2021 National Harbor Area Conference

November 11-13, 2021

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

Smashing Classrooms Walls Through Virtual Events

Thursday, November 11 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 3


STRAND: Innovating the Future of Education: Technology and Science Education

Show Details

Take your students beyond your classroom walls through virtual speakers and field trips with those on the front lines of science, exploration, and conservation.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover the benefits of bringing exciting scientists, explorers, and conservationists live into your classroom through virtual guest speakers and field trips; 2. Explore how easy it is to do with exciting resources like Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants, Explorer Classroom, Google, and more; and 3. What to do before, during, and afterwards so your students get the most from these experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Joe Grabowski (Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants: Elora, ON)

Breaking Down the Three Dimensions: Dissecting and Modeling NGSS-Focused Lessons for Grades 6–8

Thursday, November 11 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 4


Show Details

Participants will dissect completed three-dimensional lessons written to NGSS standards for grades 6–8 in order to identify and apply each of the dimensions.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. NGSS Performance Expectations can serve as a helpful guide and tool when developing 3D lessons 2. By exploring completed 3D lessons we can build competency in developing our own 3. Inquiry based learning is an excellent way to ensure we are utilizing NGSS 3D Standards

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Ellis (Argyle Middle School: Silver Spring, MD), Amy Levine (Silver Spring International Middle School: Silver Spring, MD)

Science At Home: Bridging the Gap

Thursday, November 11 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 7


Show Details

Looking for ways to connect what students learn at school with their home learning environment? This session will provide participants with many overarching hands-on science lessons that integrate the science and engineering practices and can easily be completed at home or school. Materials are cheap and easily accessible for parents/teachers.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Overarching science concepts at each grade band; 2. Connecting hands-on science activities to at-home learning; and 3. Creating at-home lesson templates.

SPEAKERS:
Amber Cobb (Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative: Branch, AR)

Let's Get Middle School Students Interested in Climate Change!

Thursday, November 11 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 7


STRAND: Integrating Multiple Learning Experiences and Connecting to Move Forward

Show Details

Are you interested in climate change lessons to engage students? Discover activity-filled lessons that explore natural cycles and what can be learned from proxies.

TAKEAWAYS:
1) Participants will engage in activities that involve natural cycles including sun cycle and the Carbon Cycle. 2) Participants will explore a variety of proxies and what information we can learn from them about Earth’s history. 3) Participants will explore Earth’s seasons and their effect on climate.

SPEAKERS:
Kathleen Brooks (CREC: No City, No State), Karin Jakubowski (eesmarts: No City, No State)

What Do I Do with This? Making Sense of Your Assessment Data

Thursday, November 11 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 6



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Session Resource Document Form
Access resource document for the session through this form. The Resource Document has links to all activities and will include a link to the slide deck following the workshop.

STRAND: Sharing Authentic Assessment Strategies

Show Details

We are awash in assessment data, but often it’s overwhelming to make sense of it. Come learn tips and strategies for wrangling data.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore new ways to organize data collection and raw data to aid in exploring the data for stories after it is collected; 2. Acquire skills in tying questions, data types, and data visualizations to enhance your ability to make sense of the assessment data; and 3. Identify next steps to better utilize and leverage your assessment data to help you measure students’ success and know what steps to consider next.

SPEAKERS:
Kristin Hunter-Thomson (Dataspire Education & Evaluation, LLC)

Phenomenon-Based, Literacy-Rich Learning Using Digitized Museum Objects

Thursday, November 11 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Woodrow Wilson D


STRAND: Literacy/Science Connections in the Classroom

Show Details

Engage with Research Quest, free, online, NGSS-focused, phenomenon-based investigations that use authentic museum objects and research to build students' literacy, critical-thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will: 1. experience an exemplar set of free resources that successfully integrate NGSS and ELA standards to provide students with meaningful, self-directed learning; 2. recognize that providing students with opportunities to research phenomenon-based problems professional scientists devote their careers to using the collections and data they build new knowledge from can empower students to better understand the enterprise of science, the natural world, and the natural history of our world—while building their literacy and critical-thinking skills; and 3. understand that creating opportunities to make critical thinking visible is an essential scaffold necessary to support student efficacy with problem-finding and problem-solving.

