Sponsoring Company: Kids Making Sense

Provide educators with the resources to teach students how to measure and monitor air quality, to interpret the data they collect, and to take action to reduce their exposure to air pollution.

TAKEAWAYS:
How: 1. to meaningfully engage students in hands-on science activities; 2. using sensors can enhance the quality and comparability of data, while increasing student engagement; and 3. incorporating citizen science activities can enhance outcomes for communities.

SPEAKERS:
Olivia Ryder (Sonoma Technology: Petaluma, CA)

Sponsoring Company: BIOZONE International Ltd.

BIOZONE’s two NGSS series have been designed to fully embrace the spirit of the NGSS. We will compare their features, guiding you to select the series best suited to your program. We will show how BIOZONE’s flexible print and digital solutions support you to teach face-to-face, remotely, or through hybrid programs.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Comparing features of the standard and integrated NGSS series; 2. guiding participants to select the series best suited to their program; and 3. print and digital solutions to support teachers who are teaching remotely or face-to-face.

SPEAKERS:
Lissa Bainbridge-Smith (BIOZONE Corp.: Parker, CO), James Leggett (BIOZONE Corp.: Parker, CO)

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

How can we best support students in building evidence-based explanations of phenomena?

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees with learn how: 1. a multi-modal approach allows students to gather evidence from a variety of sources and grapple with phenomena and real-world problems like scientists do; 2. an evidence-based learning approach works to support the NGSS; and 3. evaluating evidence can help students work toward being college and career ready.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

Geologists found a mysterious fossil in a rocky outcrop. How did it get there?

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how: 1. phenomenon-based science supports three-dimensional teaching and learning; 2. instructional sequences designed around engaging, authentic phenomena can motivate students by providing a powerful context; and 3. putting students in the role of a scientist or engineer can help them develop skills for college and careers.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

Cultivate curiosity and value student voices while utilizing the structures and content from phenomena-based, NGSS-focused curricula.

TAKEAWAYS:
All attendees will learn: 1. strategies on how to cultivate curiosity and value student voices; 2. how an NGSS-focused curriculum can support deeper learning and understanding; and 3. how to elevate science implementation by establishing a culture of figuring out.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Discover how to engage students in science using three-dimensional learning with engineering projects and computational thinking. Free access to grades 3–5 lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore real-world phenomena to motivate students and guide learning; 2. Learn practical tips for reaching all three dimensions of the science standards; and 3. Understand how to guide students in conducting online research and analyzing authentic data.

SPEAKERS:
Brittany Pike (CYBER.ORG: Bossier City, LA), Laurie Salvail (CYBER.ORG: Bossier City, LA)

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)

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)

Let’s make a foldable solar system scroll. Come learn how to apply ratios to create a scale model of the planets based on your height.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. With a properly scaled solar system scroll, participants will identify inner and outer planets and readily SEE why they are named as such; 2. Understanding the concept of rations and fractions, part-to-whole, participants will leave being able to create a proportional solar system in their classroom, on a football field, or across their state; and 3. This activity can be used at any grade level.

SPEAKERS:
Barbie Buckner (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center: Greenbelt, MD)

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)

Need a simple and creative way to engage students? Create a green screen area in your classroom. This workshop will demonstrate a simple way to make creative videos with a green screen.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to use a chroma key with different apps and programs; 2. Simple video editing techniques; and 3. Using different objects for green screen props.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Crane (Randolph Academy: No City, No State)

Explore the NASA Elementary GLOBE storybook the “Scoop on Soils.” Engage students with a dynamic experiment on soil permeability.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. NASA Elementary GLOBE has free storybooks with three or more STEM activities each integrating the Core Standards with the Science standards. The materials are translated into five languages; 2. All students will relate to the climate issues of the availability of fresh water and soil needed to grow food; and 3. Exploring the environment with backyard soils engages students in real-world problem solving.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Kohler (NASA Glenn Research Center: Cleveland, OH)

This session presents interactive “Cricket Challenges” to engage students in nature-based activities designed to encourage curiosity and to make cross-curricular STEM connections to literature.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Innovative ways to engage readers to use fiction as a springboard to explore their natural world and make text-to-real-world connections; 2. Handouts including instructions for activities such as “An Outdoor Challenge for Every Season," ”Creating a Nature Wonder Hour,” “Nature Scavenger Hunts,” “Creating a Nature Journal from the Point of View of the Main Character in the Book You’re Studying,” and “Bloom Bingo”; and 3. Writing prompts educators can use to encourage students to analyze and explore their natural world.

