Join us to discuss how to enhance student learning by incorporating activities that relate to real-world environmental and agricultural challenges in science classes.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Incorporating real-world challenges relating to sustainable agriculture exposes students to meaningful applications of environmental, life, and physical sciences; 2. Communicating that science is not simply abstract concepts, but a way to solve important problems, may increase student engagement in the classroom; and 3. Sustainable agriculture activities lend themselves to adaptation to appropriate grade level or science class.

SPEAKERS:
Maud Walsh (Louisiana State University: BATON ROUGE, LA), Jennifer Irving (Louisiana State University: Baton Rouge, LA)

Come learn about three-dimensional assessments that support Latinx and ELLs. We’ll share examples of three-dimensional assessments in a chemistry unit, and tools for designing the assessments!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. see key features of 3-D assessments by examining a few examples; 2. learn how to design 3-D assessments in the context of high school chemistry; and 3. learn how to use various forms of scaffolds to design 3-D assessments that support students from historically marginalized communities.

SPEAKERS:
Alicia Fortier (Tustin High School: Santa Ana, CA), Abbey Zinsser (Tustin High School: Laguna Niguel, CA), Hosun Kang (University of California, Irvine: Irvine, CA), Lindsay Fay (Tustin High School: Mission Viejo, CA)

Find out how to use explore-before-explain learning to flip the traditional teaching script and promote long-lasting understanding in physical, life, and Earth and space science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Why sequence matters—a concise review of cognitive science and science education research explains why the order in which you structure your lessons is so critical; 2. What you need to do—an overview of important planning considerations covers becoming an “explore-before-explain” teacher and designing POE (Predict, Observe, Explain) and 5E (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate) instructional models; and 3. How you do it—ready-to-teach lessons that use an explore-before-explain sequence to provide an experience that meets the Next Generation Science Standards and makes interdisciplinary connections to the Common Core State Standards.

SPEAKERS:
Patrick Brown (Fort Zumwalt School District R-II: Saint Charles, MO)

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

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How DCIs, CCCs, and SEPs all relate to a phenomena; 2. Data collection to investigate phenomena; and 3. What three-dimensional assessment looks like in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Scott, LA), Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD)

Discussion centers on how to successfully implement current events in science into lessons and curriculum, increasing student engagement in science content and overall science literacy. Participants will read and analyze a blog post on a recent breakthrough on CRISPR, a genetic editing technique.

TAKEAWAYS:
-How to use blogs, videos, and podcasts on current events in science to engage classroom discussions -How to put use current events in science to put the curriculum into context -How to connect local science researchers to your students and classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Anderson (Hamilton County ESC: Cincinnati, OH)

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

Come learn how Pivot Interactives helps students learn chemistry concepts and lab skills using our online learning platform. Interactive video allows students to make their own measurements from libraries of thousands of high-resolution videos and interactive measurement tools. Customizable instructions, fast grading tools, and LMS integration make life easier for teachers too!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how Pivot Interactives allows students to start with phenomena and guides them to use their own measurements and observations to build and apply models; 2. see from the student perspective how Pivot Interactives enables online labs; and 3. explore the content library, grading tools, and LMS integration.

SPEAKERS:
Peter Bohacek (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN)

Sponsoring Company: NSTA, Shell Teacher Awards and Competitions

Do you impact your school and community with STEM? If you teach K–12, come learn how to apply to win one of eight Shell-supported awards through this teacher competition.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to apply for a Shell-sponsored award or competition; 2. begin your application or nomination of a Shell-sponsored program and receive a prize; and 3. collaborate with past winners and judges to learn how to strengthen your application.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Upton (NSTA: Fresno, TX), Ruth Ruud (Cleveland State University: Venice, FL)

Sponsoring Company: Carolina Biological Supply Co.

Teachers will engage in three examples of hands-on investigations, digital investigations, and digital teacher demonstrations from the Carolina 3D® kit lines for biology, chemistry, and Earth and space science. These activities illustrate how in-class hands-on laboratory investigations have been modified by Carolina for use in socially distanced classrooms and remote learning settings.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The modification of a face-to-face investigation to a digital investigation with data collection; 2. How to use live specimen in a remote, digital investigation; and 3. Examples of formative assessment appropriate for remote learning.

