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)

Educators will be introduced to PBELL and how it can make science accessible and engaging for all levels of special education and English language learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Similarities in ELL and Special Education Students; 2. Strategies to support ALL diverse learners; and 3. How to embed language acquisition throughout science content making it accessible to all.

SPEAKERS:
Brittney Oden (Educational Consultant: Tempe, AZ)

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)

Educators who specialize in the teaching of students with dyslexia describe vocabulary modifications, schema development, kinesthetic activities, and methods to modify science content for students with language-based learning differences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to: 1. craft well written vocabulary definitions; 2. use kinesthetic activities to help students gain understanding of vocabulary and complex science concepts; and 3. create a structured word wall that supports students.

SPEAKERS:
Clinton Kittrell (The Summit School: Edgewater, MD), Christine Zito (Miller School of Albemarle: Charlottesville, VA)

Participants will review performance task components and will utilize a task screener tool to evaluate a performance task.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn: 1. what a performance task is; 2. key components of a performance task; and 3. how to evaluate a performance task.

SPEAKERS:
Sara Torres (Arizona Science Teachers Association: Tucson, AZ), Sarah Sleasman (Arizona Dept. of Education: Phoenix, AZ), Meg Gebert (Arizona Science Teachers Association: Tucson, AZ), Rebecca Garelli (Arizona Science Teachers Association)

Join us to learn how our district takes over one thousand elementary students into our local wilds and brings the science and technology standards to life. 

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how to establish mutually beneficial local partnerships that support science instruction; 2. Discover how to encourage even the youngest students to problem solve local issues and take action in their communities; and 3. Walk away with lesson ideas and strategies for taking learning beyond the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Heather Tarlton (Chillicothe Primary School: Chillicothe, OH), Dana Letts (Chillicothe City Schools: Chillicothe, OH)

Explore classroom-tested benchmark assessments and scoring guides designed to assess students’ three-dimensional learning related to middle school performance expectations for life, physical, and Earth science.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to: 1. identify all three dimensions in an assessment item; 2. score for three dimensions in one assessment; and 3. adapt assessment items for classroom use based on their students/classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Maia Binding (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Transitioning to online instruction requires educators to employ new digital tools and strategies. We'll focus on an overview of digital tools and strategies.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Making connections between digital tools and strategies for use in student engagement; 2. Becoming familiar with the shared digital tools and strategies for use; and 3. List of online resources for use in online instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Anne Royce (Shippensburg University: Shippensburg, PA)

Sponsoring Company: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is introducing a collection of immersive underwater experiences to bring these exceptional places to viewers everywhere. Join us on a virtual tour of our underwater parks. Learn what national marine sanctuaries are and dive below the surface to virtually interact with sanctuary sea life.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Take a visual tour of America's national marine sanctuaries and learn more about the conservation of these underwater parks; 2. Immerse and explore these underwater treasures through free virtual reality dives and 360 degree underwater photos; and 3. Walk through at least one NGSS-focused lesson plan for grades 6–8 that complements the underwater VR dives.

SPEAKERS:
Claire Fackler (NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: Santa Barbara, CA)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes

Engage in strategies to help your ELL population make sense of science concepts and apply their science knowledge to real-world applications. In this session, we will explore a variety of strategies for differentiating instruction so that ELLs within the classroom can build their ability to communicate science concepts effectively.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn strategies to support English Learners; 2. Participate in activities that help scaffold reading and writing for ELs; and 3. Learn how to differentiation ideas

SPEAKERS:
Veronica Burnett (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Dr. Kenneth Heydrick (: Houston, TX)

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: 3D Molecular Designs

In this hands-on interactive workshop, participants will learn how to utilize physical chromosome and DNA models to explore and compare the processes of mitosis and meiosis with students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to: 1. use models to teach the organization and structure of DNA; 2. use models to compare mitosis and meiosis; and 3. connect DNA structure to phenotypic expression when teaching genetics.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Chou (Longmont High School: Longmont, CO)

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: Arlington, VA), Ruth Ruud (Cleveland State University: Cleveland, OH)

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

How do we support students to gather a variety of evidence in order to deepen their understanding of phenomena? Join program authors from UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science to experience how a multimodal approach allows students to grapple with phenomena and real-world problems like scientists do. We will unpack structures from the K–8 Amplify Science curriculum and consider how a deep understanding of NGSS can support you in making principled pedagogical decisions.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain a deeper understanding of the role that different sources of evidence play in phenomenon-based teaching and learning; 2. experience an exemplar of how students figuring out investigative phenomena can support their increasing understanding of more complex anchor phenomena; and 3. reflect on how students engage in all three dimensions of NGSS as they gather evidence and grapple with real-world phenomena.

SPEAKERS:
Leslie Stenger (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

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)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

To help ensure students continue to learn key scientific concepts during this precarious time, Vernier has put together over 300 free experiments with sample data files covering many subjects that you can distribute to students. Your students can analyze real data and answer questions based on their results.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Access a free collection of experiments with sample data that you can distribute to your students at home; 2. students will use the experiment data we've collected to perform their own analysis; and 3. your students will use the sample data to demonstrate understanding of scientific concepts by using built-in tools to analyze results, answer questions, and form conclusions as they follow experiment instructions.