SPEAKERS:
Jo Watson Hackl (Author: Asheville, NC)

Learn to teach observation investigations with young learners that integrate geology, art, and math. Participants will receive hands-on materials and lessons to use with students.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to; 1. do three-dimensional investigations with young learners; 2. integrate teaching of art and math concepts with geology; and 3. teach young students to observe and collect geological data.

SPEAKERS:
Laura Schneider (Father Andrew White School: Leonardtown, MD)

Sponsoring Company: PAEMST

Come learn about the highest recognition for STEM educators in the U.S. We will discuss eligibility criteria as well as the nomination, application, and review process for the awards. Awardees receive a certificate; a $10,000 award; a trip to Washington, DC, for a recognition event; and access to over 5,100 award-winning teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How you can win $10,000; 2. how you can apply for this prestigious award from the U.S. Government; and 3. the benefits of applying for this award.

SPEAKERS:
Robert Mayes (National Science Foundation: Alexandria, VA)

Historical issues create rich opportunities to utilize Science, Social Studies, and ELA disciplinary skills—through STEM—to increase student engagement and a deep understanding of complex problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Session attendees will learn both pedagogical concepts and history as they work to understand and solve perplexing problems that faced Japanese-Americans interned at Topaz. Using the Topaz Japanese internment camp as the backdrop, session participants will: 1. learn how to pair both fiction and informational texts (including primary source documents); 2. discover ways to integrate NGSS standards, Social Studies, ELA, and STEM through lessons and problem-solving activities; and 3. focus on the 5Es and 3-D learning.

SPEAKERS:
Julie Siebach (Retired Teacher: Cedar Hills, UT), Deborah Draper (Cedar Ridge Elementary School: Cedar Hills, UT)

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)

Sponsoring Company: Amplify

How can we create a learning environment that taps into students’ natural curiosity about engineering design and supports them in doing the authentic design work of an engineer?

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. how design thinking and technological solutions will continue to increase in importance as we work to address the challenges that confront our modern world in areas such as agriculture, human health, and the environment; 2. why providing students a foundation in engineering design allows them to better engage in and aspire to solve the major societal and environmental challenges they will face in the decades ahead; and 3. how to create a learning environment that taps into students’ natural curiosity about engineering design and supports them in doing the authentic design work of an engineer.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Abbott (The Lawrence Hall of Science: Berkeley, CA)

Investigate the amazing and powerful forces shaping our planet through a live tour of MiSci’s newest permanent exhibit gallery. Transform desert landscapes, create avalanches, explore Jupiter's otherworldly atmosphere, and watch as we construct a swirling fire tornado in this immersive experience!

Use the Great Lakes as a learning tool! Participate in virtual classroom-ready activities, discover PD opportunities, and learn how to collect authentic water quality data.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. how to request and incorporate the use of the Hydrolab in their classroom to collect authentic water quality data either in the classroom or in the field; 2. how to utilize Nearpod to create engaging lessons that can be utilized virtually or in the classroom; and 3. about professional development opportunities aboard the R/V Lake Guardian and at Ohio State University's Stone Lab.

