2021 Los Angeles Area Conference

December 9-11, 2021

Grade Level


Topics

















Strands







Session Type





Pathway/Course

FILTERS APPLIED:Hands-On Workshop, Developing More Inclusive Classrooms, Engineering

 

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

Does Black English Stand Between Black Students and Success in Science?

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 404


Show Details

Discussion centers on tools to properly analyze Black students’ scientific work to determine if the misconceptions and misunderstandings are a learning issue or language issue. This workshop focuses on the use of language to reduce the ethnic achievement gap in science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Analyzing students’ work from a linguistic lens; 2. Recognizing biases when it comes to student language; and 3. Pushing Black students academically forward without making them feel torn between two language worlds.

SPEAKERS:
Jonte' Lee (Whittier Elementary: Kansas City, 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)

ASEE Session: Coding in an Elementary School

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 405



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Coding in an Elementary School.pdf
https://bit.ly/3DEc0Oy

Show Details

Let's teach students, teachers, and families how to code. Learn how to promote creativity, problem solving, higher-order thinking, and digital literacy in your classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will: 1. learn to incorporate unplugged activities; 2. gain skills to integrate coding into their classroom using multiple platforms; and learn how to involve families during Hour of Code Event.

SPEAKERS:
Gabriela Arroyo (Santa Monica Boulevard Community Charter School: Los Angeles, CA), Jennifer Nishimoto (Santa Monica Boulevard Community Charter School: Los Angeles, CA)

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 (University of Washington), Abby Rhinehart (University of Washington: Seattle, WA)

Develop Engaged, Future-Ready Science Learners

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 408B


Show Details

Attendees will actively engage with innovative, technology-rich tools while learning strategies to teach data collection and analysis, engineering design processes, coding, and robotics. Discover engaging ways to apply coding to make devices “work,” adding rigor and complexity as learners gain skills and understanding.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to: 1. design accessible, equitable hands-on learning experiences, in which ALL students actively participate and engage with innovative technology tools, helping students learn essential science concepts, engineering processes, and learn how to collaborate with peers to increase understanding; 2. teach authentic data collection and analysis, so that students can learn how to explore and test variables and measure and analyze their effects; and 3. use programmable technology tools and devices as effective teaching tools, helping students learn how to input code to achieve a desirable outcome, and how to analyze, diagnose, and correct the code when the device doesn’t perform as intended.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Knoell (self: Shawnee Mission, KS)

Synthetic Biology: The Intersection of Biology, Engineering, and Computer Science

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 505



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Presentation
Synthetic biology resources
List of resources for synthetic biology with links to curricula, books, videos, journal articles

Show Details

Participants will combine engineering and biology as they work through a free activity from a no-cost introductory curriculum on the emerging field of Synthetic Biology.

TAKEAWAYS:
Looking for free resources and innovative ways to introduce engineering into K–12 classrooms? American Society for Engineering Education’s (ASEE) pre-college division will share them!

SPEAKERS:
Leonardo Morsut (University of Southern California: Los Angeles, CA), Wendy Wooten (Reseda Charter High School: Reseda, CA)

Build a Probe to Stimulate Muscle Movement

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 503



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Build a Probe to Stimulate Muscle Movement - LA Conference Paper.docx
Paper related to "Build a probe to stimulate muscle movement.
Build a Probe to Stimulate Muscle Movement.pdf
PowerPoint related to "Build a Probe to Stimulate Muscle Movement" as a PDF
Template for Constructing Muscle Stimulator.pdf
Template to parts list layout for "Build a Probe to Stimulate Muscle Movement"

Show Details

This workshop provides participants with materials to construct a probe that can safely stimulate muscle movements in the arms and hands to build understanding of the nervous system’s interactions with the muscular skeletal systems.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How the nerves utilize electrochemical energy to create muscle movements; 2. How muscles when stimulated can move limbs; and 3. How to repurpose and utilize a TENS unit to demonstrate interactions of the neural and muscular skeletal systems.