SPEAKERS:
David Carter (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Learn to dissect a leaf pack and identify macroinvertebrates to infer water quality. Engaging hands-on activity for all grade levels.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover how to use this student- or teacher-driven investigation to learn about your local watershed; 2. Learn to identify macroinvertebrates and discover what they can tell you about water quality; and 3. Learn how data can be entered in a global database as part of a citizen science project.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Brown (Northland Preparatory Academy: Flagstaff, AZ), Carrie Jenkins (Sinagua Middle School: Flagstaff, AZ)

The Elementary Science Expo has adapted the exciting, quick-fire format of the popular Pecha Kucha presentations for the NSTA Engage: Fall20 virtual conference. This "social show-and-tell event" brings together leaders in lower elementary science and STEM education as presenters offer 15 slides for 20 seconds each for a total of 5 minutes. Each five-minute presentation will offer teaching strategies and resources in the best practices in science and STEM education for our youngest learners. Featured materials come from celebrated classroom educators, authors of NSTA Press books and award-winning books, as well as strategies from the NSTA preK–5 journal Science & Children.

NGSS connections to student experiences will be highlighted during each Pecha Kucha presentation. Participants will interact with presenters about science and STEM investigations and resources through a Q&A session at the end of the time block. Presentations will be passionate, funny, informative, and inspirational. Join us for this new format and learn from this fast paced, energy-filled experience and leave with ideas to use with your students and colleagues.

This event is organized by Jennifer Williams, Department Chair, Lower School Science, Isidore Newman School, New Orleans, LA.

NSTA is grateful to Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision for sponsoring the Elementary Science Expo.

SPEAKERS:
Anne Lowry (Aleph Academy: Reno, NV), Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn (National Science Teaching Association), Katie Morrison (University Child Development School: Seattle, WA), Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Belle Akers (Convent & Stuart Hall's Schools of the Sacred Heart: San Francisco, CA)

The Elementary Science Expo has adapted the exciting, quick-fire format of the popular Pecha Kucha presentations for the NSTA Engage: Fall20 virtual conference. This "social show-and-tell event" brings together leaders in upper elementary science and STEM education as presenters offer 15 slides for 20 seconds each for a total of 5 minutes. Each five-minute presentation will offer teaching strategies and resources in the best practices in science and STEM education for our youngest learners. Featured materials come from celebrated classroom educators, authors of NSTA Press books and award-winning books, as well as strategies from the NSTA preK–5 journal Science & Children.

NGSS connections to student experiences will be highlighted during each Pecha Kucha presentation. Participants will interact with presenters about science and STEM investigations and resources through a Q&A session at the end of the time block. Presentations will be passionate, funny, informative, and inspirational. Join us for this new format and learn from this fast paced, energy-filled experience and leave with ideas to use with your students and colleagues.

This event is organized by Jennifer Williams, Department Chair, Lower School Science, Isidore Newman School, New Orleans, LA.

NSTA is grateful to Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision for sponsoring the Elementary Science Expo.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Sanchez (Tulane University: New Orleans, LA), Erica Smith (Tulane University: New Orleans, LA), Julie A. Smith (Lennox Middle School: Lennox, CA), Judith Boyle (Divide School District #4: Divide, MT), Tom Lauwers (Birdbrain Technologies, LLC: Pittsburgh, PA), Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Rebecca Garelli (Arizona Science Teachers Association)

In this session, we will focus on how two science teachers (one hybrid and one virtual) still conduct labs with their students.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Labs are still possible during this pandemic. 2. Labs provide high engagement while students are still learning at home. 3. Simple labs are better than no labs at all.

SPEAKERS:
Samantha Ramaswamy (Penn-Trafford High School: Harrison City, PA), Andrew Walton (Upper Moreland High School: Willow Grove, PA)

The Elementary Science Expo has adapted the exciting, quick-fire format of the popular Pecha Kucha presentations for the NSTA Engage: Fall20 virtual conference. This "social show-and-tell event" brings together leaders in upper elementary science and STEM education as presenters offer 15 slides for 20 seconds each for a total of 5 minutes. Each five-minute presentation will offer teaching strategies and resources in the best practices in science and STEM education for our youngest learners. Featured materials come from celebrated classroom educators, authors of NSTA Press books and award-winning books, as well as strategies from the NSTA preK–5 journal Science & Children.

NGSS connections to student experiences will be highlighted during each Pecha Kucha presentation. Participants will interact with presenters about science and STEM investigations and resources through a Q&A session at the end of the time block. Presentations will be passionate, funny, informative, and inspirational. Join us for this new format and learn from this fast paced, energy-filled experience and leave with ideas to use with your students and colleagues.

This event is organized by Jennifer Williams, Department Chair, Lower School Science, Isidore Newman School, New Orleans, LA.

NSTA is grateful to Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision for sponsoring the Elementary Science Expo.

SPEAKERS:
Kimberly Swan (The NEED Project: Manassas, VA), Tom Lauwers (Birdbrain Technologies, LLC: Pittsburgh, PA), Rob Wallace (NSTA: Kenner, LA), Godwyn Morris (Dazzling Discoveries / Skill Mill NYC: New York, NY), Amanda Souza (Girls Who Code: New York, NY), Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Amanda Glover (Museum of Science, Boston: Boston, MA)

The Elementary Science Expo has adapted the exciting, quick-fire format of the popular Pecha Kucha presentations for the NSTA Engage: Fall20 virtual conference. This "social show-and-tell event" brings together leaders in upper elementary science and STEM education as presenters offer 15 slides for 20 seconds each for a total of 5 minutes. Each five-minute presentation will offer teaching strategies and resources in the best practices in science and STEM education for our youngest learners. Featured materials come from celebrated classroom educators, authors of NSTA Press books and award-winning books, as well as strategies from the NSTA preK–5 journal Science & Children.

