to create learning environments with lasting purpose and long-term impact.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how removing language as a barrier helped a student leverage pop culture in her STEM classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Dajae Williams

Asking the Students: Creating and Implementing a Metacognitive Data Tracker for Assessments

Saturday, July 23 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W179a


Show Details

Data meetings are as much of a reality to K–12 teachers and students as high-stakes testing. In this session we will share a data tool, as well as the surprising results we have collected so far, to help teachers in understanding students' struggles by asking the students directly what aspect of the assessment they struggled with the most. Our findings are serving students and teachers by improving Tier 1 instruction planning and delivery as well as leading to a much richer and in-depth conversation during data meetings.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will be given the knowledge and tools to implement our Metacognitive Data Tracker in order to improve Tier 1 instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Rocco Williams

Cosmology in the Classroom

Saturday, July 23 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W196c


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Students are generally intrigued by cosmology but it can be difficult for instructors to explain. For some scientists and teachers, the famous Hubble graph from which we obtain Hubble’s Law makes it obvious that the universe is expanding but for most students (and many of us teachers!) this is not the case: looking at the graph does not obviously imply an expanding universe. We will discuss standard candles and the redshifting of light, and how Hubble used these to measure the speeds and distances to galaxies. We will examine his data and graph and then we will work through an activity that will help students see why the 1929 graph implies an expanding universe. The simple activity uses elastic and rulers and provides a qualitative introduction to the Hubble redshift. Additionally, we will share other ideas and materials for teaching students about cosmology and the expansion of the universe.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students can produce a Hubble-like graph representing an expanding universe using elastic and a ruler.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Brown

Cultural Competence Matters: Improving Cultural Competence through Effective Interpersonal Communication

Saturday, July 23 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W185b-c


Show Details

Culturally relevant pedagogy embodies a professional, political, cultural, ethnical, and ideological disposition that supersedes mundane teaching acts; it is centered in fundamental beliefs about teaching, learning, students, their families, and their communities, and an unyielding commitment to see student success become less rhetoric and more of a reality. This session will aid in building awareness and sensitivity to the culture-based genius that students bring to the classroom using science inquiry strategies. Emphasis will be placed on a model for the inclusion of culturally relevant content that accommodates student backgrounds and methods of learning. In this session, we will exhibit how to identify the key characteristics of culturally responsive lessons. Attendees will acquire lesson design methods that employ cultural competence and effective communication. Attendees will use collaborate boards during the presentation to respond and interact. Activities to exhibit how students identify with what they know in the classroom will be utilized to help educators make connections and apply this information when planning lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Building awareness and sensitivity to the culture-based genius that students bring to the classroom using science inquiry strategies. Emphasis will be placed on a model for the inclusion of culturally relevant content that accommodates student backgrounds and methods of learning.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Haynes, Jennifer Norwood, Tara Hollins

E.O. Wilson in the Comics: Biophilia, Biodiversity, and Science Literacy for a More Inclusive Audience

Saturday, July 23 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W181b


Show Details

Guide your students to compose elements of graphic novels inspired by the graphic novel version of Naturalist and Black Birder Christian Cooper’s It’s a Bird.

TAKEAWAYS:
Comics and graphic novels can engage diverse learners to understand the nature of STEM and encourage them to craft their own stories, with interdisciplinary thinking across science, social studies, history, math, and language arts.

SPEAKERS:
Dennis Liu

Get to Know H2O with Hands on Models

Saturday, July 23 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W475b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Participants will explore the structure of water molecules and how it allows life on Earth to exist. They will use the magnetic water molecules to explore the concepts of polarity and hydrogen bonding. Participants will be able to use this kit to teach adhesion, cohesion, and capillary action; surface tension; states of water; evaporation and condensation; and solubility. Finally, participants will examine how science practices can be utilized throughout the inquiry while also exploring key model literacy elements to prepare students for further learning using models.

TAKEAWAYS:
The simple structure of water defines its complex properties that can easily be explored through modeling.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Parfitt

Instructional Materials Design for Today's Science Standards

Saturday, July 23 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Critical Features Webinar Slide Deck_NSTA Chicago 2022.pptx.pdf

Show Details

One of the most important factors for ensuring that all students experience science education that prepares them for future success is access to high-quality, standards-aligned instructional materials, especially critical for our nation’s Black, Latinx, multilingual, and low-income students. EdReports and NextGenScience provide evaluations of instructional materials to help identify these kinds of high-quality materials. The organizations co-developed the Critical Features of Instructional Materials Design resource to illustrate and provide unified definitions of features that ensure instructional materials can help students meet or exceed today’s science standards. The features described in this document are based on approaches to science learning and assessment described in A Framework for K–12 Science Education and subsequent research. This session leverages key features and illustrations to engage educators and developers in a conversation about the features and what they look like in materials.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will develop an understanding of the importance of high quality materials for supporting students and teachers and discuss how to utilize the critical curriculum features for improving development and selection of curriculum materials.

SPEAKERS:
Jenny Sarna, Shannon Wachowski

NASA’s James Webb Telescope (JWST): Looking into Our Past to Discover Our Future

Saturday, July 23 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375e



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://my.nsta.org/collection/K4Yro6AmwPk_E
SC-3: NASA’s JWST Workshop: Looking into Our Past to Discover Our Future Collect

Show Details

Join Chief engineer of NASA’s JWST to explore the design and development of the largest space telescope every imagined by humanity. Discover how The Hunt for Planet B will shape our future and what we can learn about the skills and relationships that drove our greatest technological journey as a species.

About the Speaker
Dr. Jonathan ArenbergJonathan Arenberg is currently chief mission architect for Science and Robotic Exploration at Northrop Grumman. His work experience includes all phases of program and mission development, including early technology development, mission concepts, detailed design, test and verification, and integration and test. His last major program assignment was as chief engineer for the James Webb Space Telescope. In the last few years, Dr. Arenberg has led major mission studies for NASA and other government customers. He has been a principal in major paradigm breaking concepts; the Starshade, MODE lenses, and the OASIS mission based on an inflatable reflector. He is a creative and broad thinker, capable of addressing the most challenging problems with practical and effective solutions. In addition to optical systems experience from X-rays to THz systems, he is also familiar with laser systems and components.

Dr. Arenberg has a BS in physics, a MS and PhD in engineering, all from UCLA. As a committed member of the scientific community, Dr. Arenberg is a long serving California State Science Fair Judge, frequent public speaker, a referee for several journals, and a guest editor for several special journal issues. He is a Fellow of the international optics and photonics society, SPIE, for his contribution to astronomy and lasers. He is the author of over 200 conference presentations, papers, and book chapters and holds 15 European and U.S. patents in a wide variety of areas of technology. Dr. Arenberg is also the co-author of a recent book on systems engineering for astronomy from SPIE press. In 2020 Jon was given the Professional Achievement Award from the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Arenberg

Phenomenal STEM: Finding Authentic Problems to Solve in the K–8 Classroom

Saturday, July 23 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375a


Show Details

Are identifying and choosing relevant, authentic problems to put in front of your students holding you back from providing opportunities to engage your students in engineering design? In this workshop, gain insight into what makes a problem instructionally productive. We’ll also explore resources available to support you in selecting problems to put in front of your students and strategies to help students identify problems they want to pursue individually or in small groups for STEM competitions or their own interests.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore authentic problems to solve in your STEM classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Phillips

Preservice Teacher Session: NSTA Preservice Teacher Chapter Program: Engaging the Next Generation of Educators of Science

Saturday, July 23 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W183a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Slides NSTA Preservice Teacher Chapter Program Engaging Next Gen of Educators

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

NSTA has developed the NSTA Preservice Teacher Chapter Program to encourage and support future teachers as they prepare to enter the profession, as well as help them network and connect with the many resources and opportunities provided by the Association. The NSTA Preservice Teacher Chapter Program consists of two types of chapters: (1) the National Preservice Teacher Chapter and (2) the Local Preservice Teacher Chapters at Universities or Colleges. The National Preservice Teacher Chapter supports all Preservice Teachers (active members of NSTA) who are based at higher education institutions without local chapters or groups. The Local Preservice Teacher Chapters at Universities or Colleges are separate but interdependent organizations that have elected to ally themselves with NSTA to encourage professional learning and networking of preservice teachers of science. Session participants will learn about the opportunities for increased leadership skills, career growth, and networking for students and faculty that the NSTA Preservice Teacher Chapter Program offers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Preservice Teachers and Faculty Advisors walk-away informed to participate in NSTA’s Preservice Teacher Chapter Program.

SPEAKERS:
Lorraine Ramirez Villarin, Flavio Mendez, Lizz Holtz

Problem Centered Teaching by Tomorrow

Saturday, July 23 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W193a



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

Show Details

Problem centered instruction is a great way to engage students, integrate content, inspire learning, and naturally incorporate all three dimensions of the NRC Framework. However, true problem centered instruction requires a major shift in both teaching and learning, requiring the one thing teachers don't have: time--the last thing teachers need is another pedagogical strategy that disrupts their entire routine. Teachers will have the opportunity to voice their concerns and discuss some barriers of problem centered teaching and learning, while also addressing the benefits for both teachers and students. Considering the benefits, there are some immediate changes that teachers can use to help shift to a problem centered environment. Recalling that problem centered learning should be complex, meaningful, and open-ended, the four strategies are: 1) Make the Content Relatable, 2) Structure: Less is More, 3) Be a Resource, Not an Answer Key, and 4) Use a Problem to Introduce a Topic. Teachers will then have an opportunity to put the strategies to immediate use by picking a lesson or topic and work with others to transform it into a three-dimensional, problem centered lesson.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will explore four strategies that promote three-dimensional learning through the process of problem centered instruction that is complex, meaningful, and open-ended. They will discuss benefits and barriers to the problem centered approach from the perspective of both the instructor and the learner. Teachers will have an opportunity to brainstorm and work collaboratively on transforming a lesson or topic of their choice into a problem centered, reality based scenario that seamlessly integrates the Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Cassandra Armstrong

SC-4: Quality Questions Make the Case: Designing Case-Based Lessons

Saturday, July 23 • 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

McCormick Place - W178a

Add to Cart 103 tickets available


Show Details

In this workshop, you will experience, and then utilize, a backwards design approach to creating a short case study. You will engage with peers on elements that make a good case and thought-provoking selected-response questions. You will then implement those lessons to develop your own activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn: 1. Use backward design to create a case study aligned with learning objectives and assessment items 2. Apply an item-writing checklist to improve assessment items 3. Revise open response items into a selected response format 4. Revise assessment items & provide peer feedback

SPEAKERS:
Peggy Brickman, Annie Prud’homme-Généreux

Sustainable School: Achieving the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon

Saturday, July 23 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W193b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Achieving Green Ribbon Presentation.pdf
Compost Handout NSTA 2022.pdf
Recycling and Garbage Signs.pdf
Warning Label Worksheet.pdf
Zero Waste Day Poster.pdf

Show Details

Wheaton Christian Grammar School was one of 27 schools (3 non-public and 24 public) who received this prestigious award in Illinois in 2021. During the session, we will share how our board of directors, administration, and maintenance staff have reduced our environmental impact and cost through routine maintenance, upgrades, and building design. We will review how our school has implemented lessons and programing that promotes sustainability and care for the earth. We will discuss how our health team works on promoting wellness for student, faculty, and staff in areas of heathy eating habits, staying active, and social emotional learning. Utilizing local agencies and promoting professional development for your staff will be addressed. We will end our session with sharing how our school reduces our waste by using four outside compost bins along with a vermicomposting bin in the STEAM Lab. A worm bin will be present for a step-by-step demonstration.

TAKEAWAYS:
Come "learn" what the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon is and "lead" your school in achieving this award.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Macaluso, Jacqueline Lauriat

What is Happening to the Rusty Patched Bumblebee?