SPEAKERS:
Shari Insley (North Olmsted Middle School: North Olmsted, OH), Melissa Kowalski (Put-in-Bay Local School District: Put in Bay, OH)

Explore strategies to get your students involved in designing and implementing an investigation of surface temperature and the urban heat island effect.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will be able to: 1. analyze how urban heat islands develop both around and within cities, with certain neighborhoods heating up more than others on sunny days, through an exploration of the role of infrared radiation and albedo; 2. evaluate strategies through which students create and carry out investigations that contribute in a meaningful way to the scientific understanding of the urban heat island effect; and 3. apply an enhanced understanding of the urban heat island effect in their neighborhood in order to support students in the design and implementation of useful mitigation strategies that can have a long-term benefit to the health and resilience of their community.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Slack (I.S. 223 Montauk Intermediate School: Brooklyn, NY), Debra Amoroso (Myra S. Barnes Intermediate School 24: Staten Island, NY)

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)

Humans use water, often in inequitable ways. Our online tools, which include a calculator and NGSS-focused lesson plans, help educators learn how to teach beyond the water cycle.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. understand how we use water and what a water footprint is; 2. understand how water is connected to the global systems that create our food, energy, and consumer goods; and 3. learn about our free virtual tools and content that help them teach students about their water use as a part of their overall environmental impact.

SPEAKERS:
Robin Madel (Grace Communications Foundation: New York, NY), Kai Olson-Sawyer (Grace Communications Foundation: New York, NY)

Space science content introduced through innovative technologies engages student learning. AR/VR allows student explorers to learn about our quest to send humans to Mars.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. to use an online challenge to teach space science concepts; 2. about many of the NASA resources available for use in the classroom; and 3. to use augmented reality to learn about space science.

SPEAKERS:
Rhonda Christensen (University of North Texas: Denton, TX), Gerald Knezek (University of North Texas: Denton, TX)

We will use Micro:bits, programming, and sensors to empower student learning and accelerate conceptual model development. Participants will simulate this online.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Sensors can accelerate the learning process and empower students when used correctly; 2. Computational thinking is catalyzed by block-based programming languages; and 3. Conceptual model development and inquiry are intricately linked.

SPEAKERS:
Jared Carter (University of Florida: Gainesville, FL)

Participants experience how to offer students opportunities for choosing virtual design challenges in various science domains by utilizing provided videos and data sets.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will engage in a design challenge to test: 1. efficiency of wind turbine blades; 2. the strength of electromagnets; and 3. the greenhouse effect in an area of a specific land surface (e.g.,ocean, lake, arctic, desert).

SPEAKERS:
Kathleen Brooks (CREC: No City, No State), Rebecca Tonkinson (eesmarts: Hartford, CT), Sharyon Holness (eesmarts: No City, No State)

Explore how to build studies that put phenomena first and engage students in discovery through initial investigations designed to spark questions and curiosity. Discover how to be responsive to student interests as you decide "where to go from here."

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Transform your approach to planning by putting phenomena first; 2. Find out how to embed content and practices into hands-on learning activities that allow students to discover science ideas; and 3. Learn a simple process to identify "where to go from here" based on students' interests, questions, needs, and your curricular demands.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole VanTassel (iExploreScience LLC: Erie, PA)

The WATERS curriculum allows students to analyze real-world problems using models to explore and evaluate the condition of their local watershed using real data.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Connect to the NGSS Earth and Space Science standards using models and data; 2. Make connections to our Earth system using real-world data and modeling; and 3. Provide multiple representations for the scientific terms with photos, movies, and Spanish translations with additional embedded Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

SPEAKERS:
Carolyn Staudt (The Concord Consortium: Concord, MA), Jerry Valadez (Fresno State and SAM Academy CSW)

Use each stage of the Engineering Design Process to complete a challenge of building and drop testing a satellite while making connections to NASA missions.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. We can use the engineering design process in our everyday life to solve problems and make improvements; 2. NASA engineers must ask a question, imagine a solution, plan a design, create that model, experiment and test that model, then take time to improve the original—all steps that are crucial to mission success from Moon to Mars and beyond!; and 3. While this activity will focus on teaching the engineering design process using the process skills of measuring, calculating, designing, and evaluating, the "boring part" of ask, imagine, plan will be focused on to emphasize deeper learning as a thought process prior to simply "building stuff."

SPEAKERS:
Barbie Buckner (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center: Greenbelt, MD)

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)

This workshop explores the connection between the NGSS, STEM identity, and project-based learning (PBL) through a series of culturally responsive activities for virtual learning environments.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. critically consider their own STEM identity and the STEM identities of their students to inform PBL in online and in-class learning environments; 2. respond to students’ needs and interests to plan PBL that develops their STEM identities; and 3. learn instructional strategies that engage students in PBL and the Scientific and Engineering Practices within the Next Generation Science Standards.

