NSTA STEM21

July 26-30, 2021

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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56 results
Save up to 50 sessions in your agenda.

Applications of Pivot Interactives in the Classroom

Prerecorded

STRAND: High School
Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

Pivot Interactives does more than just labs; with bell ringers and assessment tools built into the platform, it is designed to be a one-stop shop for science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Makes demos interactive by providing short activities great for introducing new concepts; 2. enables authentic assessment by bringing experimental problems directly to students, regardless of their location; and 3. allows instructors to craft their own activities, down to the videos included in the assessments. It’s perfect for synchronous in-person sessions as well.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Friberg

Pivot Interactives for Life Science (Biology and Environmental Science)

Prerecorded

STRAND: High School
Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

This 25-minute session provides an introduction to Pivot Interactives as a tool for teaching the life sciences, including biology and environmental science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. See a preview of student activities related to the life sciences in a variety of forms, including interactive video, simulations, and sensors; 2. receive an initial view of the Pivot Interactives platform, including searching the libraries, setting up a class, and editing activities; and 3. consider some use cases in the classroom, including remote and in-person learning, lab supplements, and authentic assessments.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Friberg

Pivot Interactives for Physical Science (Physics and Chemistry)

Prerecorded

STRAND: High School
Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

This 25-minute session provides an introduction to Pivot Interactives as a tool for teaching the physical sciences, including physics and chemistry.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. See a preview of student activities related to the physical sciences in a variety of forms, including interactive video, simulations, and sensors; 2. receive an initial view of the Pivot Interactives platform, including searching the libraries, setting up a class, and editing activities; and 3. consider some use cases in the classroom, including remote and in-person learning, lab supplements, and authentic assessments.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Friberg

Keynote Presentation: A Morning with Kate Biberdorf

Monday, July 26 • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA July 2021 powerpoint.pdf

Show Details

As seen on the Today Show and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Dr. Kate Biberdorf is breaking stereotypes and blowing stuff up—all in a good pair of heels. Through her theatrical and hands-on approach to teaching, Dr. Biberdorf is breaking down the image of the stereotypical scientist, while reaching students that might otherwise be intimidated by science. Drawing forth emotional responses, rather than rote recitation of facts is key to Biberdorf ’s dynamic approach to her program, as well as to science in general. Her exciting and engaging program leaves audiences with a positive, memorable impression of science—all while diminishing the stigma around women in science.

Dr. Biberdorf is the author of Kate the Chemist: The Big Book of Experiments, a collection of 25 kid-friendly science experiments that come prepared with a messiness factor rating and a note from Kate about how each experiment works. Her newest book, Dragons vs. Unicorns, is a children's novel and was released in March 2020.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Biberdorf

Cricket Challenges: Engaging Readers in Exploring Their Natural World

Monday, July 26 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Cricket Challenges Engaging Readers In Exploring Their Natural World.pptx
Cricket Challenges Handout.pdf
Nature Writing Prompts Handout.pdf
Nature-Themed Books Handout.pdf

Show Details

This session presents interactive “Cricket Challenges” to engage students in nature-based activities designed to encourage curiosity and to make cross-curricular STEM connections to literature.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Innovative ways to engage readers to use fiction as a springboard to explore their natural world and make text-to-real-world connections; 2. Handouts including instructions for activities such as “An Outdoor Challenge for Every Season," ”Creating a Nature Wonder Hour,” “Nature Scavenger Hunts,” “Creating a Nature Journal from the Point of View of the Main Character in the Book You’re Studying,” and “Bloom Bingo”; and 3. Writing prompts educators can use to encourage students to analyze and explore their natural world.

SPEAKERS:
Jo Watson Hackl

Explore the Solar System: NASA’s Scale of Discovery

Monday, July 26 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation Recording
Scale of Discovery 2021 PowerPoint
Powerpoint with embedded info and notes
Scale of Discovery Combined Files.pdf
ALL files (what would have been in person handouts) from todays presentation in one document

Show Details

Let’s make a foldable solar system scroll. Come learn how to apply ratios to create a scale model of the planets based on your height.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. With a properly scaled solar system scroll, participants will identify inner and outer planets and readily SEE why they are named as such; 2. Understanding the concept of rations and fractions, part-to-whole, participants will leave being able to create a proportional solar system in their classroom, on a football field, or across their state; and 3. This activity can be used at any grade level.

