NSTA STEM21

July 26-30, 2021

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Rooms and times subject to change.
17 results
Save up to 50 sessions in your agenda.

STEM Collaboration from the Ground Up: Hydroponics in the Classroom

Monday, July 26 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

STRAND: Upper Elementary

Show Details

The Dallas Arboretum and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD will share the process and results of their collaborative STEM hydroponics program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. explore the development process of the hydroponics collaborative; 2. view sample before-and-after lesson plans as a result of the curriculum redesign; and 3. learn about lessons learned and opportunities for growth, including adjustments due to distance learning.

SPEAKERS:
Dustin Miller (Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden: Dallas, TX), Christy McClain (Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD: Carrollton, TX)

Think Like a Bird: Integrating Life Science and Engineering Design in the Elementary Classroom

Monday, July 26 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA - Think Like a Bird.pptx
Presentation slides with resource links

STRAND: Upper Elementary

Show Details

Can you think like a bird? That is what these NGSS-focused activities ask of students in an engineering challenge to create shelter for local birds.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Fun, authentic, NGSS-focused activities that promote students' application of science concepts in the engineering design process; 2. Simple strategies to engage students in place-based outdoor learning experiences that are adaptable for in-person instruction, virtual learning, or at-home projects; and 3. Ideas for modifying your existing life science activities to fit the time of year.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Krall (University of Kentucky: Lexington, KY), Sagan Goodpaster (University of Kentucky: Lexington, KY)

Science Club Summer Camp: Teachers and Students Learning Together

Monday, July 26 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

STRAND: Lower Elementary / Early Childhood

Show Details

Learn about an innovative teacher PD model employing free youth summer camps to support elementary grade teachers’ authentic understanding of NGSS principles and pedagogy.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. about a new practicum-based professional development model that pairs NGSS PD with informal (summer) youth learning; 2. approaches to measure the effectiveness of NGSS teacher professional development; and 3. how district-level PD needs can be addressed through university-district partnerships.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Kennedy (Northwestern University: Evanston, IL), Emily Mathews (NSTA: McLean, VA), Jessica Mahon (Burroughs II Elementary School: Chicago, IL)

Brain-Based Mindfulness for Young Learners

Monday, July 26 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

STRAND: Lower Elementary / Early Childhood

Show Details

What do young learners know about how the brain works? Brain-based research and mindfulness can have a profound impact on young learners. Foster a growth mindset in your young students. Join me as I share research and curriculum guides to plan a similar unit in your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. What do young learners know about how the brain works?; 2. How can brain-based research help us understand and teach growth mindset?; and 3. Learning about the brain in lower school supports lifelong achievement and development.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Kurson (Collegiate School: New York, NY)

Follow That Tree

Monday, July 26 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Follow That Tree Handout
Resource guide and contact information to accompany the session.

STRAND: Lower Elementary / Early Childhood

Show Details

Come along as a kindergarten class explores the world of nature, experiences the seasons, and engages in STEM activities with Joe the Ginkgo Tree as its guide.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Promote inquiry-based learning through the lens of a schoolyard tree; 2. Learn how to design a yearlong, child-centered STEM project; and 3. Connect students with the natural world both inside the classroom and outdoors with hands-on STEM and art-based activities and experiments.

SPEAKERS:
Amie Petronis Plumley (Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School: Memphis, TN)

Strategies to Integrate Project-Based Learning in Diverse K–12 Learning Environments

Tuesday, July 27 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

STRAND: Middle Level

Show Details

This past year has demonstrated the need for diverse tools, resources, and support to teach students in dynamic K–12 learning environments. This session will focus on strategies to integrate project-based learning in diverse learning environments.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn strategies to engage students in science and engineering concepts; 2. Obtain tools to foster a learning environment and classroom culture grounded in the habit of reflection and reasoning; and 3. Gain practical resources and tools to apply project-based learning in a diverse K–12 learning environment that you can begin implementing in your classroom this fall.

SPEAKERS:
Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Bringing the Real World into Urban Classrooms Through Global Science / Citizen Science

Tuesday, July 27 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

STRAND: Middle Level

Show Details

Bring the world to your urban classroom with Global Science / Citizen Science. Experts will share their work and provide details on how to actively involve students in real-world science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Engage with educators who have led their school systems to meet various challenges; 2. Learn from successful programs; and 3. Discuss relevant issues related to urban science educators.