SPEAKERS:
Mark Malone (University of Colorado at Colorado Springs: Colorado Springs, CO)

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/Assessment: Escondido, CA)

Engineering for STEM Literacy in Support of Workforce Readiness—Presented by Teacher Fellows from the 2020–2021 Northrop Grumman Foundation Teachers Academy

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 505



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Engineering Literacy in Support of Workforce Readiness.pdf

STRAND: Integrating Multiple Learning Experiences and Connecting to Move Forward

Show Details

Come experience quality engineering lessons inspired by externships with engineers that require students to acquire and use elements of disciplinary core ideas (DCIs) from physical, life, or Earth and space sciences together with elements of DCIs from engineering design to solve problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Experience how to create an authentic need to integrate science and engineering ideas to solve an authentic problem, making the interdependence of science and engineering explicit; 2. Explore examples of engineering lessons that provide access for all students that are grounded in sensemaking; and 3. Discuss what it means to be career ready and the skills that are inherent in three-dimensional learning as espoused by NGSS and the K–12 Framework for Science Education.

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

Welcome to the Inquiry Zone!

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 506


Show Details

Elementary teachers can become comfortable teaching science without "adding to their plate." Our strategies have led to a natural approach to cross-curricular instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn: 1. an approach to decrease the load or stress for elementary teachers to help them feel more comfortable implementing inquiry; 2. how literacy is foundational to a robust cross-curricular science inquiry approach; and 3. an approach to help students "think like a scientist."

SPEAKERS:
Douglas Hunnings (Elkhart Community Schools: Elkhart, IN), John Taylor (Marvin Ridge High School: No City, No State)

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)

Getting Students to Read in Science

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 502B


STRAND: Literacy/Science Connections in the Classroom

Show Details

Reading should not be limited to English courses. Leave with strategies on how to motivate students to explore science through scientific novels. Review three years of qualitative data on how novels increased  literacy, scientific fluency, scientific connectivity, and college preparation in a marine biology course.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teahers will: 1. learn how to use articles to make their content more applicable to the lives of the students; 2. receive strategies on how to get students to read more scientific articles; and 3. receive resources on selecting grade-appropriate scientific articles.

SPEAKERS:
Jonte' Lee (Whittier Elementary: Kansas City, KS)

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/Assessment: Escondido, CA)

Teaching Science Standards Through Coding

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 502B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
CYBER.ORG
Check out the amazing work and free resources from CYBER.ORG!
Power Point File
Register for Free Content
CYBER.ORG is grant funded through the Department of Homeland Security and provides free resources and professional development to teachers in the United States.

Show Details

Learn how to reach the three-dimensional science standards in your classroom through hands-on coding with the BBC micro:bit and free online Microsoft MakeCode simulator.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. gain personal hands-on experience using a BBC micro:bit to teach the Next Generation Science Standards; 2. learn how to teach problem solving through coding at an age-appropriate level with tips and pointers from presenters who each have over 10 years' experience in the elementary classroom; and 3. walk away with a free sample lesson from CYBER.ORG that includes the corresponding Next Generation Science Standards for the upper elementary classroom.

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

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)

Inclusive Science Assessments: Supporting and Designing Equitable Formative Assessments to Build on Learners’ Interests and Knowledge

Saturday, December 11 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 408B


STRAND: Developing More Inclusive Classrooms

Show Details

Learn how to integrate the cultural resources your students bring to class with your science teaching and learning. Come explore equity-based cultural formative assessments.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Resources for instructional leaders and educators to support and create meaningful connections between classroom science concepts and the application of those ideas in everyday situations; 2. Discussion of the implementation of these tools and resources in dynamic school environments; and 3. The strategies presented in this workshop can be used with any curricula, at any grade level, and in all subjects of science and engineering.

SPEAKERS:
Deb Morrison (University of Washington)

Come Explore NGSS Design

Saturday, December 11 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 511



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
_Design a Planet LA 2021(Earth Systems).pdf

STRAND: Integrating Multiple Learning Experiences and Connecting to Move Forward

Show Details

See what NGSS looks like in the classroom by building a water filter and learning about the hydrosphere and atmosphere.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Lesson design using 5E + T ; 2. Resources, tools, and apps; and 3. Engineering a water filter that you take back to school.

SPEAKERS:
Maddalena Stodart (Mitchell Community School: Canyon Country, CA), Annette Licata (Tracy Elementary School: Baldwin Park, CA)

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)

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