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)

Implement a three-dimensional middle school unit covering nervous system, chemical reactions, and engineering design! Session targets teachers, coaches, and supervisors from novice to advanced. To contact us, please fill out the form here.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore an NGSS-designed 3-D middle school integrated unit about instant ice packs; 2. Experience activities designed to model how to implement strategies for integrating 3-D learning; and 3. Reflect on how teachers can facilitate and motivate students to drive instruction .

SPEAKERS:
Stephanie Bank (Kentucky Avenue School: Pittsburgh, PA), Arlene Friend (Von Tobel Middle School: Las Vegas, NV)

Learn how to leverage community resources and infuse criticality into your science curriculum. Presenters will engage attendees in standards-focused activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to: 1. embed justice-oriented practices into their classroom teaching; and 2. create transformative curricula and innovative professional learning experiences to develop highly effective science teachers and teacher leaders.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Pena (Georgia State University: Atlanta, GA), Natalie King (Georgia State University: Atlanta, GA), Christine Thomas (Georgia State University: Atlanta, GA), Desmond Lee (Georgia State University: Atlanta, GA), Vanessa Grady (Rex Mill Middle School: Rex, GA), Nicholas Collins (Langston Hughes High School: Fairburn, GA)

Explore the similarities and differences in age-appropriate engineering practices and design parameters for preK–2 children through discussion, hands-on activities, and classroom videos.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Engineering is a form of problem solving that is appropriate and engaging for young learners; 2. Engineering challenges for young learners should be goal-oriented, open-ended, and relevant; and 3. The process of engineering should include manipulating materials and making decisions based on their properties.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Glover (Museum of Science, Boston: Boston, MA)

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: Greenbelt, MD)

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: No City, No State), Missy Wooley (Louisiana Tech University: No City, No State)

Explore an authentic problem-based learning lesson that covers land pollution, water pollution or air pollution. This lesson promotes engineering design, problem-solving, scientific inquiry, and literacy. This lesson highlights a 3-D learning experience.

TAKEAWAYS:
The attendees will learn: 1. What is Project and Problem-Based Learning? 2. How human actions around the world are influencing our natural resources? 3. How to use everyday, low budget supplies to model solutions for various forms of pollution?

SPEAKERS:
Ashley Lyle (Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School: Baton Rouge, LA), Alison Baker (Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School: Baton Rouge, LA), Brittany Hinyard (Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School: Baton Rouge, LA)