The present study identified important features of engineering by eliciting experts’ opinions. The features of engineering could help teachers develop disciplinary knowledge for engineering.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The important features of engineering for K–12 engineering education; 2. Learn about engineering design activities; and 3. Learn about what professional engineers think is important about learning engineering.

SPEAKERS:
Ezgi Yesilyurt (Weber State University: Ogden, UT), Hasan Deniz (University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Las Vegas, NV), Erdogan Kaya (George Mason University: Fairfax, VA)

NITARP (NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program) gets teachers involved in authentic astronomical research. Small groups of mostly high school educators work with professional astronomers for an original research project.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. A clear understanding of the application process to apply for a NITARP opportunity; 2. An idea of the research experience of a participant involved in this astronomy experience; and 3. An awareness of the vast astronomy resources (images and astronomy programs) available for free to educators and their students.

SPEAKERS:
John Taylor (Marvin Ridge High School: FORT MILL, SC)

To address the impacts of the pandemic on K–12 education, Congress has made emergency funds available through the American Rescue Plan Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund. In this session for educators and science leaders at the district and school levels, we will discuss how these federal funds can be leveraged to support science education, students, and
teachers, and review the products and services NSTA has available to address learning loss.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Information on federal funding for pandemic relief for K–12 education; 2. How this federal funding can be used for science education; and 3. NSTA products and services that address learning loss.

SPEAKERS:
Erika Shugart (NSTA: Rockville, MD)

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 (University of South Florida: Tampa, FL)

Use innovative video-assisted STEM activities, demonstrations, award-winning videos, and behind-the-crash-tests tours to teach the science of car crashes. Free lesson plans included. Visit  Classroom.IIHS.org  for more information.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participant will learn: 1. how to access inquiry-based activities and video-supported experiences integrating STEM concepts with vehicle crashworthiness and crash avoidance technologies; 2. how scientists and engineers use technology (crash dummies, crash tests, crash avoidance testing) at a vehicle research center to measure and evaluate vehicle safety systems; and 3. how to incorporate technology-enhanced STEM design challenges (Project Pedestrian Sensors and Egg-Carrying Paper Car Crash) into their curriculum to promote student awareness and understanding of how engineering and technology are used to build safer vehicles.

SPEAKERS:
Griff Jones (University of Florida: Newberry, FL)

Come discover a multidisciplinary, open-ended investigation that incorporates absolute and relative dating, anomalies, historical context, volcanoes, solar proton events, energy cycles, Earth systems, terrestrial events, and supernovas.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Students will have a better understanding of the process of constructing knowledge; 2. Students will have to analyze and defend their results; and 3. Sometimes there is no answer key, only possible solutions from constructing and analyzing data from several sources that cross traditional disciplines.

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

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:
Amanda Upton (NSTA: Fresno, TX), Ruth Ruud (Cleveland State University: Venice, FL)

Join us as we explore how NOAA Teacher at Sea can bring stimulating ocean science content to the classroom through a wide range of technology and media applications.

TAKEAWAYS:
NOAA Teacher at Sea provides numerous cutting-edge strategies to make ocean science accessible to students such as Google Cardboard and various VR applications to utilizing NOAA Teacher at Sea’s rich ocean science resources.

SPEAKERS:
Spencer Cody (Edmunds Central School District: Roscoe, SD)

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 (University of South Florida: Tampa, FL)

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 providing possibilities—not definitive answers, as the data can be interpreted differently; and 3. Image analysis software tools allow scientists to gain detailed information of stellar physical and chemical processes and constantly refine our evolving models of stellar evolution.

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

This presentation gives an overview of a professional development program for inservice teachers designed to provide content knowledge and pedagogical strategies for engaging high school students from traditionally underrepresented groups in computer science.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Professional development for inservice teachers; Culturally relevant teaching strategies in the STEM classroom; and 3. Broadening participation in STEM for traditionally underrepresented populations.

SPEAKERS:
Melody Russell (Auburn University: Auburn University, AL), Mohammed Qazi (Tuskegee University: Tuskegee Institute, AL), David Shannon (Auburn University: Auburn University, AL), Jared Russell (Auburn University: Auburn University, AL), Jeff Gray (The University of Alabama: Tuscaloosa, AL), Misty Thomas (Auburn University: Auburn University, AL)

It is time to adjust STEM lessons to students of any background and ability. Instead of asking students to adapt to their teacher, it is time for teachers to use their lesson as a way to adapt to their students. Walk away with tips on how to adapt your classroom to your students and their needs, including how to vary lessons on the spot.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Help creating more inclusive and diverse classrooms; 2. Tips on how to engage all students while meeting individual needs; and 3. Controlling the transitional times within your classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Cody Stoll (Academy for Urban Scholars High School: Youngstown, OH)

Discover how students build 21st-century skills by serving as project managers and conference planners for student-led virtual STEM conferences.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore unique learning and leadership opportunities for students in STEM; 2. Review and discuss unique student-designed and student-led projects, including the STEMxYouth Summit and the Youth Climate Conference; and 3. Hear from the student coordinators as they share their experiences as project managers.

SPEAKERS:
Eric Walters (Marymount School of New York: Staten Island, NY)