SPEAKERS:
Madlyn Larson (Natural History Museum of Utah: Salt Lake City, UT)

NSTA Press Session: Argument-Driven Inquiry as a Way to Bring Three-Dimensional Instruction to Your Classroom

Thursday, November 11 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 4


Show Details

Argument-Driven Inquiry is an instructional model that gives students an opportunity to learn how to use DCIs, CCs, and SEPs to explain natural phenomena and creates a learning environment where students are able to talk, read, and write in the service of sensemaking.

TAKEAWAYS:
• How to use this instructional model, or way of teaching, to give students an opportunity to learn how to use the DCIs, CCs, and SEPs to make sense of natural phenomena. • How to give students an opportunity to use their own ideas and ways of communicating to talk, read, and write in the service of sense-making • How to give students more opportunities to decide what counts as valid and acceptable and develop new criteria for what counts evidence in science.

SPEAKERS:
Todd Hutner (The University of Alabama: Del Valle, TX)

Moving Beyond the Bold Words: Meaningful Language Development Through Science and Engineering Practices

Thursday, November 11 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Woodrow Wilson C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices
STEM Teaching Tool Sharing and Building on Each Others’ Ideas

STRAND: Developing More Inclusive Classrooms

Show Details

This workshop focuses on how high-quality instructional materials designed for the NGSS provide for language skills to be developed by all students, including emerging multilingual students, by engaging in Science and Engineering Practices.

TAKEAWAYS:
(1) By engaging with content first before learning science-specific vocabulary, students of varying language proficiencies are provided with an opportunity to express their ideas using the language they have. (2) Implementing meaningful student discourse in the science classroom can shift the focus on science and engineering practices and away from academic vocabulary. (3) Strategies that support emerging multilingual learners actually support all learners in developing proficiency in the science and engineering practices.

SPEAKERS:
Neelo Soltanzadeh (WestEd: San Francisco, CA)

Pop Culture's Relevancy in Authentically Assessing Students

Thursday, November 11 • 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake I



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Pop Culture’s Relevancy in Authentically Assessing Students

STRAND: Sharing Authentic Assessment Strategies

Show Details

Using pop culture references creates relevant opportunities for teachers to authentically assess students' ability to design/speculate models to revitalize endangered species and vulnerable ecosystems.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn about the intersection between project-based learning, anchoring phenomena and authentic assessments Learn about a model that uses pop culture to create anchoring phenomena and opportunities for authentic assessments Collaboratively identify examples of pop culture that can be used as anchoring phenomena and/or authentic assessment and link them with NGSS standards

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Chambers (The Siena School: Silver Spring, MD)

STEM Education | Space Station Explorers | ISS National Lab

Thursday, November 11 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Annapolis 2


Show Details

Discover ideas, curricula, and lessons/activities from the Space Station Explorers Program. They inspire curiosity, develop skills, and promote learning in scientific, mathematical, life science, and Earth science spheres by engaging students with the International Space Station.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to access the ideas, curriculum, and lessons/activities of the Space Station Explorers Program How the program integrates appropriately and easily into the classroom (physically or virtually) as well as activities for learning at home. How to become a Space Station Explorer Ambassador

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Pore (Bishop O'Connell High School: Arlington, VA)

Teaching Human Ecology with Models and Simulation

Thursday, November 11 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 5


Show Details

Discover inquiry-based simulations and modeling activities that explore “Human Impacts” topics, including global land and water use, wildlife habitats, and interdependent relationships in ecosystems.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Participants will learn ways to incorporate modeling and simulation activities into classroom instruction around the topic of interdependent relationships in ecosystems. 2. Participants will learn ways to incorporate modeling and simulation activities into classroom instruction around the topic of human-environmental interactions. 3. Participants will be able to identify how the presented hands-on activities use 3-D learning strategies for middle grades science and how the activities can be used to reach all kinds of learners in the middle school classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Holmes (Carl Sandburg Middle School: Alexandria, VA)

Engaging Students in Online Science Investigations Using Digitized Museum Specimens

Thursday, November 11 • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 7


STRAND: Innovating the Future of Education: Technology and Science Education

Show Details

EPIC Bioscience are free, online investigations for NGSS middle school life science. Students collect and analyze data from digitized museum specimens to develop evidence-based arguments.

