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)

We will share a PBL suitable for secondary and postsecondary meteorology students using an online severe weather events database.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Participants will be given an opportunity to explore the Storm Prediction Center's (SPC) online severe weather events database, identifying the most impactful severe weather days (cases) for a sample region and year; 2. Participants will proceed through an example weekly worksheet analyzing the atmospheric parameters conducive for severe weather for a sample severe weather day; and 3. Presenters will share indirect assessment (via pre- vs. post-survey) data revealing the pedagogical impact of the PBL on student learning.

SPEAKERS:
Joby Hilliker (West Chester University: West Chester, PA), Shannon Hilliker (Binghamton University, SUNY: Binghamton, NY)

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)

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)

Cultural exchange, identity, and agency are developed as students learn the importance of locally growing food and the benefit it has on the environment.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Design Process that solves the lack of access to fresh food in urban communities; 2. Place-based education that builds student identity and agency in preserving the environment; and 3. Partnerships with local businesses and government agencies .

SPEAKERS:
Lakisha Kincherlow (Paterson Public Schools: Paterson, NJ), Daudi Angatia (School 24 / Fine and Performing Arts Program: Paterson, NJ), Carlos Miranda (Charles J. Riley School #9: Paterson, NJ), Alicia Acerra (Eastside High School: Paterson, NJ), Maribel Cardona (Paterson Public School Two: Paterson, NJ)

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)