Saturday, July 23 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

McCormick Place - W195


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Did you know that the Rusty Patched Bumblebee has lost 80% of its range in the last 20 years? Today, it is the first native pollinator to be put on the endangered species list. Why is this happening? And why should you care? Come explore a unit that guides students in using science and engineering practices to make sense of the functioning of the Rusty Patched Bumblebee’s ecosystem. From data on climate change to theories of pathogen spread, students grapple with all that science knows to date and create their own model for how changes to that system are impacting this keystone species. Learning is then extended beyond the walls of the classroom when students engage in intergenerational conversations and design actionable solutions to help this endangered native pollinator. Links to teacher guides and free printable and editable files will be shared with participants. This lesson will be shared through the perspective of a 7th grade life science teacher Amanda Mellenthin and her students, but is appropriate for grades 6-12. This unit is created by NFP: OnlyOneSky and information about the unit is found on skydayproject.com.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will walk through a high quality NGSS lesson that they can adapt to their classroom and supportive teacher resources.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Mellenthin

"Are These Materials Designed for NGSS?" EdReports Expansion to High School Reviews

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Chicago 2022 HS.pdf

Show Details

Since 2015, EdReports has published more than 900 free reviews of K-12 instructional materials including nearly 70 reviews of K-8 science programs. Most recently, EdReports completed a listening and learning tour to hear directly from the field about what’s needed to conduct rigorous reviews of high school science materials. Findings point toward inequities not only in the selection and use of quality curricula, but also a lack of support for educators to make the instructional shifts necessary. This session will open with research on the challenges educators face in finding quality materials, detail how the mission and vision of EdReports aims to address those challenges, and share the findings that have guided high school review tool development. Participants will engage in large group, small group, and pair share conversations to reflect on their own classroom materials and adoption practices, and discuss strategies for navigating the challenges involved with high school science instructional materials. Educators will also learn about opportunities to engage as an EdReports reviewer in upcoming reviews, which includes NGSS training, an extended learning community, and a paid stipend for participation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn about the expansion into high school science and develop an understanding of the tool development process, characteristics of alignment to the NGSS and usability, and how EdReports supports educators through smart adoption processes and opportunities to participate in educator-led review teams.

SPEAKERS:
Shannon Wachowski

4-H, STEM and Entrepreneurship...Oh My!

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W181b


Show Details

Learn how Ohio 4-H and the Ohio Academy of Science have partnered to offer the a free STEM entrepreneurial program for junior high and high school students. Educators will participate in activities that will showcase student-centered learning experiences that allows them to explore entrepreneurship in the formal classroom, home-school classroom or 4-H SPIN Club. The curriculum teaches students how to commercialize solutions to problems by developing a STEM Commercialization Plan or STEM Business Plan. The goal of the program is to create a culture of innovation. This is accomplished by focusing on the practical application of STEM and related fields and the development of an entrepreneurial mindset and the critical thinking skills students will need in the future.

TAKEAWAYS:
This session will provide the tools needed to expand student participation in STEM by connecting classroom educators to the broad community of 4-H officers, leaders and facilitators.

SPEAKERS:
Angela McMurry, Mark Light

Argument-Driven Inquiry as a way to bring three-dimensional instruction to your classroom

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W183c


Show Details

The session will give teachers an opportunity to participate in the same sort of rich and meaningful learning experiences that are called for by the NGSS. Such learning places the focus squarely on the nature of instruction. It is rooted in ongoing, active experiences that will prompt teachers to expand their content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and expand their beliefs about what is possible inside the classroom. The presenter will guide the participants in a series of focused, small-group demonstration activities that are structured like a typical ADI investigation, allowing teachers to experience instruction as students do.

TAKEAWAYS:
• How to use this instructional model, or way of teaching, to give students an opportunity to learn how to use the DCIs, CCs, and SEPs to make sense of natural phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Hutner

Continuing the Curiosity: From Picture Books to Books for Older Readers

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W193b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA 2022 - Continuing the Curiosity - Bibliography.pdf
Bibliobraphy of 70+ books to help children continue the curiosity piqued by reading STEM books
NSTA 2022 - Continuing the Curiosity - Bibliography.pdf
Bibiliography over 70+ titles to help children encourage their curiosity

Show Details

Picture books often pique a child’s interest in a STEM topic, igniting their interest in learning more about it. Once they’re ready to dig deeper, how do they find books to let them do so? The difference between STEM picture books and longer-form ones isn’t just the number of words. How can teachers help students transition from reading books where so much of the information is in the illustrations to ones where the text carries most of the content. For many students, this involves learning a new skill set. And what about older students who aren’t quite ready yet to tackle a longer book? How do they find STEM picture books that are appropriate for their age and reading level? In this talk, we’ll gives examples of two books on the same topic. First, we’ll pair picture books for younger and older readers. Second, we connect picture books with related long-form books. Either way, this gives students a way to continue their curiosity.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to transition students from reading picture books to longer-form books.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Wallmark, Jennifer Swanson

Crash Science Inquiry: Investigating Distracted Driving Dangers

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W181a


Show Details

Complete a distracted driving simulation and discover free award-winning videos, STEM activities, and real-world applications exploring science, engineering, and vehicle crashworthiness. Free lesson plans included.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how scientific and engineering principles can be modeled in classrooms using crash science–related videos and activities to promote safer personal behaviors when riding in or driving a vehicle.

SPEAKERS:
Griff Jones, Pini Kalnite

Creating a Science Classroom Podcast

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W187c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Podcasting NSTA Session Resources

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Marshall Escamilla, one of the co-hosts of the freely-available Tumble Science Podcast for Kids, will share some of the basics of creating a podcast with your class. Classroom podcasts are a great way for students to share their learning with the broader community, and can be used both as assessment and communication tools--and it's a lot easier to do than you'd think. Beginning with a brief description of what features make Tumble free and accessible, Marshall will walk educators through all the thing they'll need to consider when creating a podcast. We'll start by asking questions like: -Who is the intended audience for this podcast? -What is the overall topic for it? -How many episodes do we want to create, and how often do we want to release them? Then we'll move on to some of the technical elements. What are the requirements for creating a podcast studio in your classroom? What equipment do you need to buy? What software do students need to have access to? how do you ensure that students can have access to what they need in order to be successful? Finally, we will discuss some of the basic skills teachers will need to ensure student success: knowledge of best audio recording practices, and how to use a few easily-accessible software tools to make students' work sound its best.

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

SPEAKERS:
Marshall Escamilla

Creating phenomena for YOUR students

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W178b


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

The use of natural phenomena and driving questions to motivate student learning are key in the NGSS. With so many different science phenomena being posted for use in the classroom it can be difficult to determine what makes a good phenomenon and if that phenomena would be appropriate in all educational settings. The focus of this hands-on workshop is to give science teachers the tools needed to find, evaluate and use phenomena and driving questions for Performance Expectations that are consistent with the culture of their classroom. We will first explore and evaluate different phenomena used to teach the NGSS from various sources (websites, kits, science texts). Then we will apply cognitive learning theory and practices to those same phenomena and evaluate them considering different classroom cultures. Finally, participants will choose and discourse about alternative phenomena which might be used given different classroom cultures. The ultimate goal is to help science teachers evaluate and choose phenomena and create driving questions which can drive excellent science pedagogy in THEIR classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science phenomena and driving questions need to be tailored to the real-world of students in YOUR classroom

SPEAKERS:
Rob Keys

From Particles to Properties: Chemistry Concepts with Water Models

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W475b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Explore how Water Kit models can be used to foster an understanding of the structure of water molecules and how interactions between these molecules explain the properties of water observed on the macroscopic level. This session is based on the Next Generation Science Standards MS-PS1-1 and HS-PS1-3. During this session participants will: • Learn strategies for using hands on models to explain structure-function relationships. • Explore how models can be used to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures (NGSS MS-PS-1). • Use models to compare the structure of water at the macroscopic level to infer the strength of electrical forces between particles (NGSS HS-PS1-3).

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn strategies for using Water Kit models to explain structure-function relationships.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Hutson

Great Lakes Great Opportunities

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W187b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA22 Great Lakes, Great Opportunities.pdf
PDF version of presentation slide deck

Show Details

Use the Great Lakes as a learning tool! Participate in virtual classroom-ready activities, discover PD opportunities, and learn how to collect authentic water quality data.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. how to request and incorporate the use of the Hydrolab in their classroom to collect authentic water quality data either in the classroom or in the field; 2. how to utilize Nearpod to create engaging lessons that can be utilized virtually or in the classroom; and 3. about professional development opportunities aboard the R/V Lake Guardian and at Ohio State University's Stone Lab.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Kowalski, Shari Insley

How do science teachers stay effective? Practical implications and strategies based on research

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W176c


Show Details

This presentation will use a mixture of hands-on activities and discussion questions to engage participants in the themes from research about how science teachers stay effective during challenging times For example, through our research, we have found science teachers often have a strong desire to help their students become better people and create an equitable classroom. They describe that they have goals for their students such as being critical thinkers, problem-solvers, creative, and collaborative. Our session will work to have the participants generate the types of attributes they want in their own students. We will then demonstrate two teaching scenarios: one based on best practices in science education and the other being a teacher-centered approach. We will have participants then analyze the teaching scenarios using the goals they have to determine which has more culturally responsive teaching practices. We will also engage students in a hands-on activity using a gravity well that connects to MS-PS2-4. We will use the activity to discuss culturally responsive teaching practices in science teaching including scaffolding, effective questioning, a method to analyze teaching, and using experiences and phenomena to help students deeply engage in all three dimensions of the NGSS.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about inclusive teaching strategies that help science teachers stay effective.

SPEAKERS:
Jesse Wilcox

Integrating the Arts into the Science Classroom

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W470a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
STEMscopes-2022-July23-Integrating-Arts-into-Science-NSTA.pdf

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

Arts integration is a holistic approach that enables students to access the curriculum while developing scientific skills needed for the twenty-first century, including creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participate in science activities that integrate storytelling, drama, poetry, music, visual arts, and creative movement.

SPEAKERS:
Alicia Chiasson

It’s Not Just Algebra—Assessing Student Thinking in Physics Problem-Solving

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W196c


Show Details

Good problem-solving in physics is more than algebraic manipulation. Students can learn and you can assess problem-solving through multiple avenues, including graphs, representations, and more.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to assess student problem-solving ability and conceptual understanding through students' use of multiple representations and approaches in physics classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Christopher Moore

Mission Blast-Off: Interdisciplinary Rocket Science

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W476


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Estes Education

What does it take for a rocket to launch? Join us for this mission to see how rocket science transcends STEM and beyond.

TAKEAWAYS:
Model rocketry is an interdisciplinary tool for any classroom to provide hands-on, inquiry-based learning for all.

SPEAKERS:
Kathy Biernat

NASA Space Technology: Robotics and the International Space Station

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W185d


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

This session highlights an activity from NASA’s Learning Launchers: Robotics (https://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/stem-on-station/learning_launchers_robotics) teacher toolkit part of a series of Educator Guides with lessons and activities to help bring the International Space Station into the classroom. This session will focus on the “I Want to Hold Your Hand” activity that engages participants to build and test a robotic-like hand and understand how NASA uses robotic explorers to collect information about places where humans cannot travel. After watching videos "Robotics and the International Space Station" & "Benefits For Humanity: From Space to Surgery" participants will work in teams to construct a robotic-like hand and test their robotic hand by picking up an empty soda can or other lightweight objects. The “I Want to Hold Your Hand Activity” is aligned to national standards for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) (i.e., NGSS, ISTE). The focus of the “I Want to Hold Your Hand” activity ties Engineering Design and NGSS science and engineering practices of defining problems, developing models, and planning and carrying out investigations. This session connects participants to how NASA uses robots in many ways as well as benefit humanity with its robots’ doing science and experiments aboard the International Space Station.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Attendees will explore NASA STEM Educator Guides that are standards-aligned and provide detailed information and resources on how to implement NASA STEM engagement learning experiences in the classroom. 2. Attendees will gain hands-on minds-on experience with implementing a NASA STEM engagement activity in their classroom using everyday materials that encourages students to construct a robotic-like hand and demonstrate how data are collected when using robotic technology. 3. Attendees will gain insights into how humans and robots are working hand in hand to expand the horizons of space exploration and how robotic research that has helped make advances in medicine, auto manufacturing, among other things. Without robotics, major accomplishments like the building the International Space Station, repairing satellites in space, and exploring other worlds would not be possible.

SPEAKERS:
LaTina Taylor

Nourish the Future: Energy and Biofuels

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W196a


Show Details

Students utilize different components (enzymes, yeast, feed stocks, and water) to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide through the process of fermentation. Students will develop a model of fermentation and explain how ethanol is made to answer the focus question "How can fermentation produce a renewable fuel source?" Students will develop experimental models to generate data in order to construct explanations about the relationships between the components of the fermentation process and to predict how those relationships can be manipulated to produce carbon dioxide. Students will design solutions to make the fermentation process as efficient as possible and generate the maximum amount of ethanol in a small bag environment Attendees will participate in hands-on activities centered around biofuel. Participants are going to prepare and compare different amounts of fermentation occurring in four different mixtures which will allow observations of production rates. A second activity focuses on a way to make a qualitative or quantitative explanation regarding the relationship between feed stock and glucose availability for ethanol production. Participants will deconstruct a model of starch to examine enzyme and starch reactions to determine how starches change into smaller molecules. Three additional hands-on activities that can be included in your classroom curriculum will be discussed.