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

No space suit, helmet, or rocket required for this trip into our solar system! Take a virtual journey to Saturn's largest moon, Titan, and take your first steps to becoming a scientific illustrator. Science and art both play important roles in how we understand our complex world. Art can also provide a valuable access point to STEM content for students who do not identify as "scientists."

In this fun, interactive session, get a taste of a Virtual Science Academy program from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and create your own scientific illustration. Join us to explore why methane rains from Titan’s sky and why the atmosphere is bright orange, and discover new resources for STEAM learning.

Note: Participants will need one piece of orange paper, one black-colored pencil, and one white-colored pencil, or similar materials to actively engage in this session.

SPEAKERS:
DMNS Virtual Experiences (Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Denver, CO), Jose Zuniga (Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Denver, CO)

Use web-based image and analysis software to examine and compare the Cartwheel Galaxy in optical and X-ray bands, which can help determine the sources of the ultra- and hyperluminous X-rays (U/HLXs) in this galaxy.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Astrophysicists use light in all bands of the electromagnetic spectrum to determine the nature of an object; 2. Web-based software will be used (the same tools used by scientists); and 3. This software can be used by students to do their own investigations in astronomy with real data sets.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Perry (Lewiston High School: Lewiston, ME)

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

People learn better when they are actively engaged rather than watching or listening. Learn how Pivot Interactives makes active learning for science easy and accessible.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, learners will experience the active learning capabilities of Pivot Interactives as we showcase; 1. the accessibility of quantitative and qualitative measurement skills in a digital environment; 2. the power of blended instruction, where students experience science in the classroom and build on it online; and 3. the ease and speed of automatic and personalized feedback, designed to help your learners where they are in every step of their learning journey.

SPEAKERS:
Matt Vonk (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN), Linda Detwiler (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN), Peter Bohacek (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN)

Model stellar evolution processes using NASA images, plotting H-R diagram transitions, and determining the chemistry and physics of supernovas using NASA STEM image analysis tools.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Knowledge of the process of how stars form and change over time ending in catastrophic events, providing conditions for the formation of planets; 2. Students will understand that all knowledge of celestial events is determined by analyzing the light from these events and provide possibilities—not definitive answers—as the data can be interpreted differently; and 3. Image analysis software tools allow scientists to gain knowledge of the physical and chemical processes involved to create constantly evolving models of stellar evolution.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young (NASA/NSO/UoL Program Manager: Laughlin, NV)

This workshop introduces strategies and digital tools to help students develop high-quality STEM presentations and posters in online and in-class learning environments.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. embody the role of a student conducting a scientific/engineering investigation leading to a STEM presentation; 2. be able to create a digital STEM visual using presentation applications; and 3. learn instructional strategies that engage students in developing high-quality presentations and Scientific and Engineering Practices within the Next Generation Science Standards.

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

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)

Use STEM web-based analysis software and basic physics gravitation and centripetal acceleration equations to determine if a stellar core is a white dwarf or neutron star.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Light curves generated from image analysis software can be used to determine the period of rotation of some white dwarfs and pulsars; 2. Newton’s Universal Law of gravitation and centripetal acceleration calculations can be used as evidence for determining the type of star; and 3. Js9 web-based software provides students with real opportunities to do astronomical research.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Perry (Lewiston High School: Lewiston, ME)

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

We know the importance of labs in the AP courses. During this session, we will showcase how to use Pivot Interactives with your AP course.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, AP teachers will: 1. see how we use Pivot Interactives to make experiment design cost effective and time efficient; 2. see how students can design, capture, and analyze data in the Pivot Interactives platform; and 3. leave with options for active learning options for each of the units in each of the AP science courses.

SPEAKERS:
John Burk (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN), Eric Friberg (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN), Peter Bohacek (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN), Matt Vonk (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN), Linda Detwiler (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN)

Sponsoring Company: BIOZONE International Ltd.

