Learn how to use your existing science kit materials to support your students with NGSS, based on experiences from the Elementary Science Olympiad program.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. how to modify "instructional kits" available to them to allow for authentic student inquiry; 2. how to structure instruction to allow for cycles of failure and feedback; and 3. how hands-on science supports implementation of the NGSS.

SPEAKERS:
John Loehr (Science Olympiad: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), Shari Haug (: Elmhurst, IL)

Follow a storyline through early childhood explorations, looking at the needs of living things—space, water, sunlight, soil. Then engineer a garden designed to integrate all areas, supported by great literature.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. STEM Explorations need to be authentic and progressive, focusing on big ideas; 2. STEM Exploration leads to agency and equity in all areas of a child's life; and 3. Communication among all of the guides in early childhood, formal, informal, mentors, and family is the key to success.

SPEAKERS:
Ruth Ruud (Cleveland State University: Cleveland, OH), Juliana Texley (Lesley University: Cambridge, MA)

Join us on your STEM journey and learn how to incorporate STEM and PBL into your K–5 curriculum. Receive ideas for program development, grants and funding, and inexpensive or free field trips. Teaching STEM digitally with coding and computer programming apps.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Incorporating STEM curriculum and PBL's into the K–5 curriculum requirements and incorporating Digital Coding and computer programs to use with virtual teaching; 2. Finding and scheduling in-house free and inexpensive field trips, guest speakers, and virtual experiences for all students at your school; and 3. Funding and grant writing information and sources to fund your STEM program.

SPEAKERS:
Johanna Disney (McKendree Elementary School: Lawrenceville, GA), Julie Wilkerson (McKendree Elementary School: Lawrenceville, GA)

This workshop introduces participants to "Teacher Moments," a platform for digital clinical simulations to advance equitable, practice-based teacher education and professional development.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. be introduced to existing practice spaces published on the digital clinical simulation platform, “Teacher Moments,” and complete two–three simulations/practice spaces; 2. learn about simulations previously implemented in teacher education contexts, about simulation design, and how simulations support equity in distance learning; and 3. learn how to register for the free platform and create practice spaces customized to their context, e.g., instructional coaching, professional development, higher education, etc.

SPEAKERS:
Alicia Lane (University of the District of Columbia: Washington, DC)