SPEAKERS:
Pat Shane (UNC-Chapel Hill Emerita: , NC), Mary Beth Berrien (Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School: Greenfield, MA), Michelle Ellis (Hunter Huss High School: Gastonia, NC), LeeAnne Jimenez (Wilson Teaching and Learning Academy: Tulsa, OK), Acacia McKenna (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Susan Meabh Kelly (University of Connecticut: Storrs Mansfield, CT), Brad Rhew (Guilford County Schools: No City, No State)

St. Jude Virtual Science Journal Club: Engaging Students in the Scientific Process Through Reading Primary Literature

Wednesday, July 28 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
StJudeSciAmb_APBiologyJustification_2021.pdf
StJudeSciAmb_APBiologyUnitOutline_2021.pdf

STRAND: High School

Show Details

Learn about a virtual journal club that encourages interaction between students, teachers, and scientists through reading and interpreting research papers.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The St. Jude Virtual Journal Club integrates into the AP Biology curriculum and teaches NGSS Science and Engineering Practices and Nature of Science Practices; 2. Teaching primary literature can develop inquiry, critical thinking, and other 21st-century skills in students; and 3. High school students learn about the realities of scientific research and careers from practicing scientists.

SPEAKERS:
Shelby Montague (St. George's Independent School: Collierville, TN)

Incorporating STEM Using NSTA ExploraVision

Wednesday, July 28 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

STRAND: High School

Show Details

Have you wanted to get involved with NSTA contests, but were unsure how to start? This project incorporates STEM in a virtual or traditional classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Use NSTA contests as a springboard to STEM-based practices; 2. Learn how grants can enrich STEM experiences; and 3. Discover tools to facilitate team-based learning.

SPEAKERS:
Carrie Jones (Dillard Drive Magnet Middle School)

Exploring Genetics with Popular Gaming

Wednesday, July 28 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Exploring Genetics with Popular Gaming Breeding Flowers in Animal Crossing New Horizons.pdf

STRAND: High School

Show Details

This session will explore the genetic basis behind hybrid flower production on the video game Animal Crossing New Horizons and how you can use this popular game to gain student interest in genetics.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Many traits are influenced by multiple genes; 2. The video game Animal Crossing New Horizons uses Mendelian genetics to determine the offspring of a flower; and 3. Student interest can be enhanced when you use popular video games as a frame of reference for activities, and their virtual experiences can be used in sensemaking.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Moore (Tennessee Tech: Cookeville, TN), Leslie Suters (Tennessee Tech: Cookeville, TN)

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly of Writing and Publishing of Cases Studies

Thursday, July 29 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

STRAND: Postsecondary

Show Details

To assist our students in understanding theoretical concepts in order to apply them, we have delved into the process of using and writing case studies. This presentation will focus on the successes and failures to write and publish a case study.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Identify a relevant topic that is accessible to your intended audience; 2. Present the problem while being specific and conscious of time; and 3. Research where to publish.

SPEAKERS:
Nalini Broadbelt (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: Boston, MA), Michelle Young (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: Boston, MA), Nevila Jana (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: Boston, MA)

Space Physiology: We Have Been Created to Exist Optimally in Our Environment

Thursday, July 29 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Additional Space Videos Part 1.docx
Additional Student Space Activities.docx
AnsKey Space Phys Worksheets.docx
Instructor's Answer Keys for both worksheets.
More Space Physiology Videos Part 2.docx
Space Phys Instructions.pdf
Teacher's Instructions for Space Physiology
Space Phys Worksheet #1 .docx
The docx worksheet that goes with the first video.
Space Phys Worksheet #1 .pdf
The pdf file to accompany the first video.
Twin Space Study Results.docx
These are the findings of the Twin Space Study.
Twin Space Study Worksheet#2 .docx
The docx worksheet to accompany the second video.
Twin Space Study Worksheet#2 .pdf
The pdf worksheet to go with the second video.