TAKEAWAYS:
Nourish the Future is a national education initiative developed by science teachers for science teachers to connect students to modern agriculture and provide sound science based resources that meet teacher and student needs in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Tiska Rodgers, Leanne Thele

Preservice Teacher Session: Science Teaching 101 - Building a Foundation for Effective Science Teaching

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W183a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Science Teaching 101 Building a Foundation for Effective Science Teaching
During this presentation, we modeled a 5E hands-on elementary science lesson for first grade on how to read a thermometer (Georgia Standards of Excellence) and engaged participants in figuring out the rationale behind the instruction. We shared findings from the Frameworks for K-12 Science Education, as well as how that research led to the development of 3D instruction. Sensemaking was introduced through the lens of social constructivism and how it promotes equitable science instruction practic

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Science teaching has evolved. What worked in the 20th century doesn’t work today. Schools are different, students are different, and most importantly, classrooms are different. Instruction is guided by standards, and research drives pedagogy. Teachers entering the profession can’t expect to teach “the way they were taught” and be effective. In this session, we plan to share the basics in research with preservice and new teachers about what makes for effective instruction and how to effectively integrate science across the curriculum. Findings from the Frameworks for K-12 Science Education will be shared, as well as how that research led to the development of 3D instruction. Sensemaking through the lens of social constructivism will guide the session to help our newest colleagues teach using 21st-century pedagogy. Activities will model instructional practice and explain the why for instructional practice.

TAKEAWAYS:
An overview of research-based practices in teaching science for the beginner and resources for research-based instructional practices.

SPEAKERS:
Lorraine Ramirez Villarin, Donna Governor

Protecting Local Pollinators and Exploring Their Local Ecosystems

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W474a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Educational resources can help students understand the importance of local pollinators, and do their part to support them.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educational resources can help students understand the importance of local pollinators, and do their part to support them.

SPEAKERS:
Alex Duckles, Katy Fenn, Alexandra Pearson

Rethinking the Climate Change Paradigm to Engage and Inspire the Next Generation

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W190b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Earth Overshoot

Teaching climate change as a symptom of planetary health using the overshoot model gives students a deeper understanding of environmental science and inspires hope and meaningful action.

TAKEAWAYS:
A more comprehensive systemic approach to our global environmental emergencies that concentrates on the interconnected causes instead of a narrow climate change focus gives students a broader and deeper understanding of our current environmental challenges and sets them up for successfully solving them.

SPEAKERS:
Terry Spahr

Stream Ecology: Slimy Leaves for Healthy Streams

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W473


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: LaMotte Company

Help students discover the value of aquatic macroinvertebrates as living indicators of water quality. Determining the biotic index helps students connect the dots between water quality chemistry tests and what is actually living in that body of water. Creates opportunities for mapping skills, observation, reading, art, and math skills. Students can develop their own experiments. Observe aquatic macroinvertebrate specimens, conduct activities, learn classification skills and calculate a biotic index in this hands-on introduction to stream ecology. A totally flexible tool that can be adapted for varying time limits, number of students and grade levels.

TAKEAWAYS:
Help students discover the value of aquatic macroinvertebrates as living indicators of water quality. A totally flexible tool that can be adapted for varying time limits, number of students and grade levels.

SPEAKERS:
Tara Muenz

The Science of Student Engagement- How stress and the brain affect learning

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W181c


Show Details

Students find science difficult or non-stimulating particularly when teachers do not consider cognitive, physiological, and socio-emotional disparities in students. Research has shown that engaging the appropriate parts of the brain helps students make a long-lasting, personalized connection to scientific concepts and practices. Studies show that discipline and learning problems in our classrooms may be associated with a lack of student engagement. Engaged students are less likely to be disruptive and are more likely to retain information longer. The focus of this presentation is to equip teachers with the pedagogical skills and strategies needed to drive student engagement and achievement by recognizing and addressing physiological, cognitive, and socio-emotional disparities in students based on an understanding of how a learner’s brain works. Participating teachers will explore the impact of emotions, storytelling, culturally relevant and hands-on learning on the forebrain and consequently on student engagement and comprehension. Teachers will learn to correctly harness the learning power of the forebrain, particularly, those of the hippocampus and amygdala, by appropriately employing suitable learning strategies. These will enhance student engagement, improve learning outcomes and increase academic achievement in the sciences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will learn to correctly harness the learning power of the forebrain, particularly, those of the hippocampus and amygdala, by appropriately employing suitable learning strategies

SPEAKERS:
Chidi Duru

Transform Your Chemistry Classroom With Active Learning Through Scientific Phenomena

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W192b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

As veteran chemistry teachers, we know how challenging it is to create an active learning environment using phenomena & science practices on your own. Pivot Interactives makes active learning throughout the learning cycle easy with a dynamic platform that invites students to explore scientific phenomena freely. Teaching chemistry while actively & frequently engaging students meaningfully doesn’t have to be just a dream. Come learn about the newest ways Pivot interactives helps you overcome the challenges you face as a chemistry teacher, so you can create the chemistry class you’ve always envisioned. Hear from fellow chemistry teachers about how they transformed their classroom with active learning, scaffolding, personalized feedback, phenomena-based assessments, increased use of science practices, and increased access to phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, chemistry educators will see the newest ways Pivot Interactives gives them effective, streamlined tools to engage chemistry students with phenomena & science practices through active learning.

SPEAKERS:
Peter Bohacek

Your Students Can Be the First to Annotate (Discover the Function of) a Gene in a Microorganism

Saturday, July 23 • 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM

McCormick Place - W195



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Final NSTA Gene Annotation for Conference.pptx

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

This hands-on project guides students through discovering the function of a microorganism gene (whose function has not yet been determined), assigned uniquely to that student.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Science is very exciting. Each student in the Geni-Act project will be the first person to discover the function of a gene in a microorganism. Results are entered into a national genome database; 2. The gene annotation process will be provided. Special tools or special knowledge are not required. There is no cost; and 3. Guidance for doing the annotation process with an inclusion class (a general education class with several special education students) will be provided.

SPEAKERS:
Mary O'Donnell

SC-3: NASA’s JWST Workshop: Looking into Our Past to Discover Our Future

Saturday, July 23 • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

McCormick Place - W184b-c

Sold Out 0 tickets available



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
SC-3: NASA’s JWST Workshop: Looking into Our Past to Discover Our Future Collect

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Northrop Grumman Foundation

Ticket Price:

  • $0

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NSTA’s Professional Learning Team will introduce a sensemaking task teachers can use to engage their students in authentic, relevant science learning based on the science ideas and STEM careers woven into the documentary film The Hunt for Planet B, based on the goals of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) program. Join us to explore how the four critical aspects of sensemaking work together to create opportunities for students’ equitable participation in actively trying to figure out how the world works using the phenomenon of the JWST. Dr. Jon Arenberg, Chief Mission Architect for Science and Robotic Exploration at Northrop Grumman, will join us to share his passion for STEM to help teachers integrate STEM career awareness into their curricula.

Attendees will receive a copy of the NSTA Press book Helping Students Make Sense of Their World: The Next Generation Science and Engineering Practice.

A snack break is included during this short course.

NSTA wishes to thank Northrop Grumman Foundation for sponsoring this short course.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Understand the critical attributes of sensemaking; 2. Strategies for intentional sequences of student interactions to provide access to participation and learning for all students; and 3. Strategies to integrate STEM career awareness into science lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Arenberg, Patrice Scinta, Kate Soriano, Wendy Binder, Michelle Phillips

3D Models for 3D Instruction: How models enhance storylines

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W475b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Participants will explore how phenomenon-driven inquiry is enhanced using rich 3D models that let students figure out answers to their own questions while engaged in science practices. First, anchor-level and lesson level storylines familiar to participants will be identified. Then questions students generate will be explored while noting instructional routines that help maintain inquiry are discussed. Models that can help students investigate cellular processes like signaling, differentiation, growth, repair, and reproduction, at the microscopic and molecular levels will be used for participants to interrogate their own conceptual models and reflect on their learning. Strategies for capturing and monitoring student learning will be shared along with suggestions for summative assessments that are three dimensional.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore how phenomenon-driven inquiry is enhanced using rich 3D models that let students figure out answers to their own questions while engaged in science practices.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Parfitt

Blast Off with STEM Learning

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W476


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Estes Education

Learn model rocketry basics through NGSS based content and build a FREE rocket with us!

TAKEAWAYS:
Model rocketry is your teaching companion to make engineering come to life for your students.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Bayeur

Brain-Based Instruction: Using Cognitive Psychology to Boost Science Learning

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W178b


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Cognitive science has identified flexible and often counterintuitive cognitive strategies that boost student learning. Teachers will learn how to implement these techniques within their classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to apply multiple practical, flexible, and research-based cognitive strategies, including retrieving information from memory, distributing practice across time, scaffolding, and mixing together different examples, within their own classrooms to improve student learning.

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Tullis

Brick Masters: Experiential STEAM in a Virtual World

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:10 AM

McCormick Place - W181b


Show Details

The Brick Masters virtual summer camp was designed to create challenge-based lessons to teach STEAM concepts and the eight science and engineering practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees of this program will be able to: 1. develop a virtual experiential STEAM learning experience for youth; and 2. identify, explain, and use knowledge and skills of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to create a successful program.

SPEAKERS:
Whitney Thames

Disciplinary Literacy Essentials: 10 Essentials for Science Teaching and Learning

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375b


Show Details

Michigan Disciplinary Literacy and Science Leaders have developed 10 Essentials for Disciplinary Literacy and we are supporting teachers in learning about them and using them in their classrooms. We will share these 10 essentials with all participants and provide a copy of them. Then, we work collaboratively to identify opportunities in participants' lessons where they are already using these disciplinary literacy opportunities and where they might adapt their lesson to more successfully include an essential.

TAKEAWAYS:
NGSS-aligned science learning can leverage the disciplinary literacy essentials.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Starr, Wendi Vogel

Exploring the Biology of Skin Color Using BioInteractive Resources

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W474a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Engage in an interactive, data-driven discussion of the biology of skin color with free BioInteractive resources using a variety of hands-on, student-driven activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engage in an interactive, data-driven discussion of the biology of skin color with free BioInteractive resources using a variety of hands-on, student-driven activities.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Eberhard, Sherry Annee

Getting Students Excited about STEM with a Competition (and How to Do It without Losing Time!)

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W190b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: AEOP

Want to get your 6-9 students excited about STEM? Really show them how it relates to the real-world? And do you want to do it without losing time for everything else you need to teach? Come learn from the experts how to advise a winning team and what it takes to integrate it into your daily classes. We’ll use the no-cost, web-based eCYBERMISSION competition as our template!

TAKEAWAYS:
How to get all of your students excited about STEM

SPEAKERS:
Winnie Boyle

How to create a simple bioinformatics activity that connects to your current science curricula.

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W193b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Bringing bioinformatics into the science classroom.pdf
Electronic version of the worksheet used during the Workshop Session
How to Create a Simple Bioinformatics Activity - NSTA Chicago 22.pdf
Presentation Slides for the Workshop Session on Creating a Simple Bioinformatics Acitivity

Show Details

Advances in biotechnology, particularly DNA sequencing, has led to a surge in genetic data and large online databases. Interpreting these data, using the interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics, is in high demand because genome sequencing is becoming increasingly cheaper and faster. In science classrooms, there are many opportunities to incorporate bioinformatics, but this can be a daunting task for teachers who do not know where to begin. This hands-on activity starts by introducing participants to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. Presenters will provide a brief overview of the database to guide participants on: 1) how to use the search functions of the database, 2) interpret information on sequence pages, and 3) how to download DNA, RNA or amino acid sequences. Following the guided tour, small groups will be provided discussion questions to discover potential areas within their curricula that could be reinforced or enhanced with a brief bioinformatics activity. Participants will be provided worksheets to help document relevant sequence information (accession numbers) for the biological phenomenon or topic that inspired the activity. The participants will leave with a basic understanding of sequence capture from NCBI and a rudimentary activity to expose students to sequence data analysis.