NGSS connections to student experiences will be highlighted during each Pecha Kucha presentation. Participants will interact with presenters about science and STEM investigations and resources through a Q&A session at the end of the time block. Presentations will be passionate, funny, informative, and inspirational. Join us for this new format and learn from this fast paced, energy-filled experience and leave with ideas to use with your students and colleagues.

This event is organized by Jennifer Williams, Department Chair, Lower School Science, Isidore Newman School, New Orleans, LA.

NSTA is grateful to Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision for sponsoring the Elementary Science Expo.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Scherzinger (Portland Public Schools: Portland, OR), Geoff Stonecipher (Portland Public Schools: Portland, OR), Rebecca Kurson (Collegiate School: New York, NY), Katie Morrison (University Child Development School: Seattle, WA), Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Ashley Townsend (Oak Grove Primary School: Prairieville, LA)

The Elementary Science Expo has adapted the exciting, quick-fire format of the popular Pecha Kucha presentations for the NSTA Engage: Fall20 virtual conference. This "social show-and-tell event" brings together leaders in upper elementary science and STEM education as presenters offer 15 slides for 20 seconds each for a total of 5 minutes. Each five-minute presentation will offer teaching strategies and resources in the best practices in science and STEM education for our youngest learners. Featured materials come from celebrated classroom educators, authors of NSTA Press books and award-winning books, as well as strategies from the NSTA preK–5 journal Science & Children.

NGSS connections to student experiences will be highlighted during each Pecha Kucha presentation. Participants will interact with presenters about science and STEM investigations and resources through a Q&A session at the end of the time block. Presentations will be passionate, funny, informative, and inspirational. Join us for this new format and learn from this fast paced, energy-filled experience and leave with ideas to use with your students and colleagues.

This event is organized by Jennifer Williams, Department Chair, Lower School Science, Isidore Newman School, New Orleans, LA.

NSTA is grateful to Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision for sponsoring the Elementary Science Expo.

SPEAKERS:
K. Renae Pullen (Caddo Parish Public Schools: Shreveport, LA), Susan Bickel (The Benjamin School: North Palm Beach, FL), Erin Boyett (Honey Island Elementary School: Slidell, LA), Jennifer LaBombard-Daniels (Winchester Public Schools: Winchester, VA), Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Britt Miller (Winchester Public Schools: Winchester, VA), Jennifer Ramsey (Garland R. Quarles Elementary School: Winchester, VA), Julie A. Smith (Lennox Middle School: Lennox, CA), Amy Thomas (John Kerr Elementary School: Winchester, VA), Rob Wallace (NSTA: Kenner, LA)

Environmental/instructional strategies will be addressed to help teachers reduce risk and provide for safer lab activities in on-site school science labs and virtual formats.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Five effective ways of reducing health risks during the COVID-19 pandemic; 2. Facility environmental concerns and ways to make them safer; and 3. Instructional strategies to reduce risk for safer lab activities.

SPEAKERS:
Kenneth Roy (Glastonbury Public Schools: Glastonbury, CT)

This session will use a Storyline from the Illinois Science Teachers as an example for 3-D Learning in the middle and high school virtual classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Phenomena are important in helping engage students in a storyline to help to explain something in nature; 2. Developing and using models can be done by students in a virtual environment; and 3. There are many ways to use technology with virtual learners to analyze data and construct explanations and other science and engineering practices, incorporating crosscutting concepts to learn the disciplinary core ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Mesmer (Mesmer Science Education Consulting: Baraboo, WI), Brian Bartel (Appleton Area School District: Appleton, WI)

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: Morehead, KY)

In this engaging and informative online session, Michael will offer a conceptual landscape on which you'll construct a valid understanding of COVID-19. Using a PowerPoint deck populated with richly illustrated and animated slides, Michael will facilitate this essential experience in a manner that's engaging and not intimidating. Through this understanding, you'll become empowered to teach the applicable concepts of COVID-19 literacy, resulting in a student population that is better informed to make critical decisions, especially those that impact their health.

TAKEAWAYS:
After attending this session, attendees will be empowered with an understanding of COVID-19 on which to: 1. increase classroom effectiveness in teaching appropriate disciplinary core ideas of life sciences; 2. apply 3-D learning to understanding the biology COVID-19 virus and the resultant pandemic; and 3. apply crosscutting concepts along with science and engineering practices to an understanding of COVID-19.

SPEAKERS:
Michael DiSpezio (Master Educator, Presenter, and Author: North Falmouth, MA)

Join NSTA President Dr. Elizabeth Allan as she interviews Dr. Leana Wen, a practicing physician who has been a leading expert on health policy and public health during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
 
In the wake of COVID-19, educators are facing unique challenges. At the top of that long list are problems associated with the interruption of established in-classroom practices and routines to remote learning, the emotional toll of physical separation due to social distancing, and, as they face the inevitable challenges associated with returning to in-person instruction, the concern and unpredictability about personal safety and health.
 
During this interview, Dr. Wen will respond to questions on how to best support teachers’ well-being as they simultaneously create positive learning environments for their students.

NSTA’s Chief Safety Compliance Adviser Dr. Kenneth Roy will join Dr. Allan immediately following Dr. Wen’s interview to discuss lab safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SPEAKERS:
Leana Wen (The George Washington University: Washington, DC), Elizabeth Allan (University of Central Oklahoma: Edmond, OK), Kenneth Roy (Glastonbury Public Schools: Glastonbury, CT)

Sponsoring Company: The Kavli Foundation

Soon after Pluto's discovery in 1930, astronomers noticed that it did not behave much like a planet: its orbit was highly inclined and so elliptical it even crossed the orbit of Neptune. Pluto’s image as an oddball persisted until the 1990s, when it was found to be part of the Kuiper Belt, a large population of icy bodies beyond Neptune consisting of material left over from the planet formation process. The discovery of the Kuiper Belt permanently changed our view of how the solar system formed, and showed that Pluto was not so odd after all. The Pluto–Kuiper Belt story is the quintessential example of how science works: change—whether we like it or not—is the only way science goes forward. 