SPEAKERS:
Barbie Buckner

Reimagining the Five Practices for Effective and Equitable Discourse: An Example from a Virtual STEM Experience

Monday, July 26 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

Show Details

We discuss a number of considerations for virtual science instruction and highlight how the five practices take shape in an online STEM experience. We further suggest ways by which teachers can maximize an online learning platform for equitable participation.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The Five Practices remind us that discourse and equitable participation in the science classroom require more than discipline-based knowledge or simply providing experiences with phenomena and materials; 2. As teachers prepare to engage students in virtual science experiences, utilizing strategies that promote effective discourse is essential. It is not the teacher alone who creates effective discourse; however, the teacher’s careful construction of explicit guidance for students through discourse strategies while investigating science phenomena is crucial; and 3. Virtual classroom instruction can be designed in ways that enhance motivation, support productive participation, and deliver interactive learning experiences in science.

SPEAKERS:
Cathrine Maiorca, L. Octavia Tripp, Sahar Alameh, Kristin Cook, Margaret Mohr-Schroeder

Keynote Presentation: Tools @ Tea Time with Tim & Rob

Monday, July 26 • 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Session Resource list.pdf
Tools @ Tea Time with Tim & Rob slides

Show Details

Tim and Rob are back for tea and lively conversation as we look toward next year, once again reflecting on our use of technology in the classroom. We'll look at one of the big questions on all our minds: Now that we know what we know, how can we use that to support students in both their learning and their emotional well-being as we move back into the "new normal" classroom?

SPEAKERS:
Tim Blesse, Robert Payo

MiSci Live Exhibit Tour: Earth. Wind. Weather.

Monday, July 26 • 3:35 PM - 4:00 PM

Show Details

Investigate the amazing and powerful forces shaping our planet through a live tour of MiSci’s newest permanent exhibit gallery. Transform desert landscapes, create avalanches, explore Jupiter's otherworldly atmosphere, and watch as we construct a swirling fire tornado in this immersive experience!

Keynote Presentation: Building Resilience in Science Students

Tuesday, July 27 • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM


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

Show Details

In this talk Jami will discuss strategies that can be used to build resilience, with a particular emphasis on increasing the percentage of women and underrepresented minorities that choose to pursue STEM studies. She will use examples from her experiences as one of the few African American women with a PhD in physics and discuss strategies to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in STEM.

SPEAKERS:
Jami Valentine Miller

Teaching Beyond the Water Cycle with the Water Footprint Calculator

Tuesday, July 27 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Beyond the Water Cycle NSTA Presentation.pdf
This is a PDF of our presentation about teaching about water use with water footprints, based on information from watercalculator.org.

STRAND: Middle Level
Show Details

Humans use water, often in inequitable ways. Our online tools, which include a calculator and NGSS-focused lesson plans, help educators learn how to teach beyond the water cycle.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. understand how we use water and what a water footprint is; 2. understand how water is connected to the global systems that create our food, energy, and consumer goods; and 3. learn about our free virtual tools and content that help them teach students about their water use as a part of their overall environmental impact.

SPEAKERS:
Robin Madel, Kai Olson-Sawyer

NASA's Moon to Mars: Using the Engineering Design Process to Build Satellites

Tuesday, July 27 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Best Activities for grades 3-5
Best Activities for grades K-2
Best Satellite build launch 5-8.pdf
Pages from the BEST Guides for grades 5-8 for Satellite build and Satellite launch activity.
NASA BEST Satellite NSTA 21.pptx
Powerpoint used during presentation

STRAND: Middle Level
Show Details

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Barbie Buckner

Bringing the Real World into Urban Classrooms Through Global Science / Citizen Science

Tuesday, July 27 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

STRAND: Middle Level
Show Details

Bring the world to your urban classroom with Global Science / Citizen Science. Experts will share their work and provide details on how to actively involve students in real-world science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Engage with educators who have led their school systems to meet various challenges; 2. Learn from successful programs; and 3. Discuss relevant issues related to urban science educators.