STRAND: Postsecondary

Show Details

When astronauts are in space, several detrimental physiological changes occur to their bodies. What countermeasures are needed and will they be enough?

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Microgravity causes many changes in the astronaut's body; 2. Countermeasures are utilized while in orbit; and 3. Long-term missions need to overcome the detrimental effects.

SPEAKERS:
Cahleen Shrier (Azusa Pacific University: Azusa, CA)

So You Want to Teach? Examining the Upsides, Downsides, and Enticements of Careers in STEM Education

Thursday, July 29 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

STRAND: Postsecondary

Show Details

Through research conducted by the Growing Future STEM Teachers in Maine grant, this presentation explores the upsides, downsides, and enticements of secondary STEM teaching.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. explore perceptions of careers in STEM secondary education; 2. understand factors that influence interest in STEM fields; and 3. identify evidence-based practices for preparation and retention of high-quality secondary STEM teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Patricia Waters (Saint Joseph's College of Maine: Standish, ME)

To Be It, You MUST See It:: Providing STEM Role Models for Underserved and Underrepresented Students

Friday, July 30 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

STRAND: STEM Ecosystems: Supporting Diverse, Equitable Practices and Partnerships

Show Details

Join the education staff from Detroit’s historic Belle Isle Aquarium to discover exciting ways to identify, recruit, and host diverse career role models to inspire your students, whether you’re teaching face-to-face, virtual, or in hybrid mode.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Greater understanding of how STEM role models can have a significant positive impact on young learners; 2. Practical steps for teachers to design STEM career connections from their own communities that richly connect to students' lives; and 3. Access to novel STEM career role model resources—videos, books, blogs, etc.—created specifically for underrepresented and underserved populations.

SPEAKERS:
June Teisan (InnovatED 313), Amy Emmert (Belle Isle Conservancy: Detroit, MI)

Shell Science Awards and Competitions: Fueling Success with Students; Win Up to $10K for You and Up to $15K for Your Classroom

Friday, July 30 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Instructional_Method_and_Teaching_Philosophy_questions.pdf
Shell Science Teaching Awards w-regional combined presentation2021.pdf

STRAND: STEM Ecosystems: Supporting Diverse, Equitable Practices and Partnerships

Show Details

Do you impact your school and community with STEM? If you teach K–12, then come learn how to apply to win one of eight Shell-supported awards, and a teacher competition.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Share your passion and practice by applying for one of eight awards, and a teacher competition; 2. Learn from past Shell awardees, finalists, and judging panel members’ important tips to apply for this award; and 3. Learn how to win a trip to the 2022 NSTA Houston National Conference, March 31–April 3, 2022.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Ruud (Cleveland State University: Cleveland, OH), Amanda Upton (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

The Intersection of Literature and Science

Friday, July 30 • 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Teach Literature and Science Together Website
This website includes novels and prompts for both middle and high school grades.
The Intersection of Literature and Science Audience Copy (1).pdf
Here is the slide deck that was used during the presentation.

STRAND: STEM Ecosystems: Supporting Diverse, Equitable Practices and Partnerships

Show Details

Students will see science concepts through the perspectives of characters in novels. Participants will leave with lists of book titles and ready-to-use reflective prompts.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. A list of literature that is categorized by grade level and science topics covered; 2. Examples of how to use literature in the science classroom to promote student engagement and meaning-making; and 3. Ways to connect social justice topics to a science curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Prince (St. John's Prep: Danvers, MA)

St. Jude Science Ambassadors: Training Scientists for Successful K–12 STEM Outreach

Friday, July 30 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

STRAND: STEM Ecosystems: Supporting Diverse, Equitable Practices and Partnerships

Show Details

Session participants will learn how scientists were trained to lead a virtual presentation of a research paper to AP Biology students.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Training scientists improves their science communication skills and their experiences with K–12 outreach; 2. Successful training sessions were brief, focused, and offered virtually, which fit easily within scientists’ schedules; and 3. High school classes that otherwise would not be able to host a scientist visit were able to participate because the program was completely virtual.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Ayers (St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: Memphis, TN), Katherine Wade-Jaimes (The University of Memphis: Memphis, TN), Shelby Montague (St. George's Independent School: Collierville, TN)

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