SPEAKERS:
Crystal Risko (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Burlington, NC), DeeDee Whitaker (Carolina Biological Supply Co.: Burlington, NC)

Sponsoring Company: ExploreLearning

Create more “ah-ha!” moments with ExploreLearning Gizmos virtual labs and simulations. Highly interactive and visual, they are as fun as they are effective. Students learn by doing (just like real scientists) as they use Gizmos to explore, discover, and apply new concepts in STEM.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Technology can bring real-world experiences to students; 2. using simulations and animations in science makes science relative; and 3. even if students don't have access to lab materials they can still preform labs.

SPEAKERS:
Thom O'Brien (ExploreLearning: Charlottesville, VA)

In examining student scientific explanations, one common finding is that understanding how to analyze data is often the missing piece in order for students to construct proficient explanations. However, we often tell students to analyze data, but we don't teach students how to do this. Participants will practice several strategies, acquire resources to share with students, and deepen their understanding of how to teach, not tell, students to analyze data.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Deeper understanding of data analysis as required by the NGSS; 2. Deeper understanding of common student misconceptions about data analysis; and 3. Practical strategies for scaffolding data analysis.

SPEAKERS:
Diane Johnson (EKU Partnership Institute for Math and Science Education Reform: Vanceburg, KY)

Explore strategies and resources to shift your online courses into a more three-dimensional teaching and learning style.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will explore: 1. strategies for engaging students in phenomena in the online environment; 2. different course structural elements that can be used to promote three-dimensional learning; and 3. online resources that can be incorporated into an online course to promote inquiry learning.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Allred (Deer Valley Unified School Dstrict: Phoenix, AZ)

Sponsoring Company: Flinn Scientific, Inc.

Our current climate challenges us as educators with searching for meaningful ways to keep students in the practice of inquiry-based hands-on science. Given the limitations of remote and blended learning environments, what are effective ways to engage students effectively? Dr. Mike Marvel shares solutions for effective instruction for multiple environments.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to strengthen students’ experimental design and scientific reasoning skills regardless of the learning environment; 2. how videos of authentic scientific phenomena can be paired with prompts designed to improve students’ data analysis skills; and 3. how students can explore complex scientific topics in their homes without the need for expensive equipment and supplies.

SPEAKERS:
Mike Marvel, Ph.D. (Flinn Scientific, Inc.: Batavia, IL)

Sponsoring Company: MatterHackers, Inc.

Learn how to lead students through engaging learning experiences such as the make:able challenge in order to improve learner outcomes and deepen student agency. They will be able to use empathy, STEM skills, and their own interests to improve the lives of others through assistive technology and 3D printing.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about the make:able challenge and how you can implement it at your school; 2. use resources from the Build a Better Book project to facilitate design challenges for people with visual impairments based on student interest; and 3. gain strategies to help promote student independence, growth, and reflection.

SPEAKERS:
Mara Hitner (MatterHackers, Inc.: Lake Forest, CA), Steven Jones (Swanson Middle School: Arlington, VA)

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 (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center: Bristol, TN)

Hear innovative ideas for developing partnerships and programs with community, universities, and industry to equip students with STEM skills necessary for success in tomorrow’s world.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to go beyond one-off field trips to engage students in deeper, more meaningful, long-term, and real-world learning; 2. Learn how to take advantage of the coming "silver Tsunami" in most industries, to get unique learning experiences and measurable outcomes for your students; and 3. Understand that "STEM fields" are not limited to robotics or space exploration; most if not all fields soon will require at least a basic understanding of STEM concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Gordon Bourns (Bourns, Inc.: Riverside, CA), Sharon Gutierrez (Riverside Public Utilities: Riverside, CA), John Robertson (Riverside Unified School District: Riverside, CA), Damaris Velez (Riverside Public Utilities: Riverside, CA)

Are you asked to incorporate reading and writing into your science classroom? We have literacy-based lesson plans that will engage students and improve their learning!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Lesson plans that incorporate literacy as well as hands-on activities; 2. Awareness of resources for incorporating literacy; and 3. A better understanding of how literacy improves student comprehension.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Suh (American Chemical Society: Washington, DC), Enrique Romero (Sweetwater Union High School District: San Diego, CA)

Do you impact your school and community with STEM? If you teach K–12, come learn how to apply to win one of eight Shell-supported awards.