SPEAKERS:
Pat Shane, Mary Beth Berrien, Michelle Ellis, Susan Meabh Kelly, Brad Rhew, LeeAnne Jimenez, Acacia McKenna

Featured Presentation: A Space for STEAM: Scientific Illustration with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Tuesday, July 27 • 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

Show Details

No space suit, helmet, or rocket required for this trip into our solar system! Take a virtual journey to Saturn's largest moon, Titan, and take your first steps to becoming a scientific illustrator. Science and art both play important roles in how we understand our complex world. Art can also provide a valuable access point to STEM content for students who do not identify as "scientists."

In this fun, interactive session, get a taste of a Virtual Science Academy program from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and create your own scientific illustration. Join us to explore why methane rains from Titan’s sky and why the atmosphere is bright orange, and discover new resources for STEAM learning.

Note: Participants will need one piece of orange paper, one black-colored pencil, and one white-colored pencil, or similar materials to actively engage in this session.

SPEAKERS:
DMNS Virtual Experiences, Jose Zuniga

MiSci Live Exhibit Tour: Math Alive!

Tuesday, July 27 • 3:35 PM - 4:00 PM

Show Details

Take a trip through MathAlive!, an 8,000-square-foot exhibit that connects math to daily life and potential careers. Bring to life the real math behind what students love most—video games, sports, fashion, music, robotics, and more.

Keynote Presentation: From Students to STEM Teachers!

Wednesday, July 28 • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Show Details

If a student in your class is amazing at math or a wiz in the science lab, what job do you tell them they'd be good at? I think the answer we need to tell them is, “You would be a great teacher!” Students should leave our classes loving STEM and wanting to TEACH STEM! In this conversation, we will explore ways teachers can pass on both our love for STEM and our passion for our profession to our students.

SPEAKERS:
John Arthur

Formation in the Cartwheel Galaxy with Web-based NASA Data and STEM Image Analysis Tools

Wednesday, July 28 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Analyzing Star Formation and U/HLXs in the Cartwheel Galaxy
HANDOUT
Analyzing Star Formation and U/HLXs in the Cartwheel Galaxy
powerpoint
JS9 - Web based Data Analysis Tool
Js9 with preloaded files
National Science Olympiad js9 Page

STRAND: High School
Show Details

Use web-based image and analysis software to examine and compare the Cartwheel Galaxy in optical and X-ray bands, which can help determine the sources of the ultra- and hyperluminous X-rays (U/HLXs) in this galaxy.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Astrophysicists use light in all bands of the electromagnetic spectrum to determine the nature of an object; 2. Web-based software will be used (the same tools used by scientists); and 3. This software can be used by students to do their own investigations in astronomy with real data sets.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Perry

St. Jude Virtual Science Journal Club: Engaging Students in the Scientific Process Through Reading Primary Literature

Wednesday, July 28 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
StJudeSciAmb_APBiologyJustification_2021.pdf
StJudeSciAmb_APBiologyUnitOutline_2021.pdf

STRAND: High School
Show Details

Learn about a virtual journal club that encourages interaction between students, teachers, and scientists through reading and interpreting research papers.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The St. Jude Virtual Journal Club integrates into the AP Biology curriculum and teaches NGSS Science and Engineering Practices and Nature of Science Practices; 2. Teaching primary literature can develop inquiry, critical thinking, and other 21st-century skills in students; and 3. High school students learn about the realities of scientific research and careers from practicing scientists.

SPEAKERS:
Shelby Montague

Unboxed: Using Scenario-Based Challenges to Unlock STEM and Soft Skill Development

Wednesday, July 28 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

STRAND: High School
Show Details

Discover how to make the STEM learning-to-application process more fun by replicating Michigan Tech’s story-based Unboxed challenges approach.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. learn about a nontraditional educational outreach program model in which teams of students apply STEM knowledge through hands-on challenges; 2. learn best practices for creating their own nontraditional challenges for students to supplement curriculum concepts; and 3. discover free resources and puzzles they can incorporate into their own challenges.

SPEAKERS:
Jannah Tumey

Distraction? No, Education! Using Esports for STEM Education and Career Development

Wednesday, July 28 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

STRAND: High School
Show Details

Learn not only about esports and its function, but also how to facilitate your classroom with innovative STEM concepts where all students can thrive!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. What is Esports?; 2. How Esports contributes to STEM education and career development ; and 3. How to implement Esports virtually and in hybrid settings.