TAKEAWAYS:
An understanding of the genetic code and basic internet browsing skills are all that are needed to explore bioinformatics and use them in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Zack Bateson, Jane Hunt

IMMUNOLOGY! Using a Board Game to Model a Biological Process

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W196a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Blank Pawn Photo.pdf
Cell Mediated Pawn Photo.pdf
Gene Expression Question List.docx
Humoral Response Pawn Photo.pdf
Student Instructions.docx

Show Details

Interactive games are an engaging and effective way to review biology concepts if learning the game rules does not interfere with learning the biology. We have developed IMMUNOLOGY! an easy board game whose object is to "get all of your immune system’s components from START to the infection”. The game is designed to model the process of an immune response, as the game’s pieces are cells and proteins used in the response to infection. To win, players must use the pieces in the proper order and answer questions about immunity along the way. Following the activity, students apply their understanding to discuss vaccine function. IMMUNOLOGY! was developed as a review activity for postsecondary introductory microbiology class, but it could easily be customized to a variety of biological processes at multiple levels of instruction. In this presentation we will show how to construct the IMMUNOLOGY! game and how to play it. Finally, we will demonstrate how the game could be modified to teach other biological concepts/processes such central dogma, photosynthesis, respiration, cell division in a fun and interactive way.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to use a board game to model a biological process and make their own to use in their classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Alicia Cecil, Mary Gobbett

Inclusivity through Evidence in High School Physics Courses

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W196c


Show Details

What is it about how students engage with physics that perpetuates inequities in physics courses and in the field of physics more broadly? In this interactive workshop, participants will consider tents of inclusive physics instruction and contribute to a broader conversation about power structures and pedagogy that facilitate inclusivity. By analyzing videos of students working in a learning environment where they engage in science practices as a way of inducing physics principles (in alignment with the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards), participants will consider how both the structure of the lessons and teacher moves can cultivate more equitable environments. We suggest that this learning environment disrupts traditional power structures that exist in classrooms, enhancing students’ voice both in authoring ideas and sanctioning ideas. Participants will consider what counts as success in a physics class and when and how people are recognized and rewarded. In the workshop, I’ll share discussion protocols and some of the student-facing physics lessons I’ve used that support this work.

TAKEAWAYS:
How can student-collected evidence and consensus building serve to make high school physics courses equitable and inclusive?

SPEAKERS:
Shelly Belleau

People to Ponder: Using Science History in the NGSS Classroom

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W179a



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

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This workshop highlights one way to incorporate science history on a routine basis in the science classroom. Participants will receive a brief overview of the neuroscience research that explains why storytelling is emerging as one of the most effective educational tools for students of all ages. They will also explore how telling stories from science history promotes understanding of science practices, supports strong student science identities, and leads to discussion about the human nature of science and the underlying ethical and cultural implications. The presenter will share about the development of People to Ponder, a series of science profiles that can be used throughout a school year. This is not one specific set of scientists but rather a strategy to consistently include science history in instruction. Participants will experience through a student lens what a typical People to Ponder lesson might involve. Once they’ve experienced the strategy, participants will have a chance to reflect on and discuss how they might structure something similar in their classrooms. Participants will be provided with resources and instructional scaffolds that can assist them in their planning. They will leave with at least one activity or lesson planned for implementation in their classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore a strategy for sharing science biographies that promotes student engagement and understanding of science topics while creating an inclusive and culturally responsive teaching environment.

SPEAKERS:
Anna Babarinde

Preservice Teacher Session: What to expect as a novice science teacher - A guide to student teaching and your first year

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W183a


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Student teaching and the first year of teaching can be unsettling experiences for preservice teachers. They have a million concerns and even more questions! This session brings together a panel of newly graduated seniors and new teachers to talk about their experiences and allow attendees to ask questions. A similar session was included at the Spring Engage conference in 2021 and it was highly attended, leading us to understand the importance of these types of dialogues for preservice teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
Preservice teachers can be better prepared to student teach and begin their first jobs from new teachers who have just experienced interning or been through their first year.

SPEAKERS:
Natalie Johnson, Lizz Holtz, Lorraine Ramirez Villarin

Science Is Social! Student Ideas at the Center of Phenomenon-Driven, Three-Dimensional Teaching and Learning (Secondary)

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375a


Show Details

Explore how NSTA’s phenomena-driven lessons/units motivate students to engage in science practices to make sense of science ideas they need to explain how or why the phenomenon occurs.

TAKEAWAYS:
Understand the critical attributes of sensemaking. Strategies for intentional sequences of student interactions to provide access to participation and learning for all students. Students’ strategic use of modalities (talk, text, gestures, drawings, etc.)

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Rademaker, Holly Hereau

Speed Sharing: Assessment

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W180



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Lets Wrap it Up! Presentation
Slides to go along with in person presentation.
Lets Wrap it Up! Presentation slides
Let's Wrap it Up! Presentation slides
Lets Wrap it Up! Summary
This handout explains 8 different types of questions that can be used in post-assessment wrappers. Come to our session to learn more!

Show Details

1) Let's Wrap it Up: A post-test learning strategy
When returned tests end up crumpled in lockers, important learning opportunities are lost. Help build metacognitive awareness, identify trends, and reward students’ grit using assessment "wrappers."

2) RAM (Rubric for Assessing Modeling)
How do you assess a model?  I developed a rubric to assess my middle school models for their pre,mid-point, and post assessment.

3) 3 Effective Discourse Strategies for Creating Inclusive Science Classrooms
This presentation supports teachers’ knowledge and understanding of  instructional strategies to help facilitate students’ academic discourse and support inclusive science and STEM classrooms.

 

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Smith, Rebecca Garelli

Speed Sharing: Biology and Life Science

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W185d


Show Details

1) Creative Projects in the Life Science Classroom
Come learn how I have replaced unit exams with creative projects in my life science classes. Creative projects facilitate the curiosity needed for lifelong learning.

2) Leveraging Digital Dissections in 6-8th Science Classrooms
Digital dissections can promote scientific investigations in Middle School classrooms while meeting ethical considerations and promoting equitable learning experiences that would not otherwise be available to students.

SPEAKERS:
Bridget Lester

Speed Sharing: Community and Projects

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W184d



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Professional Learning Programs for Chicagoland at MSI_Presentation

Show Details

1) Designing Projects to Address Community Needs
Join the presenter to discuss the benefits of creating connections between community needs and scientific studies to boost student engagement and increase the cultural relevancy of learning. Examples of community needs projects and full lesson plans will be given to all attendees.

2) Professional Learning Programs for Chicagoland at MSI
The Museum of Science and Industry supports teachers in enacting NGSS-aligned 3-dimensional teaching, facilitating after school programming, and manifesting whole school change through science leadership.

3) Pollinator Investigations with Budburst Community Science
Investigate local phenomena with Budburst, a community science project. Learn how to address the NGSS through student participation in authentic research on plant-pollinator interactions.

 

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Jones, Lauren Slanker, Karin Klein

Speed Sharing: Data Driven Science

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W183c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Basic Training for EarthKAM.docx
EarthKAM Comparative Planetology and Art.pdf
Ideas When Working with EarthKAM in the Classroom.docx

Show Details

1) Try EarthKAM: A Real Mission for Students Using a Camera on the International Space Station (ISS); Get a Unique Perceptive of Earth and its  Features
Participants will get the nuts and bolts as to how to implement EarthKAM, a program on the ISS for students to request images of Earth.

2) A Crucial First Step: Modifying the CER Framework to Incorporate Initial Data Descriptions
Learn how including a ‘data description’ step before making a scientific claim helps students to write higher-quality scientific explanations when interpreting messy real-world datasets.

3) Applying Time Management Techniques to Assist Students in Classroom Labs/Activities
Are your students disorganized and their labs/activities are not getting completed? This session presents time management techniques to support students efficiently using time during labs/activities and assignments.

SPEAKERS:
Sally Jensen, Alison Seymour, Andrea Drewes

Speed Sharing: Engaging Students

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W180



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://sites.google.com/hlpusd.k12.ca.us/terridactylteach/home

Show Details

1) Using student-created animation projects to excite and promote understanding of science concepts at the MS level
and promote understanding of science concepts at the MS level.Hands-on activities such as computer animation help excite students and promote understanding of topics such as immunology, reproduction and chemical bonding at the MS level.

2) Incorporating Digital Badges to Motivate all Learners
Learn how to create a badging system that encourages growth in the Science and STEAM Classroom.

 

SPEAKERS:
Terri Serey

Speed Sharing: Secondary Classrooms

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W184a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
JS9 Image Analysis Tools, Tutorial, Guides and Investigations
NASA UoL JS9 Image Analysis Tools
Stellar Evolution & JS9.pdf
Virtual STEAM Fair
Using Google Sites to create a Vrtual Steam Fair.

Show Details

1) Poly-density Bottles DIY for Inquiry
I will share how to create your own cool polydensity bottles and use them for student inquiry activities that relate to many topics including density, molecular properties, and solubility.

2) Investigate Stars and Galaxies Using NASA’s Universe of Learning STEM JS9 Image Analysis Tools and Data
Access NASA’s Universe of Learning image analysis tools to investigate  the chemistry, physics, mechanics and variability of stars, binary systems, supernovas, stellar cores, and galaxies.

3) Explore El Niño and La Nina the relationship between Ocean and Atmosphere that affects the warming of the ocean waters
Materials will help teachers present the topic of El Nino and La Nino in the classroom. They will gain insight into the atmospheric and oceanic processes behind the El Nino and La Nino Phenomena with hands-on exploration

 

SPEAKERS:
Diane Ripollone, Donna Young

Speed Sharing: Secondary STEAM

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W187a



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

Show Details

1) Using art to introduce topics and to promo
te critical thinking in the biological sciences.
This session discusses how using various art forms to introduce topics engages students, maintains their interest, and provides unique connections to the subject matter.

2) Virtual STEAM Fair
Virtual STEAM fairs endow students with the ability to adapt, learn and master skills ranging from presentation skills to research skills. A Virtua STEAM Fair helps avoid large gatherings by using a virtual platform.


3) Using art to describe the structure and function of the Muscular System
Teaching about the muscle system can be very content-heavy, so I wanted to find a creative way to engage students with a more inclusive and interdisciplinary activity.

 

SPEAKERS:
Heather Minges Wols, Adriana Andrade, Melanie Rodriguez

Speed Sharing: Students and Sensemaking

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W176c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Building STEAM/Reciprocal Teaching Presentation
NSTA - Building an Inquiry-based STEAM Class & Curriculum_Reciprocal Teaching in the Inquiry-Based STEM Classroom.pptx

Show Details

1) Building an Inquiry-based STEAM Class & Curriculum
The methodology for building and piloting a middle school inquiry STEAM elective class with emphasis in Social Emotional Learning, Mentoring, and Goal-Setting will be discussed.

2) Reciprocal Teaching in the Inquiry-Based Science Classroom
The methodology for building and piloting a middle school inquiry STEAM elective class with emphasis in Social Emotional Learning, Mentoring, and Goal-Setting will be discussed.

3) 3D printed models for sense making in science
Using 3D printed models to reinforce observational skills that connect simple to complex structure concept, making science visible and accessible to all students, thus facilitating the sense making process.

SPEAKERS:
Marjorie Miles Dozier, Annamarie Vandrevala

STARward STEM: Creating “STAR” Moments That Are “Something to Always Remember” Through inquiry, PBL, and STEM

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W181c


Show Details

What first hooked you on STEM? Learn how regional and national partners are working to create “STAR” moments for students through inquiry-based PBL focused on space.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students can’t be what they can’t see. In addition to powerful inquiry-based learning experiences, deliberate, equity-focused STEM education and community reinforcement of STEM exploration are required to build the STEM ecosystem.

SPEAKERS:
Kristana Rogers, Todd Campbell, Lauren Milord, Angela Adams

STEMscopes Showcase: What’s New at STEMscopes?

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W470a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
STEMscopes-2022-July23-STEMscopes-Showcase-NSTA (1).pdf

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning

If you're using STEMscopes (or wanna-be), this session is for you. Come see examples of the EXCITING and NEW ASPECTS to the most popular digital science curriculum during this showcase. Discover program enhancements, Google integration, streaming, coding, engineering, and much more.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about STEMscopes' various components and programs by experienced users in a hands-on setting.