NSTA wishes to thank The Kavli Foundation for sponsoring this speaker.

SPEAKERS:
Jane Luu (Draper Laboratory: Cambridge, MA)

Join Michael as he addresses questions you may have on the science, spread, therapies, and prevention of COVID-19. At the beginning of this lightning chat, you can post your own question, which will be queued with unaddressed questions from his previous session entitled “The Science of COVID-19—From Virus Basics to Vaccinations” (Friday, 5:45–6:30 PM).

SPEAKERS:
Michael DiSpezio (Master Educator, Presenter, and Author: North Falmouth, MA)

Join us to hear about the work we have been doing to support science teachers in designing NGSS units that support literacy development as well as three-dimensional learning, and watch as we demonstrate how teachers can utilize rich science texts and online tools for annotation and collaborative meaning making.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Greenleaf (Strategic Literacy Initiative/WestEd: Oakland, CA), Heather Howlett (WestEd: San Francisco, CA)

Let FLINN Scientific take you on a tour of the multiple resources available for you to help make informed decisions surrounding the learning continuum of your students in science and STEM programs. James Palcik and Vikki Myers will help you evaluate what you can use to have the most authentic, engaging science program possible regardless of the learning environments. There are plenty of curated resources that exist that may be useful for you to use in helping your students achieve their goals in their forward trajectory through postsecondary and into careers in STEM.  Let us explore some practical web-based resources and activities together.

SPEAKERS:
James Palcik (Flinn Scientific Canada, Inc.: Hamilton, ON)

Don't let distance learning stop you from engaging your students with hands-on exploration, a crucial component of science education. In this discussion, we'll share how you can provide hands-on learning experience for your students during asynchronous learning in a virtual setting. Then, we'll open up the discussion for you to share what you've found about hands-on instruction in the age of distance learning. Some of the questions we'll answer include:

• How can I incorporate hands-on learning into virtual instruction?
• Is it possible to teach hands-on learning in an asynchronous learning environment?
• How does that work?

SPEAKERS:
Michele Cozza (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

This chat will provide an opportunity for educators to share their success and challenges around distance learning. They will be met with two facilitators who have experience regarding digital technology and supporting sensemaking in a remote setting. Educators will be given the opportunity to meet and network with others while having discourse around distance learning and five common missteps when using technology in the classroom.

Conversation Based Around 5 Traps Article:

• Even in virtual learning, making sense of phenomena should be the goal of science educators. What strategies are you using to avoid the content trap?
• Having the opportunity to share ideas and negotiate their thinking is an essential part of sensemaking. How are you avoiding the isolation trap with your students?
• A trusting environment and strong classroom community is necessary for students to collaboratively build their ideas. How are you avoiding the learning-is-serious trap?

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Holman (Boone County High School: Florence, KY), Brianna Reilly (Great Minds: Washington, DC)

Use award-winning informational fiction books as the frame for developing hands-on explorations and activities for elementary students.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Participants will use selected award-winning book lists to determine high-quality texts suitable for elementary classrooms; 2. Presenter will share helpful hints for extracting science content from selected literature and develop that content into hands-on explorations; and 3. Participants will have access to activities suitable for in-person and virtual activities aligned with the selected books, including, but not limited to, using play to explore engineering and creating STEM activities from picture books.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Parks (Stetson University: Deland, FL)

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)

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)

Physical activity activates the brain, improves cognitive function, and is correlated with improved academic performance. Join us to engage in movement-based science activities that are elementary NGSS-focused designed to reach all learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Attendees will participate in several elementary NGSS-focused, low- to no-cost activities that engage students with movement; 2. Participants will be able to demonstrate effective research-based instructional strategies for learning science concepts and integrating other content areas; and 3. This session will demonstrate best practices for all learners, especially ESL learners.

SPEAKERS:
Judith McDonald (University of Hawaii at Hilo: Hilo, HI), Alisa Wickliff (The University of North Carolina at Charlotte: Charlotte, NC)

We will investigate the use of anchoring phenomena in lessons with an emphasis on the science and engineering practices. We will discuss the integration of questioning, models, and phenomena in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Phenomena are the basis of science, since science is all about understanding our natural world; 2. Questioning is a key component of science instruction. A teacher should "never say what a student can say" but instead elicit students' responses to drive the instruction; and 3. Modeling is a dynamic process in science. Science modeling is different from "a model" or using modeling as a pedagogical process (i.e., "I do, we do, you do").

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Moore (Tennessee Tech: Cookeville, TN)

Explore a variety of ways to use the Uncovering Student Ideas Formative Assessment Probes during distance learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Recognize the importance of eliciting students' prior conceptions; 2. Gain tips and strategies for using the probes during remote learning to engage all students in learning concepts and figuring out phenomena; and 3. Learn ways to modify probes for digital use and applications.

SPEAKERS:
Page Keeley (NSTA Past President: No City, No State)

To do our best for our families, our communities, and our students, teachers must take care of their own mental, emotional, and physical health. It is important that as teachers, we are supporting ourselves and each other in finding ways and time to take care of our minds and bodies. In this session we will discuss mindfulness, kindness, and compassion practices that teachers can use, and share resources that can help you consider ways to take care of yourself and others in ways that are nourishing and enlivening, including readings and articles; videos and podcasts; and guided self-care practices.