SPEAKERS:
Jorrel Batac, Angelique Gianas

Modeling Stellar Evolution from Formation to Destruction Using NASA Images, Data, and STEM Analysis Tools

Wednesday, July 28 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA STEM21 Transcript.pdf
NSTA STEM21.ppt

STRAND: High School
Show Details

Model stellar evolution processes using NASA images, plotting H-R diagram transitions, and determining the chemistry and physics of supernovas using NASA STEM image analysis tools.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Knowledge of the process of how stars form and change over time ending in catastrophic events, providing conditions for the formation of planets; 2. Students will understand that all knowledge of celestial events is determined by analyzing the light from these events and provide possibilities—not definitive answers—as the data can be interpreted differently; and 3. Image analysis software tools allow scientists to gain knowledge of the physical and chemical processes involved to create constantly evolving models of stellar evolution.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young

Analyzing X-Ray Pulses from Stellar Cores Using Physics and Web-based NASA Data and STEM Image Analysis Tools

Wednesday, July 28 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Analysis of Two Pulsating X-ray Sources
powerpoint
Analysis of Two Pulsating X-ray Sources
handout
JS9 - Web based Data Analysis Tool
Js9 with preloaded files
National Science Olympiad js9 Page
web page

STRAND: High School
Show Details

Use STEM web-based analysis software and basic physics gravitation and centripetal acceleration equations to determine if a stellar core is a white dwarf or neutron star.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Light curves generated from image analysis software can be used to determine the period of rotation of some white dwarfs and pulsars; 2. Newton’s Universal Law of gravitation and centripetal acceleration calculations can be used as evidence for determining the type of star; and 3. Js9 web-based software provides students with real opportunities to do astronomical research.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Perry

MiSci Live from the DTE Energy Sparks Theater

Wednesday, July 28 • 3:35 PM - 4:00 PM

Show Details

Sit back and enjoy an electrifying presentation from within MiSci’s Sparks Theater, where we’ll experiment with static electricity and see the seven-foot Tesla Coil in action as we explore atomic interactions and energy transfer.

Keynote Presentation: Blankets Cover, Teachers Transform: Centering Justice in Science Curriculum

Thursday, July 29 • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Show Details

As science educators, what contributions can the disciplines we teach make to ongoing struggles for social and environmental justice? This presentation explains how keeping this question at the center of our work provides opportunities for our students to engage with our disciplines in deeper, more critical, and potentially transformative ways.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Morales-Doyle

Featured Presentation: STEM in a Sociocultural Context

Thursday, July 29 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Show Details

The use of socio-scientific issues as contexts for learning science, as well invoking cross-disciplinary connections, is supported in the literature as being both effective and educationally significant. STEM mandates and programs often lack this “Science-in-Context” vision. This talk aims to situate the teaching and learning of science from a sociocultural perspective of STEM, such that the need for learning it is apparent and the content being learned relevant, meaningful,  and useful.

SPEAKERS:
Dana Zeidler

Informal Science Engagement Through Social Media and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Thursday, July 29 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Pyatt NSTA Presentation Informal Science and the Pandemic

Show Details

The objective of this study was to assess informal science engagement using social media and examine changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Social media engagement in regards to science-related topics was robust pre-COVID-9 pandemic; 2. During the pandemic, the total number of posts remained at a similar level while post reactions increased over time; and 3. Social media remains an effective platform for informal science engagement even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SPEAKERS:
Robert Pyatt, Maya Briskin, Esther Choi

Space Physiology: We Have Been Created to Exist Optimally in Our Environment

Thursday, July 29 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Additional Space Videos Part 1.docx
Additional Student Space Activities.docx
AnsKey Space Phys Worksheets.docx
Instructor's Answer Keys for both worksheets.
More Space Physiology Videos Part 2.docx
Space Phys Instructions.pdf
Teacher's Instructions for Space Physiology
Space Phys Worksheet #1 .docx
The docx worksheet that goes with the first video.
Space Phys Worksheet #1 .pdf
The pdf file to accompany the first video.
Twin Space Study Results.docx
These are the findings of the Twin Space Study.
Twin Space Study Worksheet#2 .docx
The docx worksheet to accompany the second video.
Twin Space Study Worksheet#2 .pdf
The pdf worksheet to go with the second video.

Show Details

When astronauts are in space, several detrimental physiological changes occur to their bodies. What countermeasures are needed and will they be enough?

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Microgravity causes many changes in the astronaut's body; 2. Countermeasures are utilized while in orbit; and 3. Long-term missions need to overcome the detrimental effects.

