NSTA STEM21

July 26-30, 2021

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FILTERS APPLIED:Presentation, Middle Level, Life Science

 

Rooms and times subject to change.
13 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)

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)

The Science of Wander: Nature Walks as Early Science Practice in an Outdoor Preschool

Monday, July 26 • 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

STRAND: Lower Elementary / Early Childhood

Show Details

In this session we'll explore the ways that forest walks are catalysts for discussing emergent science concepts, connections, and curiosities in an outdoor preschool.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Unplanned experiences can provide a variety of opportunities to capitalize on children's interest and both assess and extend knowledge; 2. Using tools such as nature journals and floorbooks are powerful ways to chronicle experiences and document ongoing learning; and 3. With the right lens, urban forests and green spaces have all of the resources necessary for a robust experience of the natural world.

SPEAKERS:
Ron Grady (NOLA Nature School: New Orleans, LA)

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)

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)

Informal Science Engagement Through Social Media and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Pyatt NSTA Presentation Informal Science and the Pandemic

STRAND: Postsecondary

Show Details

The objective of this study was to assess informal science engagement using social media and examine changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Social media engagement in regards to science-related topics was robust pre-COVID-9 pandemic; 2. During the pandemic, the total number of posts remained at a similar level while post reactions increased over time; and 3. Social media remains an effective platform for informal science engagement even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SPEAKERS:
Robert Pyatt (Kean University: Union, NJ), Maya Briskin (Kean University: Union, NJ), Esther Choi (Kean University: Union, NJ)

Qanniksuq: It Is Snowing—Indigenous Community Engagement Informs STEM Curriculum Development That Works for Indigenous Students

Friday, July 30 • 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM


(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Qanniksuq: It Is Snowing free teaching resources
Visit our website to explore free resources for teaching about snow that were coproduced with Iñupiaq Knowledge Bearers in Kotzebue Alaska and a STEM education team at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

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

Show Details

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)

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)

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