TAKEAWAYS:
Online science investigations can engage students in real-world issues, promote accurate data collection, and facilitate critical thinking and reflection. Digitized museum specimens increase student motivation during data collection and support understanding of data findings. Online data collection can facilitate accurate data collection and reduce barriers related to specimen access.

SPEAKERS:
Madlyn Larson (Natural History Museum of Utah: Salt Lake City, UT)

Historical Inquiry: A Three-Dimensional Approach to Teaching and Learning

Thursday, November 11 • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Woodrow Wilson D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Goodstein NSTA Presentation 211111.pptx
Presentation from Session

Show Details

Historical inquiry allows students to develop understanding by using scientific practices to trace the experiments that led to foundational core ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
--How to design experiences that allow students to trace the thinking that led to foundational scientific ideas --How to create performance-based assessments that allow students to transfer the scientific practices they have learned to novel situations --How to use historical inquiry to demonstrate that our understanding of science is evidence-based, and with different evidence, our conclusions must be different

SPEAKERS:
Josh Goodstein (Greene Street Friends School: Philadelphia, PA)

Partnering with NSTA to Reach Your Professional Learning Goals

Thursday, November 11 • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 8


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), Flavio Mendez (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

Cultivating a Culture of Argumentation in Your Classroom

Friday, November 12 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 7


STRAND: Integrating Multiple Learning Experiences and Connecting to Move Forward

Show Details

This session will model how to create purposeful, scaffolded PBL experiences that move students toward constructing explanations of natural phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
• Examine ways to engage students by using phenomena that directly connect to the core ideas. • Explore strategies that develop a culture where student thinking is valued • Examine practices that encourage students to defend their ideas or challenge their classmate’s ideas using evidence

SPEAKERS:
Zipporah Miller (Educational Consultant: Bowie, MD)

Bringing the Amazon to the Classroom with the Morpho Network

Friday, November 12 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 3


STRAND: Successful Collaborations Between Informal and Formal Educators

Show Details

Learn how to bring the Amazon to life in your classroom through learning from Indigenous community elders, entomologists, primatologists, ornithologists, other formal and informal educators.

TAKEAWAYS:
Educators will learn how to connect the Amazon to their classroom through engaging, thoughtful activities Develop an understanding of the Indigenous Tribe of the Maijuna people and how we can support them and their work Make connections with scientists in different fields of study to collaborate and engage students

SPEAKERS:
Kate Price (Moore Square Magnet Middle School: Raleigh, NC)

Injecting Viruses into the Curriculum

Friday, November 12 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Annapolis 4



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Materials List Link
Presentation and Materials Google Document

Show Details

Viruses are everywhere in our world! Engage students in a hands-on NGSS-focused engineering/modeling activity that challenges students to explore the world of viruses.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how: 1. to model virus-cell interactions using everyday household items; 2. to provide students an opportunity to explore the world of microbes and change variables as they engineer their models; and 3. viruses have positive and negative impacts on their local environment.

SPEAKERS:
Robert Ferrell (St. Georges Technical High School: Middletown, DE)

Incorporating Technology into Inquiry-Based Science Lessons

Friday, November 12 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Annapolis 3


Show Details

Content experts have developed processes for creating inquiry-based lessons. Participants will learn how to integrate technology in order to create engaging science lessons.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn the major components of inquiry-based science instruction. Participants will learn how to develop inquiry-based science lessons. Participants will learn how to incorporate technology into inquiry-based lessons to promote student engagement.