SPEAKERS:
Cahleen Shrier

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly of Writing and Publishing of Cases Studies

Thursday, July 29 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Show Details

To assist our students in understanding theoretical concepts in order to apply them, we have delved into the process of using and writing case studies. This presentation will focus on the successes and failures to write and publish a case study.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Identify a relevant topic that is accessible to your intended audience; 2. Present the problem while being specific and conscious of time; and 3. Research where to publish.

SPEAKERS:
Nalini Broadbelt, Michelle Young, Nevila Jana

Creating Inclusive Authentic Assessment Practices in Higher Education

Thursday, July 29 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

Show Details

NSTA’s Committee on Postsecondary Science Teaching will examine best practices and the challenges in designing authentic assessments that not only measure learning outcomes, but remain inclusive to all students. A special emphasis will be placed on underserved populations and underprepared students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to: 1. explain the principles of Inclusive Authentic Assessment; 2. describe how underprepared and underserved students benefit from Inclusive Authentic Assessment; and 3. identify the challenges of using Inclusive Authentic Assessment in higher education.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Ogle, David Wojnowski, Esperanza Zenon

Development and Implementation of an Interprofessional Case Learning Project (ICLP)

Thursday, July 29 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

Show Details

Interprofessional collaboration is essential for students' success in their selected program and postgraduate life. These types of experiences have been shown to improve students’ interprofessional competences—communication skills, teamwork abilities, ethical practices, and understanding other team members’ roles and responsibilities—as well as their theoretical knowledge and increase student achievement within their discipline. We developed and tested a unique pedagogical idea—interprofessional case learning project (ICLP)—that encompassed a multidisciplinary approach involving chemistry, biology, and public health. The goal was to provide students and faculty with the opportunity to experience interprofessional collaborative practices that would encourage questioning, discredit misconception, connect concepts and make inferences, generate new ideas, and encourage shared decision making.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Promote multidisciplinary approach involving chemistry, biology, and public health; 2. Foster team building and collaboration; and 3. Change misconceptions about a discipline.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Young, Nalini Broadbelt

Featured Presentation: Using the Zoo as a Living Laboratory

Thursday, July 29 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

Show Details

Participants will be introduced to the ways you can use your local zoo as a living laboratory to teach STEM content to majors and nonmajors alike. During this interactive session, participants will explore the various ways science is used at the zoo and practice collecting behavioral data.

SPEAKERS:
Grace Fuller

So You Want to Teach? Examining the Upsides, Downsides, and Enticements of Careers in STEM Education

Thursday, July 29 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

Show Details

Through research conducted by the Growing Future STEM Teachers in Maine grant, this presentation explores the upsides, downsides, and enticements of secondary STEM teaching.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. explore perceptions of careers in STEM secondary education; 2. understand factors that influence interest in STEM fields; and 3. identify evidence-based practices for preparation and retention of high-quality secondary STEM teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Patricia Waters

Engaging in Difference: Preservice Teachers’ Service Learning Reflections

Thursday, July 29 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Show Details

This presentation explores the impact engaging with diverse communities through service learning has on elementary student learning, preservice teacher development, and community-campus partnerships.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. explore how service learning can be used as a vehicle for building a K–16 STEM pipeline; 2. understand the impact of service learning on preservice teacher development; and 3. identify best practices for community partnerships in STEM education.

SPEAKERS:
Patricia Waters

Featured Presentation: Why DIY Cultural Responsiveness: The Science of Effective Cultural Responsiveness

Thursday, July 29 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Show Details

This interactive workshop will demonstrate the pitfalls and barriers to cultural responsiveness. Participants will gain knowledge and applicable skills in cultural responsiveness that are small changes to what they are currently doing in their professional practice.

SPEAKERS:
Courtney Plotts

Partners in Place: Land-Based Pedagogies Informing a STEM Teacher Education Semester

Thursday, July 29 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Show Details

The purpose of our research is to investigate how teacher candidates’ experiences in STEM field studies with community partners can inform our work with an integrated practicum semester based on a curriculum of place. Place-based education is an approach to teaching that is grounded in the context of community and environment and seeks to help participants in solving community problems. Many Indigenous scholars are replacing the term place with land and argue that land-based pedagogies promote the decolonization of education by recognizing the intimate relationship that Indigenous peoples have with the land. One challenge with land-based pedagogies is the role non-Indigenous peoples have in this approach to the decolonization of education. Our research, in a western Canadian context, explores this tension as we come to a deeper and shared understanding of our co-responsibility within Treaty 7 relationships. Our project considers varying perspectives of place as it informs STEM teacher education pedagogy.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Land-based pedagogies;2. Indigenous ways of knowing; and 3. Integration of STEM curriculum and pedagogies.