SPEAKERS:
Jacque Garcia, Tammy Motley, Bobby Barron, Dr. Kenneth Heydrick, Amanda McGee, Ashley Mathis

Transform Your Environmental Science & Earth Science Classrooms With Active Learning Through Scientific Phenomena

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W192b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

As veteran teachers, we know how challenging it is to create an active learning environment using phenomena & science practices on your own. Pivot Interactives makes active learning throughout the learning cycle easy with a dynamic platform that invites students to explore scientific phenomena freely. Teaching environmental science & earth science while actively & frequently engaging students meaningfully doesn’t have to be just a dream. Come learn about the newest ways Pivot interactives helps you overcome the challenges you face as an environmental science or earth science teacher, so you can create the classroom you’ve always envisioned. Hear from fellow teachers about how they transformed their classroom with active learning, scaffolding, personalized feedback, phenomena-based assessments, increased use of science practices, and increased access to phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, environmental science & earth science educators will see the newest ways Pivot Interactives gives them effective, streamlined tools to engage students with phenomena & science practices through active learning.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Friberg

Transformative Science Education: Enrich Your Students’ Lives with Science

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W193a


Show Details

Unfortunately, the Las Vegas slogan “What Happens Here Stays Here” applies all too well to science classrooms. Science learning that takes place in the classroom often stays in the classroom and fails to transform students’ perceiving and experiencing of the world. This gap between school learning and everyday experience is one of the key barriers to developing active scientific literacy. This workshop on the Teaching for Transformative Experiences in Science (TTES) model will help teachers address this problem by enacting transformative teaching. The TTES model is a research-based pedagogy for fostering transformative experiences; that is, experiences in which students use science content to enrich and expand their everyday lives. The workshop will train teachers in the application of three core design principles: (a) artistic selection and crafting of content, (b) experiential apprenticeship, and (c) doing and undergoing. The workshop will be conducted by one of the pioneers and lead researchers of transformative experience theory. It will include authentic classroom vignettes illustrating the design principles in action, application templates and guidelines, and exercises that will help participants master the design principles. The workshop is appropriate for science educators at all levels as the design principles are adaptable to all ages.

TAKEAWAYS:
Workshop participants will receive hands-on training in research-based strategies effective at fostering transformative experiences; that is, experiences in which students use their in-school learning to enrich and expand their everyday, out-of-school lives.

SPEAKERS:
Kevin Pugh

Understanding the Importance of Climate Modeling

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W195


Show Details

A scientific model represents the cause and effect relationships between components of a system attempting to replicate the system in such a way as to be predictive. Models are necessary when the studied system is too complex to isolate each component and test variables and their impact on the whole system. Climate is a highly complex system, but modeling allows climate scientists to identify the variables within the system and study each of them independently and as a system. The evolution of video game graphics and consoles mirrors the evolution of models used to replicate Earth’s climate. To support the understanding of NGSS HS-ESS2: Earth’s Systems and HS-ESS3: Earth and Human Activity, session participants will analyze data from different factors affecting climate and average global temperatures. Ultimately, data shows the rapid increase of greenhouse gases due to human activity. Additionally, participants will examine various climate models focusing on the factors included in building the model and communicate their findings by creating their model. The National Center for Science Education supports science teachers through free professional development and curriculum to recognize and address science misconceptions using the three dimensions of the NGSS. Resources: https://ncse.ngo/supporting-teachers/classroom-resources

TAKEAWAYS:
Scientists use models to understand highly complex systems and make predictions about future outcomes. Climate scientists use multiple data sources to design and test comprehensive climate models to examine past climates and predict future trends. Attendees will learn about the history and evolution of climate modeling while examining evidence that supports their reliability for predicting future climate patterns.

SPEAKERS:
Lin Andrews, DeeDee Wright, Cari Herndon, Blake Touchet

Using Audio to Enhance Science Learning

Saturday, July 23 • 10:40 AM - 11:40 AM

McCormick Place - W187c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Podcasting NSTA Session Resources

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

In this panel discussion, we will discuss the ways that audio content like podcasts can be used in the classroom to increase student engagement. This discussion between several leaders in the field of audio education will share some of the ways that teachers can and should use audio content to enhance science learning at all grade levels.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to include audio in their lesson plans in ways that are effective, engaging, and inclusive.

SPEAKERS:
Marshall Escamilla

NSTA Exhibit Hall

Saturday, July 23 • 11:40 AM - 1:00 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall


Show Details

Please join us for this Exclusive Exhibit Hall time today. During this time there are no teacher sessions scheduled and it’s a perfect opportunity to visit the exhibits and discover all the products and services companies and organizations have to offer. Some exhibitors will offer materials for sale throughout the conference.

All Students Can Do STEM: STEM-ulating Projects for Clubs, Camps, and Classrooms

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 19


Show Details

STEM classrooms can be exclusive if teachers do not identify the lack of prior learning opportunities and misconceptions early in the year. Come learn how one teacher uses coding to bridge the gap in her STEM classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
STEM inclusion activities; coding in the classroom; and STEM project ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux

Birds of a Feather

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:20 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall


Show Details

Birds of a Feather sessions (BoFs) are informal gatherings of like-minded individuals who wish to discuss a certain topic without a pre-planned agenda.

Connecting to Science Identities

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 32


Show Details

This poster session connects phenomena-based teaching to Funds of Knowledge and the development of science identities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to support language development in the science classroom. Attendees will learn about the research between developing science identities and success in science. Attendees will learn about Funds of Knowledge and its role in connecting students to the science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Helen Brandon

DebriefScape: Innovative Supports for STEM in Special Education

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 17


Show Details

Improving STEM instruction for students with disabilities is a national need. Come explore one project's work to support coaches and teachers to do just that!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will take away knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, the free tools and resources being developed to support teachers and coaches.

SPEAKERS:
Rachel Hallett-Njuguna

Ditch the Screens and get Outside! Exploring Ecosystems through an Inquiry-Based Project

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 24


Show Details

Learn how you can utilize iNaturalist in the classroom to get students designing and executing their own inquiries right in their backyards!

TAKEAWAYS:
From this session, attendees will takeaway strategies in which they can utilize iNaturalist in order to have their students explore the ecosystems around them and make nature come alive.

SPEAKERS:
Alexander Eden

Engaging Diverse Learners with Art Integration and Hands-On Science with Tardigrades

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 23


Show Details

This study investigates sixth-grade special education students' achievement, competency beliefs, fascination, and engagement with science. Students learned about tardigrades by participating in a STEAM hands-on investigation. Comparable to this study, Christensen, Knezek, & Tyler-Wood (2015), found hands-on STEM activities were likely to cultivate engagement and maintain “positive dispositions” at middle school levels. Similarly, Hwang & Taylor (2016) found that accessibility through art integration with STEM, engaged and motivated students to participate. While previous studies such as these are significant, there is a lack of research focusing on diverse learners. During this study, students learned basic skills with dissecting and compound microscopes to examine tardigrades. Driving questions included tardigrades’ ability to survive extreme conditions. STEAM was integrated in the unit in the form of dance and painting. Summative assessments included a multiple-choice test with a constructed response question and an art component. Likert scale surveys were used to collect data for action research. The research question was: How do hands-on learning and art integration with tardigrades affect students’ achievement, competency beliefs, engagement and fascination with science? The unit was part of Research Topics in Plant Biology-Systematics at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how hands-on learning and art integration with tardigrades affect students’ achievement, competency beliefs, engagement, and fascination with science.

SPEAKERS:
April Bartnick

EVOLUTIONARY MOVERS & SHAKERS: Researching, Debating, and Ranking the “Top 20” Evolutionary Scientists of All Time.

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 26


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Don’t debate evolution – Rather dig deeper into evolution by having your students research, debate, & rank the top evolutionary thinkers of all time.

TAKEAWAYS:
Rather than stage a debate over evolution which tends to be fraught with misinformation, have your students debate & rank the top figures in the history of evolutionary thought. They can then compare their ranking with that of a group of evolutionary experts.

SPEAKERS:
John Mead

Game Theory & Escape Rooms

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 31


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Escape-room activities offer promise for fun and function in developing social problem-solving skills. Participants will learn implementation and design strategies for their own ER environments.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how escape rooms help to engage students in dynamic learning environments and how to begin developing up your own activities.

SPEAKERS:
Shefali Mehta, Joy Barnes-Johnson, Mridula Bajaj

How can water districts help me?

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 8


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Water Districts offer so many resources that educators are unaware of. Find out how you can connect with your local water district while learning about water.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Resources offered by your local water district. 2. Learn about your local water resource. 3. Expose your students to careers in the water industry.

SPEAKERS:
Monica Sijder

Importance of incorporating cultural standards in science instruction - Rural West Alaska as a case study.

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 18



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Official Booklet of Alaska Education Cultural Standards
28 page official document describing Cultural Standards to be used to complement education in Alaska

Show Details

Alaska has cultural standards take an important role in science instruction. Using rural Alaska for case studies, learn how cultural standards can enhance science teaching.

TAKEAWAYS:
Session participants will learn: 1. what cultural standards are; 2. how they were applied in instruction in several sites in the YK Delta in Alaska; and 3. how the proper application of cultural standards can be applied in any setting with any demographic group.

SPEAKERS:
Andrew West

Increasing girls interest in STEM at the high school level through school wide STREAM programming

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 12


Show Details

Explore how one all-girls school created and implemented a school-wide STREAM program. This session highlights our successes, failures, and outlines the program’s lasting positive impact.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, we discuss our experiences in creating a transformative STREAM program designed to serve all students. This program assumes a mission centered approach to teaching Science, Math, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math. We facilitate as students make connections across each of these disciplines with an emphasis on scientific observation, technological exploration, artful engineering design with the goal of solving relevant problems rooted in social justice. This session walks participants through our rationale of the STREAM program as well as our process from inception to realization. We discuss how schools can start or strengthen their own STEM, STREAM, or STREAM programs by outlining our success and failures and the lessons we learned throughout our experiences. Student work and feedback will be highlighted in addition to our plans for expanding our program in the future. We detail how this experience has changed us as educators and administrators - in particular regarding our views of inspirational teaching and learning. We also offer suggestions on how to broaden our community of STEM educators in order to lend support and resources as we all engage in this innovative way to help our students ask and answer important questions in their lives.

SPEAKERS:
Megan Leider

Learning Better Science Practices with Science Fair Projects

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 5


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

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 an research project on science fairs) and how to help their students develop a good title for their own project.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Bowen

Let Your Inner STEM Grow

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 25


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

You can't grow a flower without seeds, just like students can't grow their STEM identity without a growth mindset.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn why growth mindset is a vital aspect of the foundation of students' STEM identity.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Hebert

Photovoltaic Array Use in Earth Science Classes

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 3


Show Details

Teacher describes installation of two solar arrays, and how students use the arrays to investigate alternative energy and effect of array angle on electricity production.

TAKEAWAYS:
Solar arrays allow students to interact with a real world technology changing sunlight into usable electricity. Two solar arrays that tilt independently allow students to evaluate data from a controlled experiment. Solar energy is part of response our society needs to respond to the challenge of global warming and our need for energy.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Rose

Playdoh is NOT just for Playing

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 30


Show Details

Come 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:
Erica Napoli

Rise of the Mutant Weed: Using DNA Analysis Tools to Identify Mutations that create Superweeds.

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 9


Show Details

This workshop demystifies bioinformatics using free online tools. The activity explains the mechanisms behind herbicide resistance and genetic changes that help weeds avoid chemical control.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will see a real-world example of artificial selection in action, while also increasing the awareness of free bioinformatics tools available for everyone to compare and analyze DNA sequences.

SPEAKERS:
Jane Hunt

STEM Integration for ALL Students in the Classroom

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 6


Show Details

This hands-on workshop will excite and engage teachers of STEM disciplines using integration and inquiry to promote every student's confidence in the ability to challenge themselves in each discipline.

TAKEAWAYS:
What does true STEM integration look like in an inclusive classroom?

SPEAKERS:
Bridget Pugh

Teaching Sustainable Agriculture with Tinkergardens

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 16


Show Details

Tinkergardens are STEM focused learning environments that increase student engagement through the design of garden systems and the production of hyper local produce.

TAKEAWAYS:
Tinkergardens provide a way to integrate engineering into science classrooms and increase student engagement in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Meghan Hess Shamdasani

The Impact of Informal Learning: Accessing and Infusing Inspiration, Education, and Hope into Children from Underserved Communities through Mobile STEM Workshops/Camps.

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 15


Show Details

Babyscientist organizes/operates STEM workshops/camps in underserved communities engaging students in hands-on scientific experiments. We’re in the business of creating dreamers, believers, and creating scientist!

TAKEAWAYS:
How our method of informal learning inspires and motivates children of color from underserved communities to pursue careers in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Kristy McDowell

Three Easy Steps to Adding Inquiry to Labs

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 14


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

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:
Three easy ways to build inquiry into traditional "cookbook" activites.

