2021 Los Angeles Area Conference

December 9-11, 2021

All sessions added to My Agenda prior to this notice have been exported to the mobile app and will be visible in your account when the app launches. Any sessions added now, will also have to be added in the app.
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Rooms and times subject to change.
24 results
Save up to 50 sessions in your agenda.

Inspiring Literacy and Science Interest with Data

Thursday, December 9 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 402A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Session Resource Document Form
Form to access Resource Document and slide deck from the session.

Show Details

We use data to do science; data literacy is its own set of skills. Young learners benefit when we integrate data, literacy, and science together.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Identify how data literacy is a critical aspect of literacy and science literacy in the 21st century; 2. Explore strategies and resources to use to authentically integrate data into K–5 science instruction; and 3. Develop a plan for next steps to elevate data as an aspect of meaningful connections between literacy and science.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hunter-Thomson (Dataspire Education & Evaluation, LLC: No City, No State)

FlyGirls: Girls with Drones

Thursday, December 9 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 507



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Fly Girls: Girls with Drones

STRAND: Successful Collaborations Between Informal and Formal Educators

Show Details

Our FlyGirls program was developed to introduce young women in grades 4–8 to aerospace using drones. The Cobb County School District has partnered with Lockheed Martin, FTW Robotics, female drone pilots from across the U.S., and other informal educators to offer our FlyGirls program. Learn how we shifted during remote learning and focused on college and career readiness.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn how to cultivate a dynamic partnerships between multiple agencies; 2. receive step-by-step guidance to start your own local chapter of FlyGirls; and 3. receive access to the resources we developed and used with our FlyGirls group.

SPEAKERS:
Sally Creel (Cobb County School District: Marietta, GA), Alana Davis (Cobb County School District: Marietta, GA)

Connecting NGSS to Student Interests and the Science That Surrounds Us in Real Life

Thursday, December 9 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 408A


Show Details

Learn how to create engaging lessons, connecting to student interests and to the science and natural phenomena that surround us. Pick up strategies to engage K–6 students in explorations, helping them recognize and understand real-world science while creating a lifelong love of science. Handouts!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. innovative strategies to help children identify, explore, and understand a variety of interesting, real-life science that surrounds them in their everyday world; 2. how to design lessons that emphasize exploration, and give students the opportunity to test variables and analyze their effects; and 3. effective questioning strategies to engage students and increase the depth of student thinking, also helping to make student thinking visible; and to help teachers use effective questioning strategies to help students clarify and articulate their understanding of essential science phenomena and concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Knoell (Educational and Technology Consultant: Prairie Village, KS)

NASA's Space Food and Nutrition

Thursday, December 9 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 403B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NASA Space Food & Nutrition Files
use this link to my NSTA collection of resources for the NASA Space Food & Nutrition Files that includes the powerpoint from my 2021 session

STRAND: Integrating Multiple Learning Experiences and Connecting to Move Forward

Show Details

Explore caloric and nutritional values of NASA's space food. Discover a menu of inquiry activities/resources to integrate into the classroom to satisfy your STEM appetite.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore NASA STEM activities that investigate space food and nutrition for astronauts living on the Space Station; 2. Construct sample space food menus to develop a better understanding of nutrition for human space exploration; and 3. Make connections between math, science, nutrition, and exercise while exploring the impact of living in space and in our gravity-filled environment here on Earth.

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

STEM Teaching Tools: Resources for Justice-Centered Science Instruction

Thursday, December 9 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 514


STRAND: Developing More Inclusive Classrooms

Show Details

Choose which of these free resources for equitable science instruction are most relevant to your work. Then read, discuss, and plan!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Science learning is culturally rooted, and strong instruction should take an asset-based approach to young peoples’ ways of thinking and knowing; 2. Developing more inclusive classrooms is a constant process. There are always steps educators can take to support equity, no matter where they are in their journey; and 3. These resources offer tangible next steps educators can take toward equity in their classroom, from identifying meaningful anchor phenomena (stemteachingtools.org/brief/42) to teaching biology in more gender-inclusive ways (stemteachingtools.org/brief/76) to fostering more student talk (stemteachingtools.org/brief/35).