SPEAKERS:
Kevin O'Connor

Successful Mentoring of Student Research

Thursday, July 29 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Show Details

Research is relevant as it plays a key role in transitioning from concepts in basic science into practical application. Basic science research drives progress in clinical and pharmaceutically industries. It is therefore essential that our health care students gain exposure in this arena and expand the analytical, collaborative, and technical skills that will enable them to succeed in their future careers. To assist the students, projects are devised around the students' interest in an area of the selected faculty specialty. The projects culminates with the students presenting their findings at a research symposium.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Establish a method that will get the student interested in driving the project; 2. Be clear about the time frame and commitment to project; and 3. Assist in making the research manageable.

SPEAKERS:
Nalini Broadbelt, Michelle Young

Postsecondary Unconference

Thursday, July 29 • 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

Show Details

Come join the attendees of the postsecondary strand as we collaborate and confer to share new knowledge, solve issues facing STEM educators, and build on existing practices to enhance our instructional toolkit. Be prepared to discuss, share, and lead through this unique interactive experience. Meet colleagues from around the globe as you network to gain a deeper understanding and share to reach common goals.

MiSci Live Exhibit Tour: Space Gallery

Thursday, July 29 • 3:35 PM - 4:00 PM

Show Details

Join MiSci’s staff astronomer to learn why space is often regarded as the “gateway science,” as we tour our rocket garden and discuss strategies for engaging students through current scientific research and real-world phenomena.

Keynote Presentation: Student-led Panel on the Invisibility of Students with Disabilities in STEM Fields

Friday, July 30 • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Show Details

The general absence of disability from the educational equity lens makes it hard to determine and address the degree of underrepresentation of people with disabilities in the STEM fields. How do we close a gap that’s largely invisible? Three Noyce Scholars from Metropolitan State University of Denver offer their perspectives on this issue, and invite feedback from session participants.

SPEAKERS:
Janelle Johnson, Kimberlee Bourelle, Adrian Clifton, Joseph Schneiderwind

A Cohort-Based Approach to Professional Learning

Friday, July 30 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: DoD STEM

Hear how a cohort model to professional learning can not only build individual teacher capacity, but also impact STEM learning throughout an ecosystem.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn about the benefits of a cohort-based approach to STEM professional learning; 2. understand the impacts of this approach within the context of an ecosystem and on individual professional development; and 3. learn how collaboration can elevate common goals to impact student learning along the pipeline.

SPEAKERS:
Jason Porter, Jessica Kesler, Patty Brunet

Equity at a Distance: Supporting Novice STEM Teachers with Digital Practice Spaces

Friday, July 30 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Show Details

This workshop introduces participants to "Teacher Moments," a platform for digital clinical simulations to advance equitable, practice-based teacher education and professional development.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. be introduced to existing practice spaces published on the digital clinical simulation platform, “Teacher Moments,” and complete two–three simulations/practice spaces; 2. learn about simulations previously implemented in teacher education contexts, about simulation design, and how simulations support equity in distance learning; and 3. learn how to register for the free platform and create practice spaces customized to their context, e.g., instructional coaching, professional development, higher education, etc.

SPEAKERS:
Alicia Lane

Increasing Access to Phenomena, Experimental Design, and Data with Pivot Interactives

Friday, July 30 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

Come see how Pivot Interactives can fill accessibility voids in our classrooms. Cost, time, scale, and safety limits are removed while still maximizing student engagement with the science practices through engaging content.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. explore the large Pivot Interactives library and identify activities that can fill lab gaps in classroom caused by cost, time, scale or, safety; 2. discuss the implementation of the tools within Pivot Interactives to scaffold, differentiate, and personalize content around common phenomena; and 3. dDiscuss pedagogical uses of Pivot Interactives in a changing educational landscape that allows to easy with in person, hybrid, or distance classes, as well as individual or collaborative work.