SPEAKERS:
William Penuel (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO)

The Middle Level Science Expo has adapted the exciting, quick-fire format of the popular Pecha Kucha presentations, which originated in Japan and allows for very focused and streamlined presentations. This "social show-and-tell event" brings together leaders in science education as presenters offer 15 slides for 20 seconds each for a total of five minutes. Each five-minute presentation will offer teaching strategies and resources in the best practices in science education for our middle level learners. Presenters will take questions during the last 10 minutes of the 45-minute time allocation.

This event is organized by Mary Lou Lipscomb, Retired Educator, and National Middle Level Science Teachers Association.

NSTA is grateful to Lab-Aids, Inc. for sponsoring the Middle Level Science Expo.

SPEAKERS:
Loris Chen (Science Education Consultant: Fair Lawn, NJ), Jessica Kohout (Independent Contractor: Ellicott City, MD), Alison Seymour (Science Teacher: Winchester, 0), Elizabeth Weissman (The Ramaz School: New York, NY)

The Middle Level Science Expo has adapted the exciting, quick-fire format of the popular Pecha Kucha presentations, which originated in Japan and allows for very focused and streamlined presentations. This "social show-and-tell event" brings together leaders in science education as presenters offer 15 slides for 20 seconds each for a total of five minutes. Each five-minute presentation will offer teaching strategies and resources in the best practices in science education for our middle level learners. Presenters will take questions during the last 10 minutes of the 45-minute time allocation.

This event is organized by Mary Lou Lipscomb, Retired Educator, and National Middle Level Science Teachers Association.

NSTA is grateful to Lab-Aids, Inc. for sponsoring the Middle Level Science Expo.

SPEAKERS:
Reneé Belisle Kelly (Amplify: Brooklyn, NY), Covey Denton (Greenfield School: No City, No State), Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Youngsville, LA), Susan German (Hallsville Middle School: Hallsville, MO)

The National Science Education Leadership Association welcomes participants to an open roundtable discussion with experts who will share successful practices in science education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Emerging leaders will leave with science education leadership skills.

SPEAKERS:
Linda Cook (The University of Texas at Dallas: Richardson, TX), James Blake (Lincoln Public Schools: Lincoln, NE), Shane Woods (Girlstart)

Teach science-skeptical students about climate change by exposing them to the powerful story and evidence of climate change found in your community.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Students are not convinced by data models, but they are convinced by what they can experience in their own communities; 2. There is evidence of climate change that can be found in every part of the country; and 3. Knowing what to show students in the community, and how to tell the story of climate change on a local level, empowers students to make a difference.

SPEAKERS:
Patrick Burkhart (Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania: Slippery Rock, PA), Jason Hilton (Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania: Slippery Rock, PA)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes

Time is something that all teachers wish they had more of! Especially in elementary school, it can be difficult to find time to teach science the way that it should be taught. In this session, our experienced STEM coaches will assist teachers in identifying and creating practical, high-impact strategies for teaching science—especially when time and materials are limited. Expect to engage in hands-on learning designed around the understanding that time is often a constraint. Graphic organizers and easy-to-use formative assessments will be introduced and utilized throughout the session.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Identify essential components for science lessons; 2. Leverage opportunities for cross-curricular connections; and 3. Engage in easy-to-use formative assessments to guide instructional time

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kenneth Heydrick (: Houston, TX), Kristen Wheat (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, MS)

Sponsoring Company: Twig Education

Learn effective strategies that can be employed immediately to increase student engagement in your fully virtual or hybrid distance learning classroom, leading to better student learning outcomes. In addition, you will discover how to foolproof your online classroom to spend more time teaching and less time being tech support.

TAKEAWAYS:
By the end of the session, teachers will be able to implement three virtual assignment strategies to increase student engagement: 1. create micro-lessons for 100% student focus and attention; 2. evaluate (or create) and assign video-based science coaching; and 3. deploy and facilitate virtual labs that excite, engage, and get students doing science.

SPEAKERS:
Mary McGibbons-Craft (Imagine Learning | Twig Education: Santa Cruz, CA), Kimberly Mueller (Imagine Learning | Twig Education: Santa Cruz, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Lab-Aids, Inc.

Through an online simulation, participants will interpret skeletal and embryological images to identify patterns of similarities and differences across species that look very different as mature animals. Students identify patterns of similarities throughout developmental time to infer evolutionary relationships not obvious in the mature animals. Learn about Lab-Aids’ new Remote Learning Activities and discover ideas for implementing hands-on curricula into an online platform. This activity provides an opportunity to assess student work related to MS-LS4-3.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about Lab-Aids' new Remote Learning activities while discovering how to implement hands-on curricula into an online platform; 2. Utilize a digital simulation to sort and compare skeletal and embryological images; and 3. Analyze and interpret embryological images to identify patterns to infer evolutionary relationships.

SPEAKERS:
Cindy Lilly (Ocean Bay Middle School: Myrtle Beach, SC)

Sponsoring Company: MSOE Center for BioMolecular Modeling

The discovery of a CRISPR-based adaptive immune system in bacteria has already revolutionized the molecular biosciences. We will explore this new science using physical models…and suggest a way to connect this topic to what you already teach.  Isn’t it time we started to fix our genomes?