BIOZONE has published two new exciting titles for the latest CEDs. Listen to the publisher explain their features and get a one-year FREE e-book licence.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover how the new titles have been structured to follow the latest CEDs; 2. Inquiry, case studies, and data analysis are used to develop enduring understanding of key concepts; and 3. Personal Progress Checks prepare students for the AP exam.

SPEAKERS:
Richard Allan (BIOZONE International Ltd.: Hamilton, New Zealand)

This session will explore the ways educators can expand STEM affinity among diverse populations by using placed-based lessons through the cultural lens of lessons on weather and climate.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Theme one is that community-based learning has been shown to positively impact indigenous science and STEM learners. Central to this theme is the belief that to promote science and STEM affinity, pedagogies and curricula should leverage diversity, languages, culture, practices, and epistemologies. (Gutierrez, Baquedano‐López, & Tejeda, 1999); 2. Theme two is a predicate of community orientation. This presentation will posit that STEM fluency is dependent on cultural relevant initiatives and will show significant promise in closing achievement gaps and improving science academic performance (Brayboy & Castagno 2008); and 3. Theme three is that culturally relevant curricula and pedagogies help to embody and mobilize community leaders and STEM advocates with in-school and after-school programs.

SPEAKERS:
Corydon Strawser (Lake Nona Middle School: Orlando, FL)

Explore a holistic snow curriculum built through collaboration between an Iñupiaq community and university educators. Learn development processes and access free STEM lessons and videos.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore the free and NGSS-focused Qanniksuq: It is Snowing resources targeting middle school; 2. Learn about an emerging research-based process for indigenous community-engaged STEM curriculum development applicable to K–12; and 3. Discover how curricula developed using this process impacted students, teachers, and community members in participating indigenous communities.

SPEAKERS:
Lori Schoening (Geophysical Institute: Fairbanks, AK), Lynda McGilvary (Geophysical Institute: Fairbanks, AK), Sean Asikluk Topkok (University of Alaska Fairbanks: Fairbanks, AK)

Sponsoring Company: Pivot Interactives

Come see how Pivot Interactives can fill accessibility voids in our classrooms. Cost, time, scale, and safety limits are removed while still maximizing student engagement with the science practices through engaging content.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. explore the large Pivot Interactives library and identify activities that can fill lab gaps in classroom caused by cost, time, scale or, safety; 2. discuss the implementation of the tools within Pivot Interactives to scaffold, differentiate, and personalize content around common phenomena; and 3. dDiscuss pedagogical uses of Pivot Interactives in a changing educational landscape that allows to easy with in person, hybrid, or distance classes, as well as individual or collaborative work.

SPEAKERS:
Matt Vonk (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN), Eric Friberg (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN), Linda Detwiler (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN), Peter Bohacek (Pivot Interactives: Minneapolis, MN)

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)

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)

Sponsoring Company: Kids Making Sense

Through a combination of virtual presentation, storytelling, and demonstrations we will help teachers find value in taking students into their community for lab work. With air quality at the forefront of national discussion, there has never been a better time to teach students about the air that we breathe. Discover how we work with teachers to create young “citizen scientists” that act upon the knowledge that they gain and guide them through how to present their data and advocate for positive environmental change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn: 1. how to meaningfully engage students in citizen science activities; 2. how using sensors can enhance the quality and comparability of data, while increasing student engagement; and 3. how incorporating citizen science activities can enhance outcomes for communities.

SPEAKERS:
Olivia Ryder (Sonoma Technology: Petaluma, CA)

Explore family engagement events that provide fun, hands-on experiences and an opportunity to teach parents strategies to support their children's academic vocabulary at home.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Engage in both virtual and in-person family engagement events that expand classroom learning that families with members of all ages can participate in; 2. Learn strategies to support linguistically diverse students in the STEMSS (STEM + Social Studies with an emphasis on real-world, cross-curricular learning) classroom; and 3. Develop a plan to integrate these strategies into your family engagement events to help parents learn how to support academic vocabulary at home and to bridge the home-school connections to increase opportunities for language learners.

SPEAKERS:
Margarita Jimenez-Silva (University of California, Davis: Davis, CA), Karen Guerrero (Arizona State University: Tempe, AZ)