SPEAKERS:
Matt Vonk, Eric Friberg, Linda Detwiler, Peter Bohacek

Partnering to Prepare Tomorrow’s STEM Workforce

Friday, July 30 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Show Details

Hear about a STEM consortium that partners schools with nonprofits, academia, industry, and government to produce college- and career-ready graduates. Come problem solve how to increase participation of underrepresented populations.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn how they can engage with consortium programs; 2. generate solutions for engaging students from historically underrepresented populations in STEM; and 3. learn about how the consortium is partnering students with the DoD STEM workforce.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Stanley, Christina Romero, Tameka Woodruff

Qanniksuq: It Is Snowing—Indigenous Community Engagement Informs STEM Curriculum Development That Works for Indigenous Students

Friday, July 30 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Qanniksuq: It Is Snowing free teaching resources
Visit our website to explore free resources for teaching about snow that were coproduced with Iñupiaq Knowledge Bearers in Kotzebue Alaska and a STEM education team at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

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Explore a holistic snow curriculum built through collaboration between an Iñupiaq community and university educators. Learn development processes and access free STEM lessons and videos.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore the free and NGSS-focused Qanniksuq: It is Snowing resources targeting middle school; 2. Learn about an emerging research-based process for indigenous community-engaged STEM curriculum development applicable to K–12; and 3. Discover how curricula developed using this process impacted students, teachers, and community members in participating indigenous communities.

SPEAKERS:
Lori Schoening, Lynda McGilvary, Sean Asikłuk Topkok

Shell-Sponsored Featured Panel: Overcoming the Challenges of Delivering STEM to all Students

Friday, July 30 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

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Sponsoring Company: Shell

A panel of current Shell Urban Educators Development Award winners will discuss their successes and challenges with implementing a STEM curriculum to an underserved and underrepresented student population. They provide strategies, methods, and programs that address inequities while ensuring STEM is for all students.

SPEAKERS:
Tiffany Scott, Erica Stephens, John Carlo Tulinao, Michelle Ellis, Leslie White-Keuchler, Melissa Collins, Alexander Eden, Carla Neely, Nakia Williams, Cenia Santana, LaShan Rose

Featured Panel: Principles for Equitable Learning Post Pandemic

Friday, July 30 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

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The pandemic has reminded us that learning demands strong teacher-student relationships and opportunities to connect ideas from science to students’ and families’ everyday lives and communities. Equity demands we not return to the “old normal” and that we reject the false dichotomy between learning and students’ social, cultural, emotional, and intellectual well-being. In this panel presentation, authors of the Learning Policy Institute and Spencer Foundation report “Summer Learning and Beyond: Principles for Equitable Learning Postpandemic” will describe principles grounded in the learning sciences for equitable learning in a post-pandemic world.

SPEAKERS:
William Penuel, Shirin Vossoughi, Christopher Collins, Ann Ishimaru

STEP UP: Encouraging Girls in Physics

Friday, July 30 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

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The STEP UP series of lessons were developed to empower teachers to inspire young women to pursue physics as a field of study. Come find out how to implement these lessons in your classes and how to get involved in the STEP UP program.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. STEP UP helps teachers find ways to support girls in physics; 2. STEP UP lessons help change how all students perceive physics.

SPEAKERS:
Joseph Muise

Building an Inclusive Classroom

Friday, July 30 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NCWIT Male Allies Toolkit
The NCWIT Male Allies and Advocates Toolkit is intended to support workplace efforts to engage male allies and advocates in diversity and inclusion initiatives. These tools are designed to equip change leaders in two areas: 1) Setting the stage for success and raising initial awareness 2) Developing a plan of action for male advocacy efforts and evaluating success.

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Sponsoring Company: DoD STEM

Connect with the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) to learn about engaging a diverse range of students through programs spanning the STEM Ecosystem.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. strategies to recruit a diverse group of students to their STEM classrooms; 2. where to find research-backed resources that are free to use and download; and 3. how to engage and celebrate their students with programs from NCWIT, including Aspirations in Computing and TECHNOLOchicas.