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how: 1. CRISPR Cas9 is similar to and different than a restriction enzyme; 2. CRISPR functions as an adaptive immune system in bacteria; and 3. CRIPSR technology can be used to detect coronavirus.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

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)

Sponsoring Company: AEOP

Come learn about the eCYBERMISSION competition. It's a web-based STEM competition for students in grade 6–9 where they learn the value of teamwork and make discoveries to help their community, all while competing for monetary prizes!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to engage students in problem solving; 2. challenging puzzles to take back to the classroom; and 3. information about how eCYBERMISSION gives students a chance to explore and solve problems using science and engineering.

SPEAKERS:
Matthew Hartman (BrainPOP: Pittsburgh, PA)

Sponsoring Company: FOSS–Delta Education, School Specialty

Make the most of your instructional time by increasing student engagement and agency with an emphasis on sensemaking and science-centered language development. Using a FOSS lesson, we will demonstrate strategies developed to activate prior knowledge, collect and analyze collected data, construct explanations, and engage in argumentation during remote learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn three instructional strategies to increase engagement; 2. experience a physical science investigation as a learner; 3. determine learning expectation to build student success; and 4. learn about new FOSS resources.

SPEAKERS:
Diana Velez (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Erica Beck Spencer (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA), Joanna Totino (California Science Project: Berkeley, CA), Brian Campbell (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Vernier Software & Technology

Vernier’s new Graphical Analysis™ Pro has features designed to make it easier to engage students in data collection and analysis in a virtual or hybrid environment. The ability to sync video and data together and to broadcast data to students in real time over the internet are game-changing capabilities.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Share live experiment data in real time; 2. get access to dozens of sample experiments that come with data collected from real experiments; and 3. customize an experiment by importing your own video into the Graphical Analysis data file.

SPEAKERS:
David Carter (Vernier Science Education: Beaverton, OR)

Experience Braincandy—a free, web-based platform designed to stimulate evidence-based argumentation. Braincandy supports a safe, anonymous space to argue positions, engage in consensus, and critique ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn how to implement Braincandy in their classrooms; 2. learn how the anonymity creates a low-risk environment to foster student argumentation; and 3. understand the effective use of digital tools to support learning.

SPEAKERS:
April Holton (Arizona State University: Tempe, AZ), Bryan Henderson (ASU Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College: Phoenix, AZ)

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: Chula Vista, CA)

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)

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: Arlington, VA), Richard Embrick (Wright Junior High: No City, No State)

Participants will review performance task components and will utilize a task screener tool to evaluate a performance task.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn: 1. what a performance task is; 2. key components of a performance task; and 3. how to evaluate a performance task.

SPEAKERS:
Sara Torres (Arizona Science Teachers Association: Tucson, AZ), Sarah Sleasman (Arizona Dept. of Education: Phoenix, AZ), Meg Gebert (Arizona Science Teachers Association: Tucson, AZ), Rebecca Garelli (Arizona Science Teachers Association)

Use argumentation tools to facilitate elementary student conversations around the intersection of science and social justice because as the  NGSS state, “Science is a Human Endeavor.”

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn to connect the NGSS to a science phenomenon focused on social justice and culturally responsive to our student populations; 2. Use the science and engineering practice of arguing from evidence to facilitate student conversations on socially just science topics; and 3. Practice tools to facilitate difficult conversations around race, culture, identity, and social justice in the elementary classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Brandon Davis (PS 142, The Amalia Castro School: New York, NY), Leena Bakshi (STEM4Real: No City, No State)

Use real data to visualize the human impacts of pollution on our waterways. Find out ways to use this information to make graphing meaningful and fun!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Use real data to make mathematical models to visualize relationships; 2. identify the human-caused problems and identify potential solutions based off evidence; and 3. help students to build and interpret graphs effectively to be better scientifically informed citizens.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Kohout (Independent Contractor: Ellicott City, MD), Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Youngsville, LA)

We use fairy tales to pass societal values and norms to the next generation. Why not use (tweaked) fairy tales to support students in using NGSS science and engineering practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will get, and learn how to use: 1. versions of fairy tales that illustrate the SEP; 2. activities that support use of these fairy tales; and 3. protocols and strategies to support productive student reading and talking in your science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Rob Wallace (NSTA: Kenner, LA)

The COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in widespread and ongoing changes to how the K–12 education system functions, including disruptions to science and engineering teaching and learning environments. In early September 2020, the Board on Science Education at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released Teaching Science During the COVID-19 Pandemic, to offer guidance to educators as they take on the challenge of adapting instruction to these challenging times. The guide aims to describe what high quality science and engineering education can look like in a time of great uncertainty and to support practitioners as they work toward their goals. This session will provide an overview of the key principles in the guide and engage participants in a discussion of how these principles can guide the difficult decisions they are making day to day as they navigate complex blends of virtual and in-person learning environments.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Childress Self (NextGenScience: San Francisco, CA), Heidi Schweingruber (The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: Washington, DC)

Come learn about the transformations that support three-dimensional learning. Participants will engage with a hands-on experience and have time to analyze in order to develop an understanding of what is needed to transform learning in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Authentic sense-making of phenomena or problems can be achieved through shifting heavy lifting of constructing understanding to students; 2. encouraging and listening for diverse student ideas that can be critiqued using evidence supports all students’ pathways toward understanding; and 3. using specific talk moves that change the pattern of conversation from IRE (Initiate, Respond, Evaluate) to Reasoning is needed for all to be engaged in sense-making.

SPEAKERS:
Kristen Moorhead (PLI, LLC: Mesa, AZ)

What does accessibility look like in the science classroom? As we take on the Next Generation Science Standards and combat the digital divide, another question that comes up is how to effectively teach the NGSS to all students. Some questions to think about:

• What are the internal biases that I carry in my work as a science teacher?
• What are the systemic barriers in place that contribute to student inequities?
• What is my role in advocating for all standards for all students?