TAKEAWAYS:
Share your passion and practice by applying for one of eight awards. Learn from past Shell awardees, finalists, and judging panel members’ important tips to apply for this award, and how to win a trip to next year’s national conference in Chicago.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Upton (NSTA: Fresno, TX), Richard Embrick (Wright Junior High: Rosenberg, TX)

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

Use algae beads to study both photosynthesis and cellular respiration in AP and general biology courses. Extend this lab to study the effects of light intensity, light color, temperature, and other organisms. See how algae beads and other laboratory activities can be adapted for remote or socially distanced classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. See how algae beads are an extremely flexible and portable system to teach both photosynthesis and cellular respiration in AP or general biology courses; and 2. get instructions for how to adapt laboratory activities to remote or socially distanced classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Leigh Brown (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

We'll discuss challenges in terms of teacher wellness during distance teaching and share strategies in a roundtable.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Acknowledge the challenges and demands on teachers in distance learning; 2. Share strategies for teacher wellness; and 3. Create a community of like-minded educators.

SPEAKERS:
Kavita Gupta (Monta Vista High School: Cupertino, CA)

Let's bring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into the forefront of science education! Join us as we share the details of our joint AMSE and NSTA Multicultural/Equity upcoming virtual miniseries. #DEIinACTION

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Addressing the Elephant in the Room: A Focus on Diversity and Equity Among Minority and Underserved Students in Geographic Locations; 2. Designing for Equitable Sense-making with Multilingual Learners; and 3. All in the (Science) Family: Considerations and Strategies for Inclusive Science Teaching for All Students.

SPEAKERS:
Alicia Conerly (Marion County Schools: Bogue Chitto, MS), Sharon Delesbore (Stephen F. Austin High School: Houston, TX)

We will share unique and interactive assessments that go beyond multiple choice tests. These options offer learners a variety of ways to demonstrate their mastery of content. Varied assessment options will be explored, including alternative testing questions, interactive assessments, concept maps, and projects.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Attendees will learn about alternate ways of assessing student learning that allows all learners the ability to demonstrate mastery of content; 2. Alternate mid-term and final exam options will be shared; and 3. Attendees will learn how to create valid assessments for English Learners.

SPEAKERS:
Stephanie Matson (Thomas Worthington High School: Columbus, OH), Kimberly Thesing (Thomas Worthington High School: Columbus, OH)

Explore the critical role that creativity plays in addressing essential skills required for ALL students and their future success.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Why creativity must be a critical component of effective planning; 2. How creativity impacts student success; and 3. How to provide continuous and effective creative opportunities for students.

SPEAKERS:
Cathi Cox-Boniol (Louisiana Tech University: Ruston, LA), Missy Wooley (Louisiana Tech University: Ruston, LA)

Leverage how people learn from data to teach data skills alongside content with these beginning strategies to build students literacy in science, math, and technology.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. A framework for thinking about how people learn from data and what are the steps along the progression from being a novice to expert user of data to do science, math, and use technology; 2. Strategies and resources to use in our teaching in any unit to better set students up for success as they build their mastery of data skills to become more data and science literate; and 3. a suite of tips and tricks to integrate into our current curricula across different disciplines that enhance how students work with data to learn their science and math content as well as critical evaluate claims in the world.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hunter-Thomson (Dataspire Education & Evaluation, LLC: Santa Cruz, CA)

The NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions maps out learning progressions based on the Framework for K–12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) using the same techniques that were used to develop the Atlas of Science Literacy from AAAS Project 2061. The 62 maps in the Atlas organize all of the elements from standards on a particular topic (e.g., modeling, patterns, or definitions of energy) on a single page. The elements from grades K–2 are at the bottom of the page and those from grades 9–12 are at the top. Arrows connect elements to indicate how ideas in a particular topic build on each other and how elements in different topics connect to one another. Studying the maps in the Atlas and the additional resources in the appendixes can provide educators new insights about the standards.
 