SPEAKERS:
Deb Morrison (Educator and Learning Scientist: Seattle, WA), Abby Rhinehart (University of Washington: Seattle, WA)

Bridging the Gap: Using Teacher Leaders to Support Informal Educators

Thursday, December 9 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 504


STRAND: Successful Collaborations Between Informal and Formal Educators

Show Details

Want to create high-quality, NGSS-focused field trip experiences? Come learn how we brought together classroom teachers and informal educators to accomplish this goal with amazing outcomes!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. learn the steps we took to create a collaborative environment for teacher leaders to support informal educators in learning more about NGSS and the EP&Cs; 2. learn the value of bringing the expertise of informal educators and the knowledge of formal educators together in order to create high-quality, NGSS-focused field trip experiences; and 3. be given access to the agendas, handouts, and templates we used in our training/planning sessions.

SPEAKERS:
Lesley Gates (Fresno County Office of Education: Fresno, CA)

NSELA-Sponsored Session: How as Science Leaders Are We Supporting an Asset View of Science Learners?

Thursday, December 9 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 514


Show Details

Participants will learn about how some districts around the country are using an asset approach to post-COVID learning and will collaboratively share ideas with others.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Some districts around the country are focusing on an acceleration rather than a remediation post-COVID approach to learning; 2. An asset approach to learning and learners supports social and emotional well-being; and 3. The NSELA Learning Center provides resources for continued learning about asset versus deficit approaches to learning.

SPEAKERS:
Larry Plank (Hillsborough County Public Schools: Tampa, FL)

Unleashing Your Inner Scientist!

Thursday, December 9 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 402A


Show Details

Find yourself teaching science with little or no “formal” science training? Have no fear—let’s uncover the unknown science within you!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Science is not a mystical/elite field; 2. Educators know more science than they are aware of; and 3. Both educators and students can be more comfortable with "science" topics when presented in everyday terms.

SPEAKERS:
Carl Carranza (Cabrillo Marine Aquarium: San Pedro, CA)

Bridging Science and Literacy in the Early Childhood Classroom Through the Crosscutting Concepts of Science

Thursday, December 9 • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 504



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Science & Play Article.pdf

STRAND: Literacy/Science Connections in the Classroom

Show Details

This session will demonstrate how the NGSS’s crosscutting concepts can be utilized in the preschool setting to enhance literacy skills using intentional language and play experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Framed within the constructivist approach, this presentation will include the following: 1. digital documentation of preschool-age children (3 to 5-year-olds) using crosscutting concepts; 2. discussion of scaffolding in children’s scientific thinking and literacy behaviors; and 3. discussion of the crosscutting concepts through the lens of literacy and nature.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Hardison (St. Margaret's Episcopal School: San Juan Capistrano, CA), Kelly McGovern (St. Margaret's Episcopal School: San Juan Capistrano, CA)

Using Phenomena to Promote Sensemaking and Deepen Coherence

Thursday, December 9 • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 507



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Print-out of scenarios
Science Teacher Article on phenomenon examples
Session PPT

Show Details

Dissect the differences between flashy engagers and phenomena to identify essential components of effective phenomenon-based teaching. Critically consider phenomena with personal relevance for your students.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Build a deeper understanding of the differences between “hooks” and phenomena, 2. Consider and identify the benefits of using contextual, locally inspired phenomena to support all students, and 3. Identify potential local phenomena for their own classrooms to support more inclusive learning

SPEAKERS:
Martha Inouye (University of Wyoming: Laramie, WY), Ana Houseal (University of Wyoming: Laramie, WY)

Partnering with NSTA to Reach Your Professional Learning Goals

Thursday, December 9 • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 408A


Show Details

Explore how to take advantage of NSTA’s vast resources and pathways, including both asynchronous and synchronous options, to create personalized professional learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover the value of being a School or District NSTA Partner; 2. Explore how to maximize online professional learning for all teachers; and 3. Discover how to utilize NSTA's online learning resources to support in-person professional learning.

SPEAKERS:
Tricia Shelton (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Wendy Binder (Program Director, STEM Professional Learning: Arlington, VA)

NMLSTA-Sponsored Session: The Great Water Design Challenge

Friday, December 10 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 408B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Algal Blooms and Algae Resources.docx
Flooding and Severe Weather Resources.docx
General Topics and Resources.docx
IMSA Developed Research Questions.docx
IMSA Team Schedule.docx
Individual School Schedule Letter.docx
Marine Debris Resources.docx
Plant and Animal Invasive Species Resources.docx
Problem Statement List.docx
School Team SME Sessions.docx
Student Generated Questions for SME.docx
The Great Water Design Challenge LA.pdf
Vector Borne Diseases Resources.docx

Show Details

Problem solving? Creativity? Collaboration? Design Challenge? Join in a mini design challenge and develop your own challenge tailored for your class before you leave.