SPEAKERS:
Angela DeHart, Edie Cheng, Shannon Gibbs

Featured Panel: In the Room Where It Happens: K–12 STEM Teachers Share Their Journeys, Discoveries, and Experiences with the Federal STEM Strategic Plan and Other National STEM Education Efforts

Friday, July 30 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

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The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (AEF) Program provides a unique opportunity for K–12 STEM teachers to serve and contribute to education at the national level. In this panel session, five Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows will share their learning journeys and experiences. During the 2020–2021 school year, with support from their administrators, they left their classrooms to spend the year working on various STEM education projects and programs with the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Energy, and U.S. Department of the Interior. Given their extensive expertise in K–12 STEM teaching and leadership, they were invited to join one or more of the five Federal Interagency Working Groups to create and implement recommendations from the five-year strategic plan: Charting a Course for Success: America’s Strategy for STEM Education. Through an interactive panel discussion, session participants will learn more about the Fellowship, personal pathways of the educators, the Federal STEM Education Strategic Plan, and the relevancy and potential impact of this work on education.

SPEAKERS:
Monya A Ruffin, Laura Larkin, Kama Almasi, Suzy Otto, Michael Vargas, Kelly Day

Leading Today to Create the Diverse Quantum Workforce of Tomorrow

Friday, July 30 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

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The “quantum revolution” is on the horizon. What can we do today—through policies and programming—to ensure quantum computing education is accessible to all students?

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to: 1. explain why quantum computing is an important emerging technology and STEM discipline; 2. identify the barriers to accessible, widespread quantum education and describe actionable strategies to combat them; and 3. discuss ideas to increase diversity in quantum computing, starting at the K–12 level.

SPEAKERS:
Kiera Peltz

STEMSS Family Engagement to Support Language Learners

Friday, July 30 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

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Explore family engagement events that provide fun, hands-on experiences and an opportunity to teach parents strategies to support their children's academic vocabulary at home.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Engage in both virtual and in-person family engagement events that expand classroom learning that families with members of all ages can participate in; 2. Learn strategies to support linguistically diverse students in the STEMSS (STEM + Social Studies with an emphasis on real-world, cross-curricular learning) classroom; and 3. Develop a plan to integrate these strategies into your family engagement events to help parents learn how to support academic vocabulary at home and to bridge the home-school connections to increase opportunities for language learners.

SPEAKERS:
Margarita Jimenez-Silva, Karen Guerrero

COVID-19: A Landscape for Change

Friday, July 30 • 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

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How has COVID-19 changed the future of science education? What have we learned in best practices across topics, including critical thinking, real-world decision making, SEL, distance learning, PhenoBL, and pedagogy that best reaches all students? Following a quick update on the latest COVID-19 science, be prepared to help others as you share your experiences and insight on how we might use this pandemic to improve science education.

SPEAKERS:
Michael DiSpezio

How to Make the Science Classroom More Inclusive: Addressing Biases

Friday, July 30 • 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

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Come ready to move forward with your social justice journey. Progress toward a collective classroom well-being is a collaborative process that starts with individual reflection and action. Let us help each other by working together to find and check our own biases so that our hearts and minds are open to growth.

SPEAKERS:
Jason Foster, Michael Nocella

Supporting the Social and Emotional Health and Well-Being of Teachers and Students

Friday, July 30 • 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

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In 2015, the American Psychological Association released the “Top 20 Principles from Psychology for PreK–12 Teaching and Learning” created by the Coalition for Psychology in Schools and Education. This session will focus on three of these principles dealing with Social Emotional factors important to learning and address six critical questions to consider as we continue to deal with the effects of educational disruptions resulting from the pandemic.

SPEAKERS:
Steven Turner

Was Learning Actually Lost? A Closer Look at Equity and the Impact of Distance Learning for Students

Friday, July 30 • 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

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In this session, we will discuss the myth of Learning Loss and what was actually found out as the pandemic unveiled underlying issues within our STEM education systems. We will have an open discussion on how we as educators can create an inclusive STEM classroom that prioritizes equity in in-person, at a distance, and beyond. We will culminate lessons learned from distance learning and next steps we can take to create equitable STEM spaces in our own context.

SPEAKERS:
Leena McLean

Science Spectacular LIVE from the Michigan Science Center Main Stage

Friday, July 30 • 3:35 PM - 4:00 PM

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The moment we’ve all been waiting for! Discover the wonderful world of science through interactive, large-scale demonstrations from the Michigan Science Center. Why do things explode? We’ll mix physics and chemistry to learn about the relationships between pressure, temperature, and fuel…and explain why things go KA-BOOM!

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