SPEAKERS:
Regina Borriello

Use NASA’s Universe of Learning integrated STEM Learning and Literacy Program (UoL) and its network of informal education partners to learn about the universe

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 27



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://www.soinc.org/
National Science Olympiad
https://www.universe-of-learning.org/
UoL NASA NSO Poster.pdf

Show Details

The Universe of Learning partnerships provides STEM educators tools, from exoplanet searches and robotic telescopes to image analysis, to implement programs specific to individual audiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
NASA’s UoL STEM program partnerships provide a wide range of free materials, projects and interactive activities that can easily be incorporated into any educational setting.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young

Using Drones in the Classroom For Land and Crop Surveying Simulations

Saturday, July 23 • 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

McCormick Place - Exhibit Hall, Poster Session Area, Table 10


Show Details

This session will lead participants through a discussion on why and how to use drone technology in the classroom. It will showcase a problem based learning activity in which drones are used in a surveying simulation.

TAKEAWAYS:
How and why using drones can enhance the curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Leah LaCrosse

A Unique and Challenging Ice Core Investigation that Integrates the Three Dimensions of NGSS & STEM

Saturday, July 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W176c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
A JS9 Image Analysis Analysis Investigation
This JS9 investigation is an excellent extension for the Ice Core Activity to help determine the date of the Cas A supernova event.
Ice Core Records Investigation Student Handout
Ice Core Records Presentation
Ice Core Records.pdf
Ice Core Webinar for Educators
Jamboard Online Version of Ice Core Records
This version makes it easier for groups to work together individually and in a group to share their progress.
The Ice Core Records Investigation from the Earth Scientist Magazine
This article provides an overview of the Ice Core Materials for Educators.

Show Details

The GISP2 H-Core was collected in 1992 adjacent to the Greenland Ice Sheet Project Two (GISP2) drill site. The GISP2-H 125.6-meter firm and ice core is a record of 430 years of liquid electrical conductivity and nitrate concentrations. The liquid electrical conductivity sequence contains signals from a number of known volcanic eruptions that provide a dating system at specific locations along the core. The terrestrial and solar background nitrate records show seasonal and annual variations – as well as unique events. Several major nitrate anomalies within the record do not correspond to any known terrestrial or solar events, and there is compelling evidence that some nitrate anomalies within the GISP2 H-Core could possibly be a record of supernova events. This investigation provides participants with a better understanding of the scientific process of analyzing data and developing models to construct knowledge, and defending the results. Sometimes there is no answer key, only possible solutions from analyzing and constructing knowledge from multiple sources that cross traditional disciplines. The materials focus on NGSS scientific practices, crosscutting concepts and the Earth and space sciences core disciplinary ideas – including analyzing and interpreting data, patterns, cycles of energy and matter, Earth systems and Earth and human activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
In constructing new knowledge, sometimes there is no definitive answer, only plausible conclusions based on constructing, analyzing, and comparing data and research from multiple disciplines.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young

Alexa for Astronauts: Bring Space and Voice Artificial Intelligence to Life Science This Year!

Saturday, July 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://my.nsta.org/collection/sCD3GL620v4_E

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

This session will introduce participants to the Alexa for Astronauts: Using AI to Monitor Health lesson set. We will explore how the instructional sequence exposes high school students to ideas about artificial intelligence (AI) and computer programming, using Amazon Alexa and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) App Inventor, while applying previously built life science ideas to begin to address the problem of monitoring astronauts’ physical health. Participants will gain experience using the Alexa-MIT App Inventor to program custom Alexa skills and learn how to sign up for access to the instructional materials. No accounts needed; bring a laptop or device to access the Alexa-MIT App Inventor.

TAKEAWAYS:
The Alexa-MIT App Inventor platform and teacher supports found in the lesson plans make it possible to incorporate computer science and artificial intelligence ideas in Biology class.

SPEAKERS:
Patrice Scinta, Michelle Phillips, Kate Soriano, Kristin Rademaker, Garrett Dorfman

Artemis: NASA's Missions to the Moon & Mars

Saturday, July 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W186c


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Attendees will be provided with a high-level overview of NASA’s Artemis Missions to the Moon and Mars, Next Generation Science Standards, and gain insights on how Engineering Design fits within the NGSS. This session highlights an activity from NASA’s Next Gen STEM - Moon to Mars Educator Guide titled, "Landing Humans on the Moon" (https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/landing-humans-on-the-moon.html) which is part of a series of standards-aligned educator guides designed to help students reach their potential to join the next-generation STEM workforce and learn about sending humans to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The focus of the “Safe Landing on the Lunar Surface” activity engages participants to understand how a spacecraft’s engines can provide downward thrust to counteract the force of gravity not only at launch, but also during a landing to slow its descent. Utilizing the engineering design process attendees will use household materials to better understand the difficulties in landing a lander on the surface of a terrestrial body that does not have an atmosphere (no atmospheric braking, no use of parachutes, and no aerodynamic control surfaces). Participants will design, build, and improve a model of a lunar lander that can slow its descent using the downward thrust of a balloon; graph the speed with respect to elevation of a model lunar lander.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Attendee will explore NASA STEM Educator Guides that are standards-aligned and provide detailed information and resources on how to implement STEM engagement learning experiences in the classroom to help students learn about sending humans to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. 2. Attendees will gain hand on minds on experience with implementing NASA STEM engagement activities in their classroom. Then, using engineering design principles, attendees will mirror the process that NASA engineers follow to brainstorm a human lander design, ultimately building an actual model that they will test. 3. Participants will gain insights into the difficulties in landing a lander on the surface of a terrestrial body that does not have an atmosphere (no atmospheric braking, no use of parachutes, and no aerodynamic control surfaces).

SPEAKERS:
LaTina Taylor

Designing and Using Three-Dimensional Assessment in the Classroom

Saturday, July 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375b


Show Details

This session focuses on practical application of three-dimensional assessment to evaluate student learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will gain a stronger understanding of how to use three-dimensional assessments to evaluate student learning.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Rademaker, Bridina Lemmer

Disease Detectives: Tracking Epidemics with HHMI BioInteractive

Saturday, July 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W474a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Explore free, classroom-ready BioInteractive resources to model how genetic sequences are used to analyze the transmission and evolution of a viral outbreak.Investigate BioInteractive resources that help students understand the concepts of molecular genetics, evolution, and virology. Model instructional strategies that enhance student understanding of molecular genetics, evolution, and virology. Build and strengthen a community of biology educators by providing time to reflect and share ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
Investigate BioInteractive resources that help students understand the concepts of molecular genetics, evolution, and virology.

SPEAKERS:
Ann Brokaw, Valerie May

DIY Digital Interactive Notebooking

Saturday, July 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W183b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16a_AiBztWiON2awmsWMd0b2t9v38sgubMxBB_OVxHRI/edit?usp=sharing

Show Details

Are you used to having your students keep a notebook, but aren’t sure how to transition it into a digital version? Have you ever wanted to try an Interactive Notebook but don’t know where to start? Are you having trouble keeping your students organized in the digital school world? Interactive Notebooks are a meaningful way to transfer a student’s learning, practice, and reflection into an engaging digital environment. Research has shown that benefits range from allowing students space to record and reflect on their experiences, guiding teacher instruction, and providing more opportunities for differentiation. As classes have shifted between in-person, hybrid, and completely online instruction, digital learning options are becoming an even more necessary part of our curriculum. During this workshop, you will learn about different types of digital notebooks, their uses/benefits, and how to find or create your own resources for student use. By converting an interactive notebook into a digital notebook, students can now access multi-media resources all in one place creating opportunities for greater flexibility and autonomy in learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Create and manage digital notebooks resources from materials you already use.

SPEAKERS:
Joy Barnes-Johnson, Mridula Bajaj, Shefali Mehta

Good is Good Enough? Linking the Evolution of Horses and Environmental Change

Saturday, July 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W196a


Show Details

Horses have an extraordinary fossil record in North America, with specimens from the early Eocene (about 55 Ma) to just the last 10,000 years. The primary dietary strategy in horses changed from browsing –- like that of a giraffe –-to grazing –- like that of modern horses, as seen in the evolution of the higher-crowned teeth. The evolution of tooth structure strongly correlates to variations in the ecosystem due to a changing climate. To support the understanding of NGSS HS-LS4 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity, session participants will engage in the analysis of hypsodonty -- the height of the tooth relative to its overall size -- of fossil replicas to track the evolution of dietary strategy in this lineage to construct an explanation based on evidence to support the claim that changes in environmental conditions may result in the emergence of new species over time. Additionally, participants will communicate their newly gained knowledge in analyzing how horse evolution is depicted in museum displays and design an accurate phylogenetic representation. The National Center for Science Education supports science teachers through free professional development and curriculum to recognize and address science misconceptions using the three dimensions of the NGSS. Resources: https://ncse.ngo/supporting-teachers/classroom-resources

TAKEAWAYS:
Natural selection acts on genetic variation within populations as individuals who are adapted to survive in the environment reproduce and pass on their genes. Attendees will have the opportunity to work hands-on with a variety of 3D-printed horse teeth dating back to the Eocene to understand how a changing climate played a role in the dietary evolution of horses.

SPEAKERS:
Lin Andrews, DeeDee Wright, Cari Herndon, Blake Touchet

How to Make In-Person and Remote STEM Instruction Meaningful, Rigorous, and Equitable for Students

Saturday, July 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W179b


Show Details

The session will give teachers an opportunity to participate in the same sort of rich and meaningful learning experiences that are called for by the NGSS. Such learning places the focus squarely on the nature of instruction. It is rooted in ongoing, active experiences that will prompt teachers to expand their content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and expand their beliefs about what is possible inside the classroom. The presenter will guide the participants in a series of focused, small-group demonstration activities that are structured like a typical day’s lesson, allowing teachers to experience instruction as students do. The session will give teachers an opportunity to participate in the same sort of rich and meaningful learning experiences that are called for by the NGSS. Such learning places the focus squarely on the nature of instruction. It is rooted in ongoing, active experiences that will prompt teachers to expand their content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and expand their beliefs about what is possible inside the classroom. The presenter will guide the participants in a series of focused, small-group demonstration activities that are structured like a typical day’s lesson, allowing teachers to experience instruction as students do.

TAKEAWAYS:
• How to make in-person and remote learnings experience more meaningful, relevant, and equitable for students.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Hutner

Ignite Your Professional Teaching Practice with NSTA’s Trilogy of Three-Dimensional Resources

Saturday, July 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375c


Show Details

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

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Hear from classroom teachers about how they are using NSTA Press publications; 2. Learn how to use NSTA resources to shift your practice ; 3. Leave with top-notch teaching tips and innovative lesson plan ideas that promote imaginative learning and student engagement; and 4. Leave with strategies to use in your classroom to promote student engagement in science learning.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Anne Royce, Wendy Binder

NESTA and SSSA: Know Soil, Know Life—Dig into the Connections!

Saturday, July 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W196c


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

More than just dirt, soil is vital to life on the planet. Join us as we explore the how’s and why’s of the soil-life connection.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn the fundamental linkages between soils and life while being immersed in numerous activities and demonstrations that support classroom integration of soil topics.

SPEAKERS:
Clay Robinson, Susan Chapman

Preservice Teacher Session: I Wish I Had Known…. Top Hacks for Managing a Safe Science Classroom for New Teachers

Saturday, July 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W183a


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Sometimes novice teachers don’t know what they don’t know. And when the unexpected arises, it can cause problems, or even present career defining challenges. In this session, we plan to share hacks related to safety, management and organization of the science classroom. We’ll address these issues with tips and advice from new and experienced teachers. We’ll start with a short video of K-12 science teachers completing the sentence, “I Wish I Had Known…” then address the issues that they bring up in their narratives.

