Hear how the Samueli Foundation along with its partners designed and scaled the STEM Learning Ecosystem to now 89 communities around the world.

TAKEAWAYS:
What it takes to build a STEM Ecosystem How to build a STEM Ecosystem The evidence to support the value of a STEM Ecosystem

SPEAKERS:
Veronica Gonzales (Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM (TIES): Cleveland, OH)

STEM educators are quickly responding to the challenge of teaching students virtually through online classrooms and asynchronous assignments, but in hands-on technology classrooms, like Fab Labs and makerspaces, learning is especially difficult without access to 3D printers, laser cutters, and other digital fabrication tools. Over the past few months, the SCOPES-DF educators and makers network has been innovating and prototyping solutions to this challenge. In this workshop, participants will hear about some ideas and practices from innovative educators in the network using digital fabrication technologies with their students and will be challenged to get creative in their own virtual classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
Shifting the focus to design is important for virtual projects. Computer simulations are an added step for digital fabrication that can be helpful in virtual assignments as well as in-person prototyping. Educators all over the world are facing this challenge with digital fabrication technologies, learn from others by joining the network.

SPEAKERS:
Liz Whitewolf (The Fab Foundation: Boston, MA)

Architects with the Committee on Architecture for Education will explore strategies to learn how architecture and design can be combined with innovative pedagogy to transform spaces into student-centered, collaborative learning environments.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Attendees will explore methods to engage and connect your learning environment with nature and the outdoors. 2. Attendees will explore a variety of models for classroom flexibility and adaptability. 3. Attendees will explore examples of creative use of space and opportunities for meaningful display. 4. Attendees will explore suggestions for physical learning in regards to social distancing and capacity restrictions.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Maza (Kliment Halsband Architects: New York, NY)

Hear how to use NASEF’s state-approved esports high school curriculum to engage and motivate students in STEM learning and careers.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to use esports to attract students to deeper STEM learning . Learn how to implement a state-approved esports curriculum . Learn about the STEM careers in the world's fastest growing industry—Esports.

SPEAKERS:
Laylah Bulman (Samueli Foundation: Corona Del Mar, CA)

Sponsoring Company: miniPCR bio

With BioBits® cell-free systems, students visualize biological concepts in ways never before possible. Watch DNA make RNA and protein in real time—then, in a separate activity, directly investigate the relationship between amino acid sequence and protein structure and function. All in a visual, engaging format that is quick and easy and requires minimal equipment—ideal for distance learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Students can visualize the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein using BioBits cell-free technology 2. Fluorescence can illuminate how DNA makes RNA makes protein in what is known as the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology 3. Students can identify and manipulate the steps of transcription and translation in guided inquiry experimentds

SPEAKERS:
Ally Huang (miniPCR: Cambridge, MA)

Discussion centers on how Louisiana’s innovative STEM pathways give students access to high-demand, high-wage careers straight out of high school or with college or university degrees.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. High school STEM education can help meet vital workforce need. 2. High school STEM pathways can meet student needs whether they plan to attend a college/university or enter directly into the workforce. 3. High-value partnerships with public and private entities can expand capacity to offer high-quality STEM experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Nathan Corley (Louisiana Dept. of Education: Baton Rouge, LA)

Computer Science education is growing and CS teachers are often singletons in their districts. Join us for an edcamp/unconference–style session to discuss topics of your choice in small groups and build your network!

TAKEAWAYS:
Specific concrete takeaways for issues specific to Computer Science education Connect with like-minded educators for future collaboration Choose from topics such as: CS for All, Curricula/PD, Teaching Practices and Methodologies, Building your District's Program, CS Pathways, Licensure Requirements, Standards and more!

SPEAKERS:
Kerri Murphy (Norton High School: Norton, MA)

Faculty and current students will discuss Pitt-Johnstown’s unique approach to their STEM Endorsement Certification, including students’ personal experiences and future teaching goals, and the program’s benefits and implications for  research.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will engage in discussion to learn about: • Current focuses on teacher preparation in STEM education • Pennsylvania’s approach to endorsing students via their STEM Endorsement Certificate model and its program design and evaluation competencies • Pitt-Johnstown’s unique approach to the model, through a Q&A with faculty and current students.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Chesney (University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown: Johnstown, PA)

Reduce costs for learning materials by using Open Education Resources (OER) in STEM and CTE courses. Resources, tools, and processes will be shared.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be given: • A list of discipline specific OER resources • Criteria for evaluating OER resources =

SPEAKERS:
Esperanza Zenon (River Parishes Community College: Gonzales, LA)