We will explore opportunities to understand climate change and meet Next Generation Science Standards in today’s classrooms. Some questions to consider:

• How do we provide a framework for students to understand and solve climate change while providing them with hope for their futures?
• What impacts of climate change concern students most?
• How do we know if information is factual or fiction?

SPEAKERS:
Laura Tucker (Consultant: Port Townsend, WA), Lois Sherwood (Professional Development Coordinator: Port Townsend, WA)

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)

Join Acacia as she shares tools that can be used either in person or in a distance-learning environment. Discover how you can use these tools in the science classroom, especially with STEM projects and competitions.

SPEAKERS:
Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

During this chat, we will discuss:

• What types of weather science and safety resources are you looking for to use with your students?
• What are your biggest challenges when teaching about weather science and safety?
• What types of resources are you looking for to use with your students?
• Are they related to extreme weather hazards in your area?

SPEAKERS:
Mary Fairbanks (NOAA National Weather Service: Silver Spring, MD)

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)