Join Mike Massimino, former NASA astronaut, as he relates his time in space with the feelings of isolation and loneliness that many of our teachers and students are experiencing in this distance/virtual learning environment. Mike’s message is a reminder to all of us, that in spite of the physical distancing, we can (and, should!) stay “connected” to one another.

SPEAKERS:
Mike Massimino (Columbia University: New York, NY)

Scientists share a common framework for thinking: the crosscutting concepts described by NGSS. This is why someone studying goat stomachs can converse intelligently with someone studying La Niña. They may have different knowledge bases, but they use the same framework for thinking and communicating about their respective topics. Valerie and Mark invite you to consider that the crosscutting concepts are a framework, not only for scientists, but also for all human thinking. This is why we can see these concepts shouting and whispering in every children’s book we pick up. When we look closer, we can even see how this framework can help us understand social problems and offer solutions. Join Valerie and Mark as they ignite a conversation about how the crosscutting concepts inform how we understand children’s literature, our classrooms, and beyond.

SPEAKERS:
Valerie Bang-Jensen (Saint Michael's College: Colchester, VT), Mark Lubkowitz (Saint Michael's College: Colchester, VT)