2021 Los Angeles Area Conference

December 9-11, 2021

Grade Level


Topics

















Strands







Session Type





Pathway/Course

FILTERS APPLIED:9 - 12, Successful Collaborations Between Informal and Formal Educators, Environmental Science

 

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

Video-Based Curriculum from the Switch Energy Alliance: Energy Decisions for a Sustainable Future

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 507



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Energizing Your Energy curriculum.pptx
Switch Energizing Your Energy Curriculum Handout.pdf

Show Details

Discover Switch Classroom, a free, online, objective curriculum about energy use and nonrenewable and renewable resources centered on AP Environmental Science and NGSS Energy standards.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore Switch Energy Alliance resources, including Switch Classroom, energy videos, and full-length documentaries. The Switch Classroom curriculum covers six units of comprehensive lessons detailing renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, energy production fundamentals, and how energy decisions are made; 2. Learn how to set up your own class using Switch Classroom, creating a customized energy unit for your students that includes video and your choice of activities that include multiple-choice quizzes, critical-thinking writing and diagramming, and lab and math-based calculation activities; and 3. Increase your students' ability and skills to explain concepts, analyze visual representations, and propose solutions to complex energy decisions in a nonpartisan and objective manner.

SPEAKERS:
Leslie Horne (New Market Junior/Senior High School: Newmarket, NH), James Corboy (Long Beach Unified School District: Signal Hill, CA)

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)

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 (University of South Florida: Tampa, FL)

Supporting Three-Dimensional Learning Through Model-Based Inquiry Units and Resources

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 514



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
MBI presentation
This is a PDF of the presentation from this session.
MBI website
The website includes the template, examples, useful phenomena, and support pages.

STRAND: Integrating Multiple Learning Experiences and Connecting to Move Forward

Show Details

We will introduce a collection of units and resources to help teachers engage students in three-dimensional learning through model-based inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to utilize modeling across entire units of instruction; 2. Ways to anchor student learning in authentic phenomena; and 3. How to use public records to keep track of student ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Ron Gray (Northern Arizona University: Flagstaff, AZ)

A STEM Ice Core Investigation That Integrates the Three Dimensions of NGSS

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 502A



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Additional resources for the Ice Core Records investigation
Ice Core Records NGSS.pdf

Show Details

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

Fueling Success with Students—Win Up to $10K for You and Up to $15K for Your Classroom

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 513



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Instructional Method and Teaching Philosophy questions
Shell Programs flyer
Shell Programs presentation
Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge

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:
Amanda Upton (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Ruth Ruud (Cleveland State University: Cleveland, OH)

Polishing Students’ Argumentation Skills: Using Discussion Diamonds to Support Discourse and Evidence-Based Writing

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 506



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Discussion Diamond Handouts.docx
Discussion Diamonds Presentation.pptx
Slip or Trip.pdf

Show Details

Experience how the discussion diamond protocol can help support students’ argumentation skills and Claim-Evidence-Reasoning writing through peer discourse.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Student discourse can be used to support the development of students’ argumentation skills; 2. The discussion diamond protocol provides students with a structure to build scientific arguments based on evidence and reasoning in collaboration with their peers; and 3. The discussion diamond protocol is a versatile tool that can be adapted for students at different skill levels and in various subjects.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Ciccarello (Beverly Hills High School: Beverly Hills, 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 (University of South Florida: Tampa, FL)

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)

Local Phenomenon-Based Projects

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 406B


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: AEOP

Come learn about using community-based phenomena as the basis for long-term STEM projects.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to intergrade local phenomena into STEM projects; 2. Using eCYBERMISSION in your middle school science classroom; and 3. How to better engage middle school students with local problems.

SPEAKERS:
Sue Whitsett (Retired: Arlington, VA)

Who Is Baby Whale’s Father? DNA Fingerprinting Solves the Mystery!

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 409B


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Develop an understanding of gel electrophoresis and environmental science principles while helping a whale calf identify which whale is her father.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how the MiniOne Electrophoresis System has made teaching DNA separation labs more teacher and student friendly; 2. See how you can affordably teach genetics labs that allow students to take ownership of every step from prep to analysis; and 3. Learn how hands-on labs can inspire students with real-world inquiry-based science.

SPEAKERS:
Callen Hyland (Embi Tec: San Diego, CA)

Modeling Stellar Evolution Using NASA Images, Data, and STEM Analysis Tools

Friday, December 10 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 507



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Cosmic Connections Webquest 2.pdf
Cosmic Connections Webquest 1.pdf
https://chandra.si.edu/edu/
Modeling Stellar Evolution.pdf

Show Details

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

Plastic Waste and Mental Health: How Young People Build on Informal Learning to Make Change in Their School and Communities

Friday, December 10 • 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 505



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
OPEN MIND Studio - Icebreakers
OPEN MIND Studio - Sticky Note Activity, Final Projects

STRAND: Successful Collaborations Between Informal and Formal Educators

Show Details

We’ll unpack examples of young people learning across different settings, showing how formal and informal educators can collaborate to support science engagement and community involvement.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Young people bring their learning across settings, making connections between the practices and activities they do in informal and formal spaces; 2. When educators partner and coordinate experiences across settings, they can better support young peoples’ learning pathways, identity development, and promote community involvement; and 3. This session will offer examples of how young people have brought their learning and made connections across settings, which will highlight opportunities for educators to design better partnerships in the future to support young people in the future.