SPEAKERS:
Ann Williams-Brown (Houston County Schools: Perry, GA), Tonya Woolfolk (Houston County Schools: Perry, GA)

Forging Successful Collaborations Through Facilitative Instructional Coaching

Friday, November 12 • 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 14


Show Details

We present the EQuIPD coaching model used in establishing collaborations between teachers and coaches in a professional development to improve teaching practices and student outcome.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The attendees will learn how coaching can foster collaborations among teachers and coaches to effect improvement in teaching practices. 2. The attendees will reflect on their practices by engaging with a facilitative coaching method by EQuIPD experts. 3. The attendees will learn the critical features of the EQuIPD facilitative coaching model.

SPEAKERS:
Nancy Ruzycki (University of Florida: Gainesville, FL)

Game On! Gamify Your Classroom and Student Learning

Friday, November 12 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake D


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Legends of Learning

From unplugged to plugged-in game design, explore how games create an authentic learning experience in which students collaborate, communicate, and have fun in the process!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Use an innovative approach to game-based learning as a primary vehicle for science instruction; 2. Make lessons fun and accessible while encouraging students to take personal responsibility for their education; and 3. Create an equitable learning environment where students can progress at their own rate, allowing for differentiation based on student needs.

SPEAKERS:
Joselyn Whetzel (Legends of Learning: Laurel, MD), Joshua Goldberg (Legends of Learning: Laurel, MD)

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

Friday, November 12 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake F


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 start-up 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)

Exploring the Properties of Water and Cell Membranes

Friday, November 12 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 13


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Explore the properties of water and discover the structure and function of cell membranes with engaging models that allow students to drive their learning!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. learn how modeling the properties of water allows students to predict the structure of cell membranes; 2. use models to explain the structure and function of cell membranes, including the transport of molecules across the membrane; and 3. experience how the use of these models allows student thinking to become visible.

SPEAKERS:
Keri Shingleton (Holland Hall: Tulsa, OK)

Plants from Fish Poop: Exploring Classroom Aquaponics and Raising Trout

Friday, November 12 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 8



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Plants From Fish Poop Files on Google Drive
Slideshow, handouts, and examples to assist in raising fish.

STRAND: Integrating Multiple Learning Experiences and Connecting to Move Forward

Show Details

How does toxic ammonia from fish waste end up serving as a nitrogen source for plants? Attend this informative session to learn about aquaponics.

TAKEAWAYS:
How the nitrogen cycle influences both plant and fish health. How to use a modular design philosophy to allow students to innovate and create an aquaponics system in the classroom. How to incorporate Virginia's Trout in the Classroom program into your aquaponics system.

SPEAKERS:
Eric March (Browne Academy: Alexandria, VA), Kristen Oberhofer (Browne Academy: Alexandria, VA)

Collaborative Partnerships + Hands-On Activities = STEM Career Interest

Friday, November 12 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 6



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
BioNetwork STEM Outreach Website
If you want more information about what we do, or if you'd like to view our resources, please check this site out!

STRAND: Successful Collaborations Between Informal and Formal Educators

Show Details

Connect your school with local colleges and STEM employers using relevant, standards-based, hands-on activities that spark interest in science and STEM careers. Sample activity included.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to identify and reach out to potential community and industry partners How to build a program or event that meets the needs of all stakeholders Developing authentic learning experiences to impact student perspectives of locally available STEM careers

SPEAKERS:
Bethany Kenyon (BioNetwork: Greenville, NC)

Build Local Connections and a Global Perspective with eBird Citizen Science

Friday, November 12 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 5


Show Details

Connect to nature, explore biodiversity data, and build science practices with eBird citizen science. Use free apps to discover birds and beyond, wherever you are. Participants should bring their own device to this session.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will be able to: 1. use the Merlin bird ID app to identify birds and create a list of the most 10 common birds in their area, and to use the eBird citizen science app to submit a checklist of birds; 2. define citizen science and describe how it can help students develop data literacy, deepen understanding of biodiversity, uncover real-world patterns and trends, and support conservation efforts; and 3. name and access at least three freely available resources (such as apps, online interactives, videos, lesson plans, data visualizations, and projects) that are suitable to use in their classroom to diverse learners in citizen science.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Schaeffer (Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Ithaca, NY)

Twist and Shout:  Unraveling Chromosomes with Hands-On Models

Friday, November 12 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 13


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Mitosis, meiosis, chromosome structure, and crossing over will be explored in this hands-on modeling event. Bring your student hat and be ready to engage.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Model chromosome structure and anatomy; 2. Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis; and 3. Model mechanisms that contribute to genetic variation.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Williams (Shelter Island Union Free School District: Shelter Island, NY)

Ditch the Dish and Kick the Ice Bucket with Classroom-Friendly Bacterial Transformation!