TAKEAWAYS:
Design sprints: 1. support innovation by solving a problem in a quick and creative manner; 2. engage students in 21st-century skills; and 3. incorporate many of the Next Generation Science Standards Science and Engineering Practices.

SPEAKERS:
Liz Martinez (Curriculum/Professional Development: Escondido, CA)

Discover NSTA’s New Professional Learning Units to Earn Continuing Education Credit

Friday, December 10 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 502A


Show Details

Explore NSTA’s NEWProfessional Learning Units. Discover these bite-sized asynchronous professional learning experiences that support student sensemaking to earn credit to submit to your school or district.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover how NSTA can provide asynchronous and bite-sized continuing education credit options (2 hours per PLU); 2. Explore how each PLU contains reflections or tasks connected to the classroom that are submitted to NSTA for review or feedback; and 3. Explore how we can support professional learning for individuals or schools/districts including the flexible options available for Professional Learning Unit topics, and how these fit into our Professional Learning pathways.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Allan (University of Central Oklahoma: Edmond, OK), Tricia Shelton (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Tools for Justice-Centered Climate Change Teaching and Learning

Friday, December 10 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 401


STRAND: Developing More Inclusive Classrooms

Show Details

Our students are already impacted by climate change. How can we teach about it in ways that help them all thrive on a damaged planet?

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Justice-centered climate science instruction is possible and needed throughout the grade span, and intersects with a variety of other ecological topics; 2. Our young people are already aware of and experiencing the effects of climate change, and educators are in a unique position to help them better understand and process this new reality; and 3. There are many resources already available to support educators in this work, even if it may sound daunting at first.

SPEAKERS:
Deb Morrison (Educator and Learning Scientist: Seattle, WA), Abby Rhinehart (University of Washington: Seattle, WA)

Creating Curriculum Around Nonfiction Books: New Tools for Engaging Differentiated Learners

Friday, December 10 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 512


Show Details

This interactive presentation builds on NSTA resources with new classroom tools for using nonfiction trade books. Content-rich videos and lesson plans support differentiated learning styles.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover new tools for STEM/Lit connections that expand learning opportunities for students with differentiated learning styles; 2. Obtain bibliographies of current, high-quality nonfiction trade books that offer related, carefully curated teaching videos, curriculum-based lesson plans, and classroom activities; and 3. Explore new approaches to inspiring budding scientists by leveraging nonfiction books and associated resources on a range of subjects, including challenging topics.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Shreeve (Science Writer: Mill Valley, CA), Jason Jones (Educator/Multi-Media Specialist: Woodacre, CA)

NSELA-Sponsored Session: Highlighting Stories of Successful (Formal and Informal Science) Partnerships from National Science Leaders

Friday, December 10 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 401


Show Details

Participants will learn about the successful and varied informal and formal science partnerships developed by members of the NSELA leadership community.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Successful partnerships between formal and informal science institutions increase student and community engagement in STEM education; 2. Success stories include STEM ecosystems; and 3. The NSELA Learning Center provides resources and support for ongoing learning about formal and informal science partnerships.

SPEAKERS:
Larry Plank (Hillsborough County Public Schools: Tampa, FL)

3-2-1 Lift-Off! NASA’s Beginning Engineering Science and Technology (BEST) Curriculum

Friday, December 10 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 501



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NASA 3..2..1..BEST presentation files
This is a link to my BEST collection of resources including the PowerPoint used for the 3...2...1... Lift-Off NASA's BEST Curriculum

Show Details

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

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn about and use the engineering design process to build and perform a drop test of a satellite using NASA’s BEST activities; 2. learn how to integrate the process skills of measuring, calculating, designing, and evaluating while teaching the engineering design process; and 3. make real-life connections to how NASA engineers use the engineering design process and work as teams to accomplish their mission goals.

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

NMLSTA-Sponsored Session: Oil Spills and Dust Bowls

Friday, December 10 • 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 501



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Dust Bowl Event Cards.docx
Dust Bowls and Oil Spills Activity.docx
Oil Spills and Dust Bowls Images.docx
Oil Spills and Dust Bowls.pdf

Show Details

The Dust Bowl and oil spills and disasters. What do they have in common? Engage in hands-on activities that investigate the interaction of Earth’s four spheres.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Scientists from various disciplines work together to solve problems; 2. Earth’s atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere are constantly interacting with one another; and 3. Human interaction with Earth’s systems may be detrimental with long-term effects.