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

BIOZONE Showcases Latest Titles: Print and Digital

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 406B


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: BIOZONE International Ltd.

Hear about our superb new resources to support AP Biology, AP Environmental science, plus NGSS programs for biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth and space sciences.

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:
Scott Schultz (BIOZONE Corp.: Parker, CO)

Beyond Labz: Realistic Virtual Labs That Bridge the Gap Between Real Labs and Scientific Inquiry

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 407


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Beyond Labz

Built on a platform developed over 20 years, Beyond Labz creates an open-ended environment providing students the opportunity to experiment, practice, fail, discover, and learn.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Beyond Labz simplifies and reduces the cost and expertise needed to provide crucial laboratory experiences and practice for secondary and higher ed students; 2. Attendees will learn how the labs are used for pre- and post-lab experiences, credit recovery and lab make-up, student engagement in class, and meeting NGSS standards; and 3. Basic onboarding and startup instructions will be provided for drop-in solutions, and instructions for using some of the more sophisticated features will also be described.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Woodfield (Brigham Young University: Provo, UT)

Increasing Engagement in the High School Science Classroom Using Sensemaking

Friday, December 10 • 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 506


Show Details

The NSTA High School Committee will share strategies used in their classrooms to help students wonder about science, ask questions, be engaged, and develop ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learning and sharing engagement strategies for the high school classroom; 2. Learning about sensemaking at the high school level; and 3. Using NSTA's Daily Do's in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Brenda Walsh (Eden Prairie High School: Eden Prairie, MN)

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)

Making Student Thinking Visible: Developing and Using Models in Instruction and Assessment

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 511



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Modeling NSTA LA 2021.pdf

Show Details

We will explore how students can use modeling and linked practices to engage with phenomena. Participants will take home a goody bag and lesson plans.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. We will demonstrate how students can use modeling, argumentative writing, and data analysis to explain different scientific phenomena throughout Earth and space sciences, life science, and physical sciences; 2. Participants will have the opportunity to build and revise three different kinds of models during the session as learners, and then reflect on how to use the same strategies with their students; and 3. Everyone will engage with different modeling scaffolds that increase inclusion and link the practice of modeling to others such as arguing from evidence, analyzing and interpreting data, and obtaining, evaluating and communicating information.

SPEAKERS:
James Clark (Director: Pleasanton, CA), Samantha Johnson (Arroyo High School: San Lorenzo, CA)

You 👏🏻  Better 👏🏻  Work 👏🏻—From Modeling to SuperModeling

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 153A/B


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Co.

From concrete to abstract—encourage students to revise working models to become “supermodels.” Join us for a hands-on activity and leave with tools for your grade level.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Gaining a better understanding of various types of models; 2. Using models to create an inclusive environment; and 3. Improving models as a means to authentically assess.

SPEAKERS:
Julia Cook (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ), Ruperto Gloria (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ)

Using Environmental Solutions as a Lens for Teaching Science and Engineering

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 406B


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Green Ninja

The workshop will introduce and provide examples for a project-based framework that integrates climate science topics and themes with all the science disciplines, including engineering and computer science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. get the opportunity to reflect on the framework and model presented and share their own experience with other participants; 2. get the opportunity to develop a storyline and sequence of lessons that blend together multiple science NGSS standards using a project-based approach; and 3. get to review and discuss the work of other colleagues during the session.

SPEAKERS:
Eugene Cordero (Green Ninja: Mountain View, CA)

Infusing Your STEM Curriculum with Real-World Connections

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

Los Angeles Convention Center - 505



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Infusing Your STEM Curriculum with Real World Connections

STRAND: Integrating Multiple Learning Experiences and Connecting to Move Forward

Show Details

Discover how students may use their mobile devices to document “science in action,” anytime, anywhere, in this unique intersection between socratic questioning and place-based learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
How students may use their mobile devices: 1. to demonstrate their knowledge of scientific concepts in a real-world context; 2. connect this real-world context to crosscutting concepts; and 3. explore how this learning model may be used to support service learning in the science curriculum.

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

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)

Mathematics and Computational Thinking Using Authentic Data and Practices

Saturday, December 11 • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 502B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA LA 2021 Mathematical and Computational Thinking.pdf

Show Details

Start highlighting the practice of mathematics and computational thinking! We’ll utilize resources that allow students to engage in traditional and less traditional ways.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Participants will engage as learners in different levels of mathematical representations, all of which emphasize how to make the practice more inclusive of all students; 2. Everyone will leave being able to demonstrate at least three different ways to mathematically represent authentic data; and 3. Participants will look critically at how to scaffold different graphical texts for student analysis.

SPEAKERS:
James Clark (Director: Pleasanton, CA), Samantha Johnson (Arroyo High School: San Lorenzo, CA)

Featured Presentation: Fostering Joy: Designing Science Learning Around Climate Justice and Action

Saturday, December 11 • 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM

Los Angeles Convention Center - 515A


Show Details

The intersections of climate, justice, and science learning offer a multitude of challenges and opportunities. As we look forward to our shared future, there is a growing understanding for the need to accelerate just climate action in mitigation of fossil fuel emissions and climate change adaptation efforts. However, not all of the choices we make will foster justice and not all decision-making practices on how to act are foundationally equitable in nature. To ensure our communities, particularly our youth, are equipped and inspired to engage in just climate action, we need to design learning that crosses historic boundaries, shifts power dynamics, and engages all involved in transformative experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Deb Morrison (University of Washington)

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