SPEAKERS:
Leena Bakshi (STEM4Real: No City, No State)

Join Michael as he offers a “lightning” overview of COVID-19 educational resources on the web and profiles a cache of free, downloadable activities he has written. Then, he’ll open the “virtual” stage for sharing your ideas on how best to teach the science and the associated health concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Michael DiSpezio (Master Educator, Presenter, and Author: North Falmouth, MA)

Come have a conversation with James Palcik, director of Education, Safety, and Compliance at FLINN Scientific, where you can truly ‘Ask Me Anything Science / STEM related’. Topics might include the increased protocols surrounding lab equipment sanitation, healthy hygiene guidance, how to disinfect lab instruments and apparatus, how to conduct safe lab activities in the classroom and at home, remote learning continuity for science and STEM students, and so much more. James will be happy to answer your questions regarding best practices in the lab and virtually for educators across the country—don’t be shy!

SPEAKERS:
James Palcik (Flinn Scientific Canada, Inc.: Hamilton, ON)

During this chat, we'll consider how NGSS has shifted the way that we should teach. Best practices for implementation will be shared, as well as ways that science is now more engaging to Gen Z students between phenomena and explorations. Assessing student understanding will also be discussed.

• How do the three dimensions of NGSS change the way that we teach science?
• How has inquiry changed over time?
• If I incorporate more hands-on instruction, will I have fulfilled the NGSS fully?
• How does phenomena tie into the NGSS?
• How may I assess students for their understanding of science under NGSS?

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Larsgaard (Imagine Learning | Twig Education: Santa Cruz, CA)

During this chat, we'll explore how to make science accessible to all students. This is critically important, as all students should have the opportunity to learn science to be prepared for a future STEM career. It is required by the NGSS in Appendix D and every district, teacher, and parent should also want this for the success of their students. This is not an easy task and is an area in which we must continue to learn and grow. This is evidenced by the implicit biases that occur and the gaps that exist in populations that pursue STEM college and careers.

• What is equity? What is a bias?
• Why does equity in STEM education matter?
• What role has implicit biases played in creating historically underserved student populations?
• How does the addition of phenomena in science education help support equity?
• How can we create more equitable STEM learning opportunities for all students, including during distance learning?

SPEAKERS:
Contessa Akintunji (Imagine Learning | Twig Education: Santa Cruz, CA)

Sponsoring Company: STEMscopes

Explore how popular educational technology tools can enhance your science curriculum for guided and independent remote learning. This session will provide participants with easy-to-implement strategies to create meaningful experiences that empower your students with 21st-century skills needed to succeed in a virtual learning environment.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Help streamline the planning process; 2. Identify what is essential for each platform; and 3. Experience what those experiences look like.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kenneth Heydrick (: Houston, TX), Ashley Mathis (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX), Michele Cozza (STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning: Houston, TX)

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Through a series of videos and physical models of coronavirus proteins we will explore the molecular mechanism of virus infection, and how a vaccine will produce antibodies that will neutralize the coronavirus spike protein. We will also preview a student modeling program focused on the development of therapeutic nanobodies.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Coronavirus in an enveloped virus with spike proteins on its surface; 2. the spike protein plays a critical role in the infection process; and 3. several different strategies are being taken to create a vaccine to inactivate the virus.

SPEAKERS:
Tim Herman (3D Molecular Designs: Milwaukee, WI)

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

Come learn how Pivot Interactives helps students learn physics 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)

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: No City, No State)

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)

Experience distance-learning strategies in the context of a middle school Daily Do lesson that create opportunities for equitable participation in science learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain distance-learning strategies that provide opportunities for ALL students to participate in science learning and contribute to learning of their peers; 2. Learn how to leverage digital tools students may already be familiar with for distance learning; and 3. Identify key features of a phenomenon-driven, three-dimensional ("sensemaking") lesson.

SPEAKERS:
Tricia Shelton (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Kate Soriano (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

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)

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: Columbia, MS), Sharon Delesbore (Stephen F. Austin High School: No City, No State)

Participants will learn ideas and strategies for engaging MLs in science as they relate to the Principles of Equitable Engagement for Multilingual Learners in Three-Dimensional Science developed through the Making Science Multilingual initiative that is a collaboration between NSTA and the WIDA Consortium.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Examine a set of principles co-developed by NSTA and WIDA, and discuss how these apply in classrooms to benefit multilingual learners; 2. explore ways to help a linguistically diverse group of students engage together in sensemaking in 3-D science; and 3. explore ways to make science instruction more equitable and include more cultural and linguistic assets.

SPEAKERS:
David Crowther (University of Nevada, Reno: Reno, NV), Rita MacDonald (Wisconsin Center for Education Research: Madison, WI)

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: Silver Spring, MD)

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: New York, NY)

Take part in activities making personal/local connections that encourage learners to reflect on the role of STEM in their lives, communities, and possible futures.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Through engaging students in investigations centered on STEM careers we can inspire the next generation of STEM pioneers and innovators to build a better world; 2. Geoscience is for everyone; and 3. Personal and local connections like those explored in this workshop demonstrate the role of STEM for all learners.