TAKEAWAYS:
Science classroom safety and management tips

SPEAKERS:
Donna Governor, Omah Williams-Duncan

Science Practices in Action: Video Case Studies of Science Practices of Questioning and Modeling

Saturday, July 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W180


Show Details

Our master teacher video case studies are used to facilitate discussion about the science practices of Asking Questions and Modeling with inservice and preservice teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Using classroom video as a focus of discussion can provide teachers with an avenue for substantive conversations about their teaching practice; 2. Our case studies present real classroom settings where the teachers are having their students work on the practice of questioning and/ or modeling; and 3. Participants will view the videos and reflect on how the teachers are facilitating the use of science practices in their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
David Henry, Alayla Ende, Lisa Brosnick, Alan Baczkiewicz

Supporting SEL and meeting NGSS Standards through Citizen Science and Schoolyard Investigations

Saturday, July 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W181c


Show Details

Discover how citizen science and inquiry can shape the STEM leaders of our future! Participating in citizen science provides a unique and accessible way to facilitate student science investigations and STEM learning. Students engaged in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's citizen-science projects have been asking and answering their own questions about birds for more than a decade, conducting original experiments and observational studies. Questions range from “why do the kinds of birds we see change during the year?” to “why aren’t we seeing more birds at our school and what can we do to get more to visit?” By engaging in citizen science and investigations, students become scientists and meet NGSS Standards while exercising social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. They make observations, generate their own questions, collect data, and get access to online datasets they can query. Along the way, they collaborate with peers, learn to communicate effectively, engage in arguments from evidence, and reflect on successes and challenges. These hands-on science experiences give all students authentic opportunities to build life-long skills while meeting science standards, especially those related to developing students’ science process skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore free resources to scaffold citizen-science-inspired inquiry projects and discover how outdoor learning and inquiry projects can support social and emotional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Schaeffer

The Four Corners Potato: A Story of Indigenous Food Sovereignty, Deep History, and Biology

Saturday, July 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W185d


Show Details

I would like to present an overview of an interdisciplinary curriculum titled Indigenous Foods, which I developed for the Natural History Museum of Utah in partnership with the nonprofit Utah Diné Bikéyah. Weaving together indigenous knowledge, Utah history, archaeological findings, plant biology, and nutritional data, this curriculum shares the importance of indigenous food sovereignty through the story of a tiny, highly nutritious superfood called the Four Corners potato (Solanum jamesii). Over the past 5-10 years, University of Utah researchers, Lisbeth Lauderback (archaeologist) and Bruce Pavlik (botanist), have pieced together evidence from stone tool starch granules, plant genetics, and historical accounts to show that the Four Corners potato is the earliest known domesticated plant in the Western United States. Currently, these same researchers are working closely with Utah Tribes to reincorporate the Four Corners potato into indigenous communities with the hopes of restoring community health and traditional practices. In summary, this curriculum aims to show the importance of including different ways of knowing in science education, as well as to inspire others to learn about the incredible indigenous knowledge that exists within their own communities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Weaving together indigenous food sovereignty, archaeological findings, and plant biology, this curriculum overview offers examples for how to include indigenous knowledge in science education.

SPEAKERS:
Kirsten Walker

Unraveling Multiple Representations of Chromosomes to Reveal Student Thinking

Saturday, July 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W475b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Participants will assess their biggest challenge areas with respect to student misconceptions about chromosome structure and function, including mitosis. Traditional wet labs like planaria, fruit fly genetics, and C-fern growth will be used to contextualize the hands-on models’ utility throughout the school year. Next, foam puzzle chromosomes will be introduced and used to model a round of DNA replication in the cell cycle, resulting in 4 chromosomes. The processes of mitosis and meiosis will be modeled and compared, to invite inquiry about why the processes are different. Whole chromosomes will be related with molecular chromosome details to illustrate how DNA is wound into a chromosome structure. Nucleosome models will further highlight the wrapping of DNA around histone proteins to compact the genome for replication. Participants will be asked to share how they teach about genetic variation in their classes. Following a discussion of their challenges, we will model variation first using the puzzle chromosomes to generate “crossing over” events and next by using the molecular-detailed expanded chromosomes. Finally, inheritance of Hemoglobin will be highlighted and modeled and Punnett squares models will be enhanced through using the foam models. Throughout the activities, participants will be invited to engage in self-reflection and collaborative discussion.

TAKEAWAYS:
Hands-on experiences with multiple representations of chromosomes reveals student thinking.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Parfitt

Using CERs and CEJs to Develop Student Discourse and Discussion

Saturday, July 23 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

McCormick Place - W176a


Show Details

Come learn how to teach in three dimensions and advance students’ scientific literacy by strategically applying the use of CERs and CEJs in your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
After this session, participants will be able to identify opportunities for using CERs and CEJs to facilitate student discourse and discussion and apply what they have learned to their own classroom.

SPEAKERS:
McKenna Serowka

Budburst Community Science: Observing Plants in a Changing World

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W176c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Budburst Overview for Educators
Using the Budburst Mobile App.pdf

Show Details

Budburst is a national community science project that brings together researchers, educators, gardeners, and community scientists to make careful observations of the timing of plant life cycle events, or phenophases. Changes over time can be used to illustrate how plants and ecosystems are being affected by human impacts on the environment, especially climate change. By joining Budburst, students can connect to nature wherever they live while participating in an authentic scientific investigation with real-world impacts. In this session educators will learn how they can use Budburst to engage their students in collecting and using real scientific data to examine local plant phenomena and address the NGSS. They will learn about the resources freely available to educators on the Budburst website, including tools allowing them to (1) create their own virtual classroom and set up student accounts, (2) collect and submit data with students, and (3) access existing data to help students ask and analyze their own questions about plants, ecosystems, and climate change. Finally, participants will learn how other educators have implemented Budburst in their classrooms and explore how they can use this flexible platform to scaffold their students’ participation in different stages of the scientific process.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn to engage students in local plant phenomena and real-world climate change science using Budburst resources.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Jones, Rebecca Ammann

Butterfly Gardening Using Native Plants

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W185d


Show Details

Butterfly Gardening Using Native Plants workshop is a very exciting educational experience! This session will guide participants through exposure to native North American plants that are host plants for butterfly caterpillars as well as nectar plants to attract adults. We will participate in an assortment of hands-on activities which include creating a "Life Cycle Plate" and singing the "Metamorphosis Song". A main focus of this session is to provide participants with strategies to enable them to create and sustain their own schoolyard habitat. A roadmap to success will be shared, along with a question and answer session for potential challenges! . Beyond the workshop, continued implementation support will be shared with a comprehensive digital data collection and email contact information provided to participants. They will also receive contact information for the North American Butterfly Association, and The Native Plant Society for their local area. Resources will be shared focusing on the importance of organic gardening in relationship to a successful butterfly garden. Finally, an assortment of grant opportunities will be shared in order to assist teachers in getting funding for their projects. Upon completion of this time together, butterfly enthusiasts will be dispatched throughout the country. Once implemented, students and parents will be captivated by the beauty of the garden, and will sustain life lessons on the vital connection we share with our environment.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participates will leave with the knowledge to go back to their schools/classroom equipped with the knowledge to set up an area to attract an assortment of native butterflies.

SPEAKERS:
Nancy Sale

Create Video Case Studies with HHMI BioInteractive

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W474a


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: HHMI BioInteractive

Video stories engage your students virtually or in person. We’ll use free HHMI BioInteractive resources to create case studies that bring stories to life.

TAKEAWAYS:
Consider ways in which these resources can be used, adopted and/or adapted for different learning levels.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Lucci, Sherry Annee

Designing Escape Boxes

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W183b



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Designing Escape Boxes--PDF Version
This PowerPoint (in PDF format) describes how to Design Escape Boxes and contains a link to all the workshop documents in Google Drive. To edit any of the Google Drive materials, click on File > Make a Copy.
Designing Escape Boxes--PPT Version
This PowerPoint describes how to Design Escape Boxes and contains a link to all the workshop documents in Google Drive. To edit any of the Google Drive materials, click on File > Make a Copy.

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Turn any multiple-choice review into an exciting escape! Learn to create digital and in-person escapes to help keep students interested, engaged, and motivated.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn tips for designing escape boxes, plus how to add riddles, puzzles, games, and small prizes. The digital escape uses Google Forms, and the physical escape uses lockable boxes with resettable combination locks. Links to a customizable digital and physical escape will be available to attendees.

SPEAKERS:
Sharon Beck

Embedding Disciplinary Literacy and CER in the Science Classroom

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W176a


Show Details

Participants will be provided opportunities to define disciplinary literacy in science. Participants will be able to use research-based literacy strategies to incorporate reading, writing and discourse in physical science on structures and properties of matter. Content will be based on tools to promote disciplinary literacy in the secondary science classroom. The session will incorporate understanding and using claim, evidence and reasoning during 5E instruction. Student products will include the completion of CER process to extend their scientific data and analysis. A template will be provided to assess and norm CER and support their claim through the appropriate evidence and reasoning from the lesson.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. participate in experiences that include argumentation through claims, evidence, and reasoning; 2. have an opportunity to view a variety of literacy strategies embedded in a 5E lesson; and 3. be able to define and explore disciplinary literacy within science.

SPEAKERS:
Takisha Gastile

Energize Your Climate Change Course for High School

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W175c


Show Details

How and why has Earth’s climate changed over time? How do we collect data about Earth’s natural history? How do Earth’s orbital variations affect climate? What role does phytoplankton play in the Carbon Cycle? These are all questions that are answered by exploring a series of hands-on activities that are NGSS aligned. Activities include: eccentricity, obliquity, precession, carbon and plants, the effect of carbon dioxide on temperature, ocean acidification, and more. The climate change curriculum, from the eesmarts K-12 curriculum, an energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy learning initiative funded by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, is made up of adapted lessons surrounding natural cycles that occur on Earth and how humans may affect natural cycles. Activities examine evidence from the past through proxies such as forams and ice core data. Additional topics include sea-level rise and vulnerability, the impact of single use plastics, and how the effect of human activity can be minimized. The lessons are written in the 5-E Instructional Model (Engage - Explore - Explain - Elaborate - Evaluate) and include teacher-presentation Google Slides and student handouts. Select digital resources will be provided to participants. The complete eesmarts program is free and available to all Connecticut educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore activities that demonstrate how and why Earth’s climate has changed over time.

SPEAKERS:
Karin Jakubowski, Kathleen Brooks

Engaging Students in the Science and Engineering of Food

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W196a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Engaging Students in the Science and Engineering of Food
A group of educators is working to develop a series of storylines on food. This is an overview of the first storyline on Producing the Perfect Apple.

Show Details

Obtaining food to meet our energy and matter needs is a basic requirement of humans and food also defines our culture. This presentation will share how to use elements of the three dimensions of the NGSS and Framework to engage students in making sense of phenomena and problems related to food. Strategies for how to use driving question boards, lesson level learning targets, and engage all learners will be shared. Specific attention will be given for how to align assessments that challenge students to apply their understandings. Participants will engage in a morsel of a storyline on producing the perfect apple. In this storyline, students notice and wonder about different varieties of apples and are challenged to explain why it took 30 years for the Honeycrisp apple to be available to consumers. Students ask questions for how perfect apples are mass produced, how nutrients and environmental factors affect the quality of fruit, and how to attain the right balance of sweet-tart flavor. This storyline weaves together scientific concepts such as meiosis and mitosis, pedigrees and probability, plant structure and function, nutrient cycles, the role of photosynthesis in producing food, and how plants use cellular respiration to survive the winter.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engage in conversations for how to use the three dimensions of the NGSS and the NRC Framework, storylines, driving questions, formative and summative assessments, and hands-on activities to learn science and engineering skills while making sense of one of our most basic needs – FOOD.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Embry Mohr

Facilitating Inquiry for Growth in Science and Engineering Practices: Exploring Surface Heating

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W178a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Exploring Surface Heating.pdf
UHI Observations.pdf

Show Details

Learning through place-based, student-centered, teacher-facilitated STEM inquiry increases student engagement in and ownership of learning and promotes student growth in science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts. Using a unit plan I developed for exploring local microclimates, participants will engage in activities and discussion of techniques for cultivating students as collaborators in the learning process. The unit is designed to encourage growth in asking questions, designing and conducting investigations, collecting data, making sense of data, communicating findings, and identifying local problems and designing solutions to a student-identified problem. Participants will use NASA infrared images of surface temperatures captured during an ISS mission to observe the urban heat island phenomenon. They will explore Google Earth to spark questions about surface heating that can be answered through investigation of the local neighborhood or school campus. Given a list of equipment that students used during the unit, participants will collaboratively design an investigation to collect place-based data. Discussion includes extension activities that facilitate student understanding of surface heating and cooling. Discussion also includes how revision and reflection can be used to monitor individual student growth and promote ownership of learning by students. Emphasis is on facilitation techniques.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learning through place-based, student-centered, teacher-facilitated STEM inquiry increases student engagement in and ownership of learning and promotes student growth in science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Loris Chen

Physical Models, Smartphones & Augmented Reality: A focus group

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W475b


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Promising idea or a recipe for disaster? Beta-test a new app that pairs with 3DMD’s physical models. $50 Thank you gift certificate; first 20 participants.

