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)

New diverse teachers leave the profession at incredibly high rates. Join us for a discussion of research-based implications on how to better support these educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Identify reasons it is critical to support new minority teachers; 2. describe strategies for supporting these educators; and 3. discuss practical tips for retaining diverse teachers in the profession.

SPEAKERS:
Latanya Brandon (SUNY New Paltz: New Paltz, NY), Amanda Gunning (Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry Campus: Dobbs Ferry, NY), Meghan Marrero (Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry Campus: Dobbs Ferry, NY)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)