SPEAKERS:
Aida Awad (Education Consultant/ Adjunct: Ormond Beach, FL), Ed Robeck (American Geosciences Institute: Alexandria, VA)

Find out how to use anonymous surveys to collect students’ honest questions concerning content, then using SELF (Suitable, Extend, Line, Functionality) to determine which responses to use.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will: 1. analyze which anonymous survey method works best in their classroom; 2. dissect the SELF (Suitable, Extend, Line, Functionality) method and learn how to apply it to their instructional methods; and 3. explore content topics in which SELF would increase learning and discussion.

SPEAKERS:
Stephanie Jimmerson (Cabot High School: Cabot, AR), Brandon Daughety (Cabot High School: Cabot, AR)

Discussion centers on how to start an Environmental Education Club, incorporate green STEM-focused curriculum, and become part of the Eco-School global initiative.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. how to start an Environmental Education club at their school and will see examples from other schools and colleges; 2. about Green STEM lessons and interdisciplinary units that they can easily incorporate in their standards-based curriculum; and 3. about the Eco-School global initiative and will explore how they can inspire their students to collaborate with others and involve their local communities so together they can create creative and meaningful solutions to protect the planet.

SPEAKERS:
Lisa Ristuccia (Fountain Hills Charter School: Fountain Hills, AZ)

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: Storrs Mansfield, CT), Ron Gray (Northern Arizona University: Flagstaff, AZ), Victor Sampson (The University of Texas at Austin: Austin, TX)

Project Hero is a free program that challenges students to accept standards-focused and project-based Quests aimed at helping locally relevant species and ecosystems under pressure.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to: 1. create an account and explore Quests as they become available ; 2. facilitate the QUEST process with their students ; and 3. demonstrate understanding of the process for applying for a grant to support their Quest.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Arndt (Global GreenSTEM: Franktown, CO)

We will present a unit designed to help students understand friction by using connected learning, engineering design principles, and real-world problem-solving.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to create real-world problems based on engineering design principles; 2. Explore how connected learning can engage all learners by tapping into their interests; and 3. Examine the framework of engineering design principles through an example of friction.

SPEAKERS:
Tevis Jacobs (University of Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh, PA), Cassie Quigley (University of Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh, PA), Autumn Dillaman (Falk Laboratory School: Pittsburgh, PA)

Attention will be paid to research-based strategies and resources to differentiate instruction, making science accessible and engaging for ALL students. Discussion centers on ways to increase participation, engagement, and advance learning. Handouts.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. strategies, to engage all learners actively with hands-on experiences, to advance learning and deepen conceptual understanding for all K–6 students; 2. ways to differentiate instruction, offering tiered or leveled experiences, where explorations vary as to the complexity of the task, while offering essential concepts to all students; and 3. effective questioning strategies to enhance and deepen student understanding, increase academic language, and help make students’ thinking visible.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Knoell (Educational and Technology Consultant: Prairie Village, KS)

The 7Cs of creativity (Creators, Creating, Collaborations, Contexts, Creations, Consumption, and Curricula) allow students additional avenues to demonstrate content mastery content. Join in to explore ways of connecting science practices and design thinking.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn strategies to incorporate wonder and curiosity in science lessons to engage reluctant learners; be able to implement lessons that incorporate creativity, design thinking, and science practices; and 3. learn ways to implement design thinking and use science practices with a wide range of learners.

SPEAKERS:
Deepa Iyer (Knox Gifted Academy: Chandler, AZ)

Experience distance-learning strategies in the context of a middle school Daily Do lesson that create opportunities for equitable participation in science learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gain distance-learning strategies that provide opportunities for ALL students to participate in science learning and contribute to learning of their peers; 2. Learn how to leverage digital tools students may already be familiar with for distance learning; and 3. Identify key features of a phenomenon-driven, three-dimensional ("sensemaking") lesson.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Soriano (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Tricia Shelton (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

The High School Science Expo has adapted the exciting, quick-fire format of the popular Pecha Kucha presentations for the NSTA Engage: Fall20 virtual conference. This "social show-and-tell event" brings together leaders in science education as presenters offer 15 slides for 20 seconds each. Each five-minute presentation will offer teaching strategies and resources in the best practices in science education for our high school learners.

Participants will interact with presenters about science investigations and resources through a Q&A session at the end of the time block. Presentations will be passionate, funny, informative, and inspirational. Join us for this new format and learn from this fast paced, energy-filled experience and leave with ideas to use with your students and colleagues.

This event is organized by Brenda Walsh, Chemistry Teacher, Key Club and Friends Forever Advisor, NSTA High School Division Director, Eden Prairie High School, MN.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Hutson (Blue Valley High/Middle School: Randolph, KS), Johanna Brown (Washington State OSPI), Lesley Urasky (Saratoga Middle/High School: Saratoga, WY), Sarah English (Sweet Home High School: Amherst, NY), Timothy Slater (University of Wyoming: Laramie, WY)

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)

Join master educator, presenter, and author Michael A. DiSpezio as he explores ways in which you can effectively engage students within our challenging times. Driven by a diverse cache of science engagements designed for both at-home and face-to-face encounters, this presentation profiles tenets for reclaiming motivation, engagement, and success. These easily repeatable and inexpensive experiences offer multiple opportunities that are effective in recapturing, maintaining, and nurturing student success in standards-based science literacy. They range from mind-bending science challenges to an activity assortment of awesome hands-on experiments that you can perform with everyday items. So join Michael for a practical and pragmatic session that surveys a variety of tips, techniques, and tricks designed for the at-home/online science classroom. Plus, make sure you have several sheets of scrap paper, paper clips, scissors, and tape at your desktop for this interactive experience!

SPEAKERS:
Michael DiSpezio (Master Educator, Presenter, and Author: North Falmouth, MA)