SPEAKERS:
Liz Martinez (Curriculum/Professional Development: Escondido, CA)

From the Sea to Your Seat—No Beach Needed!

Saturday, December 11 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 504



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
From the Sea to Your Seat - Resource Links.docx
Website links to the pages covered in the session.

Show Details

No-mess dissections! Shark feedings! Find out how Cabrillo Marine Aquarium can bring these and more to your class through our online programming!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium can be a valuable resource to educators beyond our immediate area; 2. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium provides a wide array of freely available online content for educators; and 3. Online materials can enhance classroom learning.

SPEAKERS:
Carl Carranza (Cabrillo Marine Aquarium: San Pedro, CA)

Nurture Through Nature: How Teachers Stumbled Their Way into Building the Most Innovative School Club in the Country

Saturday, December 11 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 504



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Curriculum Unit Video 1
Curriculum Unit Video 10
Curriculum Unit Video 10
Curriculum Unit Video 11
Curriculum Unit Video 2
Curriculum Unit Video 3
Curriculum Unit Video 4
Curriculum Unit Video 5
Curriculum Unit Video 6
Curriculum Unit Video 7
Curriculum Unit Video 7
Curriculum Unit Video 8
Curriculum Unit Video 9
Immersive Curriculum Unit
NSTA LA.pptx

Show Details

Want to get your students outside enjoying nature and taking an active interest in improving the world around us, but don’t know where to start and how to sustain it? Join in for strategies to encourage critical thinking about environmental issues, methods to help students gain awareness of everyday resources and uses, budgeting and funding procedures, and ways to meet multiple subject areas. Empower your students to become part of the solution!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Critical thinking about environmental issues methods to help students gain awareness of everyday resources and uses; and 2. Ways to meet multiple subject areas.

SPEAKERS:
Dawn Chehab (Millennia Gardens Elementary School: Orlando, FL), John Martinez (Millennia Gardens Elementary School: Orlando, FL)

Leading Conversations Around Identity, Race, Belonging, and Bias in STEM Spaces

Saturday, December 11 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 505


Show Details

Join the UCLA Science Project as we explore structures and formats for science leaders looking to engage teachers around social justice in STEM classrooms.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Co-construct a learning experience centered around inclusion and belonging within school site meetings; 2. Recognize how our identities and lived experiences impact our approaches to science education and leadership; and 3. Establish space and culture that sustains conversations around equity issues.

SPEAKERS:
Leticia Perez (WestEd: Alameda, CA), Zachary Cue (UCLA STEM+C3 and Science Project)

NASA’s Scale of Discovery and the Solar System Scroll

Saturday, December 11 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 502B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NASA's Scale of Discovery & Solar System Scroll activity files
This link will take you to my collection of NASA's Scale of Discovery & Solar System Scroll activity files including the powerpoint used in my NSTA 2021 session.

STRAND: Integrating Multiple Learning Experiences and Connecting to Move Forward

Show Details

Let’s make a pocket 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 (ESS1, ESS2); 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 takes unique NASA content, places it in context within the curriculum, and makes applications beyond the solar system that include scientific inquiry and scientific discovery while using mathematics to show proportions and relate to the overall structure of our solar system (ETS2).

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

Creating and Maintaining an Equitable Science Classroom

Saturday, December 11 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 408B


STRAND: Developing More Inclusive Classrooms

Show Details

STEM classrooms should establish a welcoming environment in which all individuals can use their cultural knowledge and practices to make sense of the world.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. A shared understanding of equity and social justice in science classrooms and STEM communities; 2. Approaches to identify and honor student-lived experiences and cultures; and 3. Challenge conventional notions of what counts as science.

SPEAKERS:
Jon Kovach (UCLA Science Project: Los Angeles, CA)

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

Saturday, December 11 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 511


Show Details

Connect place-based phenomena with concepts and language of the disciplines through collaborative storytelling while strengthening students' language skills and digital literacies.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Support grade-specific state standards using phenomena found in plain view of the classrooms; 2. Identify picture books that support these phenomena and develop concept appropriate vocabulary; and 3. Build digital collaboration, design, and citizenship skills that support literacy.

SPEAKERS:
Morris McCormick (Arminta Street Elementary School: North Hollywood, CA)

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