Friday, November 12 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake E


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Reduce your prep and integrate technology to take the mess and stress out of transformation with the Let it Glow™ Bacterial Transformation MiniLab.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to: 1. reduce the mess and stress of bacterial transformation; 2. use a PCR System to perform transformation; and 3. use The Winston, The MiniOne PCR System, and gloTrays to replace ice buckets, heat baths, and petri dishes.

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

Easy Ways to Differentiate Science Curricula for Highly Able Learners

Friday, November 12 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 5


Show Details

This workshop explores a myriad of simple ways science classroom teachers can differentiate their lessons/units/curricula to meet the needs of highly able learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
Highly able leaners often require differentiation to achieve their full educational potential. There are simple strategies that can be employed to enrich the education of high achieving students without adding hours to a teacher’s workload. Using a variety of strategies, teachers can adapt their lessons, units, and projects to meet the needs of highly able learners.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Ellis (Argyle Middle School: Silver Spring, MD), Alaina Piek (Oklahoma Road Middle School: Sykesville, MD)

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

Friday, November 12 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Annapolis 1


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

Zombie Apocalypse!

Friday, November 12 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake D


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

Attendees will explore disease modeling through the use of ZOMBIES!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. This session will explore disease-spread modeling using fictional zombies; 2. Attendees will also see how using Hollywood themes combined with actual STEM careers can be a fun way to engage students in learning science and STEM; and 3. Attendees will find out about free science and STEM lessons from Texas Instruments.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Lukens (Retired Science Teacher: Sioux Falls, SD), Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD)

“Going with the Flow” of Genetic Information

Friday, November 12 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 13


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Model the cellular processes of DNA replication, transcription, and translation using manipulatives that support NGSS three dimensions, most notably the science and engineering practice of developing and using models.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. work together to practice model DNA replication as well as transcription and translation, while learning how this approach deepens student inquiry and understanding; 2. investigate how a mutation in DNA can result in a change in the protein produced; and 3. consider how this modeling approach to DNA function works well with phenomenon-driven lessons.

SPEAKERS:
Keri Shingleton (Holland Hall: Tulsa, OK)

NSTA Press Session: Ignite Your Professional Teaching Practice with NSTA’s Trilogy of Three-Dimensional Resources

Friday, November 12 • 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Annapolis 1


Show Details

Join us as we explore how NSTA’s three-dimensional resources can be utilized to enhance your teaching. Walk away with effective strategies for science teaching and learning and hear from educators as they provide tips for using these resources.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Hear from classroom teachers about how they are using NSTA Press publications; and 2. Leave with top-notch teaching tips and innovative lesson plan ideas that promote imaginative learning and student engagement.

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

CRISPR Cas9: A Powerful New Tool for Editing the Human Genome 

Friday, November 12 • 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 13


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Modeling CRISPR technology engages students in understanding the foundational concepts of molecular biology and biotechnology through two-dimensional and three-dimensional representations of the CRISPR/Cas9 protein.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Receive professional development in the endogenous CRISPR/Cas9 system and learn how it can be incorporated into your current biology curriculum; 2. Use models to investigate how the mechanism of the CRISPR/Cas9 system are used to edit genomes; and 3. Discuss the ethical issues related to using gene editing technology.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Williams (Shelter Island Union Free School District: Shelter Island, NY)

DNA Forensics Solves the Murder Mystery of Dr. Ward

Friday, November 12 • 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake E


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: MiniOne Systems

Using the MiniOne System, develop an understanding of forensic science and gel electrophoresis while investigating the mystery of who killed Dr. Ward.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn how you can use electrophoresis to teach real-world forensic science to students in grades 9–12; 2. See how the MiniOne System has significantly reduced prep work for teachers by allowing students to get hands on with every step of the lab process; and 3. Understand how electrophoresis can be engaging and lead students toward careers in STEM fields.