This session will provide an overview of how to read a map, the other features of the Atlas, and how educators can use this powerful navigational tool to develop and implement curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to read a map in the Atlas; 2. the relationship between the Framework and the Atlas; and 3. how to use the Atlas to unpack or clarify standards.

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard (Discovery Education: Derwood, MD)

Explore how excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere makes water more acidic through hands-on activities from the free 5Es lesson plans in middleschoolchemistry.com.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Awareness of a free resource of NGSS-focused lesson plans in chemistry for middle school teachers and students; 2. Simple, safe, and inexpensive hands-on experiments showing that carbon dioxide gas makes water more acidic; and 3. Use of grade-appropriate explanations of the interactions of atoms and molecules to help students better understand the causes of the phenomena they observe and its connection to the problem of ocean acidification.

SPEAKERS:
James Kessler (American Chemical Society: Washington, DC)

Science current events journals bring real science into the classroom. Use the news to teach science content, media literacy, and analytical thinking, and to reinforce language arts.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to integrate media literacy in the science classroom; 2. Tools for differentiated instruction in science literacy; and 3. Integration of NGSS in a science literacy project.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Weissman (The Ramaz School: Fresh Meadows, NY)

Delve into how to access and explore NOAA’s data-rich resources, lesson plans, and visualization tools to build data literacy and proficiency in scientific data analysis.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. What types of data are available from NOAA; 2. How to find and use NOAA data in your classroom; and 3. How students can be involved in data collection.

SPEAKERS:
Bekkah Lampe (NOAA Office of Education: College Park, MD), Kayla Smith (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Silver Spring, MD)

We will introduce a collection of units and resources to help teachers engage students in three-dimensional learning through model-driven inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Anchoring instruction around authentic phenomena is the first step to 3-D learning; 2. The practice of modeling should be at the center of your instructional units; and 3. Models help groups of students build explanations of phenomena together over time.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Campbell (University of Connecticut: N. Franklin, CT), Ron Gray (Northern Arizona University: Flagstaff, AZ), Victor Sampson (The University of Texas at Austin: Austin, TX)

Participants will engage with phenomenon-based lesson using synchronous and asynchronous teaching in the 5E Lesson Framework. The lesson overview will guide teachers through using digital resources that promote 3-D learning with phenomena integrated throughout the 5E, both synchronously and asynchronously.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. identify points in a 3-D phenomenon-based lesson that are best suited for synchronous and asynchronous learning; 2. use digital platforms to obtain and evaluate information in video, image, and informational text form; and 3. integrate the 5E model for lesson delivery that includes a phenonomenon.

SPEAKERS:
Rabieh Hafza (Henry County Schools: Mcdonough, GA)

What makes it rain? M&Ms versus Skittles? Baking soda versus baking powder? Free online lesson plans of hands-on activities and animations help your elementary students build foundational concepts in chemistry.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Awareness of a free resource of NGSS-focused lesson plans in chemistry for Kindergarten and grades 2 and 5; 2. Questioning strategies built into lessons to help young students contribute to the design of an investigation to answer a question; and 3. An understanding of using grade-appropriate explanations of atoms and molecules to help students better understand the causes of the phenomena they observed.

SPEAKERS:
James Kessler (American Chemical Society: Washington, DC)

This session will engage teachers in experiencing and exploring free NGSS-focused resources for classrooms from STEM@GTRI.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Free NGSS-focused resources; 2. virtual field experiences; and 3. educational technology.

SPEAKERS:
Tyler Kinner (Georgia Tech Research Institute: Atlanta, GA)