TAKEAWAYS:
Focus Group to provide feedback on a new augmented reality smartphone app.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman, Kris Herman, Kim Parfitt, Heather Ryan

From Typhoid Mary to COVID-19: Pursuing an Understanding of Disease Transmission and Tracking Through Integrative STEM

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W184d



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
From Typhoid Mary to COVID-19.pptx.pdf

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

The exploration of the intersection of science and technology at the turn of the 20th century through present times is examined in this session by beginning with the case study of Typhoid Mary and ending with how Integrative STEM has impacted all areas of COVID-19 Participants use the radio function of the MICROBITs, a computer program called infection models to examine how contagious diseases are spread across a population. After considering how Typhoid was tracked at the time Mary Mallon was an asymptomatic cook, participants first try the simulation without any "vaccinated" participants. Then, participants come up with a method(s) for preventing the radio signal from teaching their MICROBIT and participate in the scenario a second time. Data is collected each round and participants solve which one was patient zero.

TAKEAWAYS:
Engage in a simulation that integrates technology (micro:bits), historical studies, and sense making activities around a current event topic.

SPEAKERS:
Susan German, Michael Bowen, Christine Anne Royce, Beverly DeVore-Wedding

Get Real with School Gardens - Explore the Successes and Failures of the Carriel Garden in O'Fallon, IL

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W187c


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

The Carriel Garden is a space where students can explore and experiment in nature while learning about connections to society and citizenship. Starting from a school-wide lunch waste worm composting program, the Carriel Garden has flourished into problem-based learning experience for more than just science classes. This session focuses on the success and failures we have encountered along the way in creating a native pollinator patch, vegetable garden, and small school greenhouse at a junior high school in southern Illinois. The presenter, Mrs. Mellenthin, will share lessons she has experienced first hand with her 7th grade science students from learning the escape routines of monarch caterpillars, how to compost outside in Illinois winters, navigating the local farmers market to sell student grown plants, and techniques for running from gophers, deer, and other garden surprises. ;) Topics addressed in the session will include funding solutions, community connections, staff buy in, summer support, STEM connections, and many lessons learned. The session will end with an opportunity for participants to network with others, ask questions, and formulate solutions for their own school projects.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will gain practical examples of problem based learning in a school garden and gain ideas on how to set up or tackle issues in their own school garden spaces.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Mellenthin

Going Beneath the Surface: Using socioscientific issues to help students engage in 3D learning.

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W185a


Show Details

Socioscientific issues are scientific topics that require students to engage in meaningful discussions (Zeidler & Nichols, 2009). Additionally, engaging students in socioscientific issues can promote equity, diversity, and help students question biases (Goldsmith et al., 2021). Importantly, these issues are often most likely to promote inclusivity if students have a connection with them. Considering we live in the Midwest, we often use socioscientific issues surrounding agricultural practices. We start with a phenomenon that introduces the example socioscientific issue by showing a video about tilling. We then ask, “Should farmers till the land?” To explore this question, we engage participants by jigsawing four different hands-on activities related to the soil. Participants will explore compact vs. loose soil, reducing water erosion, reducing erosion caused by wind and snow, and the effect of a heat lamp on the temperature of soil. Participants will use science and engineering practices such as planning and carrying out investigations and analyzing and interpreting data. We will debrief the activities and model how we help students make sense of the science ideas. We will finish the presentation by discussing how to find suitable socioscientific issues, include culturally responsive teaching practices, and provide some strategies for integrating with the NGSS.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn about how to use socioscientific issues and culturally responsive practices to engage students with social issues that require scientific knowledge.

SPEAKERS:
Jesse Wilcox

NASA STEM: Computational Thinking: Crew Transportation with Orion

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W175a


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

The free NASA STEM lesson plans introduce the practice of computational thinking and include elements of a real NASA mission. NASA’s Artemis program will return humans to the lunar surface for the first time since 1972, the year of the agency's last Apollo moon landing. This Educator Guide provides four standards-aligned activities to help students learn about NASA's Orion spacecraft that will take astronauts to the Moon and beyond. In this session, we will design and build a crew module model that will secure two 2-cm astronaut figures during a drop test. The PowerPoint will be available to all participants. The PowerPoint will include the videos and activities including the tips and pointers. Session Outline: 5 min - Welcome and Introduction to NASA Artemis Mission 10 min- STEM Engagement strategies and culturally relevant teaching 10 min- Introducing the Engineering Design Challenge 20 min- Teams Design a Crew Vehicle 10 min- Testing the Crew Vehicle 5 min- Reviewing the Resources and Q and A https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/np-2020-02-2805-hq.pdf

TAKEAWAYS:
NASA provides free educational resources that include educator guides with standards-aligned activities to help students use computational thinking while including elements of real NASA missions.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Kohler

NASA's Newest X-plane: "X-57 -- It's Electrifying!"

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W193a


STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Did you know that every U.S. aircraft flying today, and every U.S. air traffic control facility, uses NASA-developed technology in some way? Participants in this session will gain insights into how NASA Aeronautics work to make aviation truly sustainable by reducing delays and environmental impacts, transforming aviation efficiency and safety, while reducing noise, fuel use, harmful emissions, and ultimately transform the way we fly. NASA’s X-57 Maxwell is an experimental aircraft designed to test operating multiple electric motors for use in turning propellers – an idea known as “distributed electric propulsion.” This session highlights an activity from NASA’s “X-57 Electric Airplane: STEM Learning Module” (https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/stem/X57 ) part of a series of Educator Guides with lessons and activities to help students learn about NASA’s X-57 Maxwell and the science behind electric propulsion. This session will focus on the “X-57 Maxwell: Circuits Activity Guide” that engages participants to build a light-up paper helicopter by creating a “parallel circuit” that uses copper foil tape, two LED lights, and a battery. This session’s goals are to demonstrate that an all-electric airplane is more efficient, quieter, and more environmentally friendly. Session participants will understand that knowledge gained from the X-57 Maxwell research will help engineers design future electric-powered aircraft for everything from urban air mobility to moving passengers and cargo between nearby cities.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Attendees will explore NASA STEM Educator Guides that are standards-aligned and provide detailed information and resources on how to implement NASA STEM engagement learning experiences in the classroom. 2. Hands-on minds-on experience with implementing a NASA STEM activity in their classroom that encourages students to create a parallel circuit on a paper helicopter as an introduction to circuitry and propulsion. 3. Attendees will gain insights into how NASA’s X-57 Maxwell all-electric airplane is more efficient, quieter, and more environmentally friendly while gaining a better understanding of the STEM concepts of energy transfer, and the physical science of pressure and aerodynamics.

SPEAKERS:
LaTina Taylor

Our Beautiful Planet: Climate Change Films and Lessons from NSTA, The Climate Initiative, and Kikim Media

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375a



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Our Beautiful Planet: Climate Change Films and Lessons from NSTA, The Climate In

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

This session will introduce participants to Our Beautiful Planet, a collection of classroom-ready films and lesson plans that highlight the science and engineering practices scientists use to explain the phenomenon of climate change. The collection of over 10 lessons brings Sensemaking to environmental science by cultivating student curiosity with engaging and eye-popping phenomena. Participants will generate questions and use model data as evidence to construct an explanation of how increases in global temperature could shift infection rates of mosquito-borne diseases. Using their explanation and information provided in the film, participants will consider the effect of this shift on humans.

TAKEAWAYS:
Providing students with an engaging and relevant phenomenon can be used to drive student learning about climate change and inspire them to examine critical climate issues in their own communities.

SPEAKERS:
Patrice Scinta, Kristin Rademaker, Holly Hereau

Phenomenon-based Instruction - Unpacking the 3-D NGSS

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W180


Show Details

Unpacking the 3-D NGSS while at the same time making science instruction engaging to students is a challenge faced by science teachers across the nation. With skillful use of phenomena-based instruction, science teachers engage students by converting what the teacher planned to teach into what the students want to learn. Culturally relevant, intellectually accessible and thought-provoking phenomena enable students to make engaging connections between the required curricula content and real-life scenarios and applications. Rather than recalling discrete facts, students apply new information and use transferable problem-solving skills to explain a natural or man-made phenomenon. Phenomenon-based science encourages students to ask questions, discover connections, and design models to make sense of what they observe. This session provides participating teachers opportunities to experience lessons in the same manner as students will. They examine a phenomenon and then ask questions, collaborate with partners and design models, and discuss digital tools that can be used to engage students in phenomenon-based learning. Teachers learn how to use questioning techniques and academic dialogue to spike discontent in the students' understanding of the phenomena, thereby, driving students to use science practices to further explore their curiosities

TAKEAWAYS:
Help teachers to develop and deploy thought-provoking phenomena that will promote student engagement, comprehension, and achievement in the sciences by transforming what the teacher planned to teach into what the students are eager to learn.

SPEAKERS:
Chidi Duru

Using Nonfiction Children's Books to Engage Students of All Ages in Biology Content

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W181c



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Children's Book List NSTA.docx

STRAND: No Strand
Show Details

Nonfiction for children has changed over the years with a wide variety of types, formats, and writing styles with captivating photos, illustrations, and artwork that engages and informs students of all ages. This interactive session will allow participants to observe a large collection of nonfiction children’s books. These books cover a variety of biology topics, such as chemistry, cells, genetics, diversity of life, microbiology, evolution and ecology. They will also provide information on ecosystem organisms, chemical cycling, and soil background. Books that highlight the life and achievements of a variety of scientists will also be presented to participants. The session will explain how the children’s books are used in several introductory college biology courses to introduce/reinforce textbook content for public health, nursing, elementary education, and other non-science majors. This format can easily be transferred to grade 6-12 classrooms. In the elementary education courses, the books are used in the 5E model format. Students connect science standards, along with explore and expand activities, to the children’s books for a semester collection of elementary lessons. The book list can be used by elementary teachers for nonfiction literacy assignments, library resources, science club activities, and engaging content for science standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
This interactive session will allow participants to observe a large collection of nonfiction children’s books. These books will cover a variety of biology topics, provide ecosystem background information, and highlight the life and achievements of a variety of scientists. The session will explain how the children’s books are used in several introductory college biology and K-12 curriculums.

SPEAKERS:
Mary Gobbett, Alicia Cecil

What's a Cluster? Understanding the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA)

Saturday, July 23 • 2:20 PM - 3:20 PM

McCormick Place - W184a


Show Details

The Illinois Science Assessment is written by Illinois science teachers for Illinois science students. Learn more about the format of this test and how you can model test clusters in your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Illinois Science Teachers will gain insight into how to better prepare students for the ISA by learning how to create clusters for use in their classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Carol Baker, Harvey Henson, ANGELA BOX

A STEM Journey Written in the Stars: From Gazing at the Wonder of our Galaxy to Designing Propulsion Systems for Spacecraft and Satellites

Saturday, July 23 • 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

McCormick Place - Skyline W375e


Show Details

Despite Nikesha Davis growing up in a family of educators, STEM still seemed like a foreign language, until the right teacher came along. Join Davis, aerospace engineer and NASA’s GSFC Propulsion Chief, as she discusses changing the narrative of STEM in a student’s everyday life, and the benefits that science in use, and language in use play not only in the classroom, but at NASA, and in life in general. Her goal is to inspire students, parents, families, and educators on the engineering around us, as we prepare our students to change the world.

About the Speaker
Nikesha DavisMs. Nikesha Davis is an Aerospace Engineer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland. She has worked in NASA’s Mission Engineering and Systems Analysis (MESA) Division for the past twelve years. Nikesha is the Branch Head of the Propulsion Branch at GSFC. Here she manages liquid and chemical propulsion system design, analysis, and fabrication efforts. This work includes larger spacecrafts and satellites, down to CubeSats and SmallSats, in addition to research in the propulsion arena. In addition to these duties, Nikesha is continuing efforts as the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) Product Development Lead for the Plankton, Aerosol, Could, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission. A remote sensing, $805 million mission which launches in December 2023. In this capacity, Nikesha is responsible for coordinating efforts to deliver the Attitude Control System, Flight Dynamics System, and GN&C Hardware for the PACE project.

Ms. Davis enjoys volunteering in the community, through NASA and other programs, and is very passionate about spreading the word about STEM fields and broadening the understanding of what engineers do. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Spelman College, and a bachelor’s and master’s in aerospace engineering, and systems engineering respectively from the University of Alabama Huntsville.

 

SPEAKERS:
Nikesha Davis

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