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

NASA Space Food and Nutrition

Saturday, November 13 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Woodrow Wilson C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NASA Space Food & Nutrition File Collection
Resources from conference presentation

STRAND: Integrating Multiple Learning Experiences and Connecting to Move Forward

Show Details

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

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore NASA STEM activities that investigate space food and nutrition for astronauts living on the Space Station. Construct sample space food menus to develop a better understanding of nutrition for human space exploration. 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)

Using Knowledge from a Unit of Study on Hudson River Ecology to Publish a Collaboratively Authored Book

Saturday, November 13 • 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 8



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://padlet.com/scienceforjustice/hudsonriverecologypresentation
Here is the padlet for the Hudson River Ecology presentation!
Hudson River Ecology Presentation
Here is the Hudson River Ecology presentation!

Show Details

Students conduct research throughout multiple parts of a unit of study on Hudson River Ecology. The authentic NGSS-focused assessments they produce throughout the unit are in service of a collaboratively authored book that the class creates about the Hudson River.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Develop authentic NGSS-focused assessments throughout a unit of study on Hudson River Ecology; 2. Teach students agency and independence as they create chapters for a collaboratively authored book; and 3. Structure a logically sequenced unit of study on Hudson River Ecology that facilitates student growth as scientific thinkers and learners.

SPEAKERS:
Brian Gordon (NYU Steinhardt School of Education: New York, NY)

Using Maggots, Flies, and Flesh to Solve a Mystery!

Saturday, November 13 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake D


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Texas Instruments

Attendees will explore a virtual decomposing corpse along with other clues to solve a mystery.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Data-assisted problem solving; 2. The science behind decomposition and variables that affect it; and 3. Storytelling is a powerful way to engage students into learning science concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Lukens (Retired Science Teacher: Sioux Falls, SD), Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD)

Folding and Molding: Hands-On Protein Structure

Saturday, November 13 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 13


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Explore the forces that determine protein shape by actively modeling protein structure! Then explore a particular class of proteins—enzymes—by playing with models.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Protein shape is determined by interactions between amino acids that are specifically ordered in the primary structure of proteins; 2. Protein shape is critical for proper functioning of the protein; and 3. Enzymes are a type of proteins that interact with their substrates in specific ways.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Avery (Pennsylvania College of Technology: Williamsport, PA)

NSTA Press Session: The NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions

Saturday, November 13 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Woodrow Wilson C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Atlas Pres for NSTA National Harbor November 2021.pdf
PDF of the PowerPoint Presentation
NSTA Press Web Page about the NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions
This web page has information about the Atlas including how to order it.
Sample Maps from the NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions
This PDF is provided on the NSTA Website

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The Atlas is a set of 62 maps of the elements of the core ideas, practices, crosscutting concepts, connections to nature of science, connections to engineering, and performance expectations described in NGSS and other standards based on the Framework for K–12 Science Education. See how elements of the dimensions relate to and build on each other. Come learn how to use this powerful tool for interpreting standards to support work in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to read, analyze, and interpret an Atlas map How to use the maps and other resources in the Atlas to unpack, clarify, and interpret an element of the three dimensions How to use the maps and other resources in the Atlas to help with decision about sequencing of instruction

SPEAKERS:
Ted Willard (Discovery Education: Silver Spring, MD)

Dynamic DNA—More Than Just As, Ts, Gs, and Cs 

Saturday, November 13 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 13


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Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Join us as we use a variety of physical models of student-centered DNA activities to explore the structure and function of this amazing biomolecule.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. practice their understanding of the structure of DNA while transferring their knowledge across different models of DNA; 2. consider how a model-based approach to investigating DNA deepens student understanding and inquiry; and 3. investigate the differences between RNA and DNA while examining models.

SPEAKERS:
Keri Shingleton (Holland Hall: Tulsa, OK)

Literacy in the Science Classroom

Saturday, November 13 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake G


STRAND: Literacy/Science Connections in the Classroom

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Explore innovative approaches to incorporating vocabulary and text in the science classroom using strategies encouraging reflection, critical thinking, communication, and consistent connection to content.

TAKEAWAYS:
1) Immediately applicable, engaging activities that can be used at any grade level 2)How to help students connect what they are doing in science to themselves, their world or the world around them 3) How to create a space in your classroom for weekly vocabulary in order to ensure all students have the same base of information for classroom discussions, activities and content instruction

SPEAKERS:
Kate Price (Moore Square Magnet Middle School: Raleigh, NC), Kim Patterson (West Pine Middle School: West End, NC)

Identifying, Interpreting, and Applying Crosscutting Concepts in NGSS-Focused Lessons

Saturday, November 13 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 4


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Participants will identify and interpret crosscutting concepts used in a variety of activities and apply each to their own science curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will understand the importance of crosscutting concepts in scientific inquiry. Participants will practice language shifts towards Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts. Participants will apply Crosscutting Concepts in daily lessons to develop student scientific universal language for expressing scientific concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Ellis (Argyle Middle School: Silver Spring, MD), Amy Levine (Silver Spring International Middle School: Silver Spring, MD)

Modeling How Cells Talk: Making Sense of Synapses and Signals

Saturday, November 13 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 13


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Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Spark questions with the Synapse Construction Kit© and model activities to achieve Concept Explanation and Visual Representation goals in a topic that students find interesting.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Model neuron and synapse structure and anatomy; 2. Model mechanisms of membrane transport and cell-to-cell communication; and 3. Explore the drugged synapse.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Williams (Shelter Island Union Free School District: Shelter Island, NY)

NESTA and NOAA Planet Stewards: Sea Level Rise—What It Is; Why It’s Happening; Why It’s So Very, Very Dangerous; and What You Can Do About It

Saturday, November 13 • 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Woodrow Wilson B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NESTA_NOAA Sea Level Rise Planet Stewards Presentation
This session presents the data behind climate driven sea level rise and its impacts, classroom-ready, interactive, data-driven, NGSS aligned activities, and how you can get up to $5000 for your school to mitigate climate change and its impacts
NOAA NOAA Partner Sea Level Rise Education Data Resources

STRAND: Integrating Multiple Learning Experiences and Connecting to Move Forward

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This session engages participants in the exploration of middle school–oriented, classroom-ready, interactive, online, data-driven, three-dimensional activities and visualizations that present how sea level rise is caused by climate change, how NOAA monitors and measures these changes, how U.S. coastal regions are dangerously impacted by it, and how teachers can get up to $5000 for their school to mitigate its impacts.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Educators will explore a middle school oriented classroom-ready multimedia module, and use data-driven NOAA websites which explain and visualize how climate change is causing sea levels to rise globally, impacting all U.S. coastal areas, and straining community resiliency. 2. Educators will explore NOAA’s classroom-ready, Data in the Classroom modules: Investigating Sea Level Using Real Data, and learn how their students can use data from NOAA’s satellites and coastal stations, to do the analysis to see sea level changing, to understand the impacts on communities, and to learn how they can integrate its inquiry based resources into their classrooms today. 3. Educators will learn about NOAA Planet Stewards, a Federal program which offers educators up to $5000 to engage in hands-on stewardship activities to mitigate climate change and its impacts in their communities.

SPEAKERS:
Bruce Moravchik (NOAA National Ocean Service: Silver Spring, MD)

Understanding Complex Concepts and Vocabulary for Diverse Learners

Saturday, November 13 • 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 4


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Educators who specialize in the teaching of students with dyslexia describe vocabulary modifications, schema development, kinesthetic activities, and methods to modify science content for students with language-based learning differences.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to: 1. craft well written vocabulary definitions; 2. use kinesthetic activities to help students gain understanding of vocabulary and complex science concepts; and 3. create a structured word wall that supports students.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Zito (Miller School of Albemarle: Charlottesville, VA), Clinton Kittrell (The Summit School: Edgewater, MD)

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