2021 National Harbor Area Conference

November 11-13, 2021

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FILTERS APPLIED:Integrating Multiple Learning Experiences and Connecting to Move Forward, Biology

 

Rooms and times subject to change.
72 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)

HOTS, Technology, and Alternative Assessments in the Science Classroom

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake I



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
At Home Research Project 2020.docx
FAQs For Create an Infographic about Mitochondrial Diseases.docx.pdf
HOTS NSTA 2021.pptx
Passport to the World’s Biomes_2021.pdf
Radon and Cancer Investigation_2021.pdf
Thanksgiving Meal Investigation.docx

STRAND: Sharing Authentic Assessment Strategies

Show Details

Learn how a science teacher incorporated HOTS (higher-order thinking skills), technology, and alternative assessments in her classroom and doesn't want to go back to traditional assessments.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Describe higher order thinking skills and how educators need to help students obtain these skills. 2. Show examples of how technology can be used as a tool to help students learn HOTS. 3. See examples of how alternative assessments were used in a science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Emilie Tekely (Dauphin County Technical School: Harrisburg, PA)

Teach like an Elder and Help Your Students Thrive!

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 8



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Teach Like an Elder Power Point

Show Details

Did you realize that elders used inquiry, a multidisciplinary project-based approach, hands-on learning, and innovation? Incorporating these ideas will improve your classroom for ALL students.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. All teachers can adapt their teaching methods to match those of our elders. 2. The sequence and methods that were used by our elders insured that students were active learners. 3. The elders not only had students build a foundation of knowledge, but also they accomplished this by using inquiry, exploring phenomena, implementing a hands-on approach, and concluding with an innovative extension.

SPEAKERS:
Joel Truesdell (Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus: Keaau, HI)

ASEE Session: Heartbreaker: An Engineering Design Lab Using Biology and Incorporating Awareness of Systemic Injustice in Our Medical Systems

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 5



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Heartbreaker lab sheets
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Heartbreaker Resources
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Heartbreaker website

Show Details

Participants will experience a culminating human body systems Design Engineering lab that includes an analysis of our medical system.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn the power of real world connections with design engineering labs 2. Have a Design Engineering lab that they can reproduce 3. Focus on effectively using background information in many forms for a Design Engineering lab

SPEAKERS:
Jan Schuettpelz (Oyster-Adams Bilingual School: Washington, DC)

Connecting Science and Literacy with the FoodPrints Curriculum

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 6



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Edible Plant Parts.pdf
One of the FoodPrints lessons featured in the Integrating Science and Literacy session
FoodPrints NSTA Science and Literacy Integration (Nov. 2021) .pdf
The powerpoint presentation for the Science and Literacy Integration FoodPrints session.

Show Details

Experience hands-on Science and ELA investigations with the FoodPrints Curriculum’s interdisciplinary approach to teaching nine major food and garden education themes.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Engage in hands-on investigation from three different elementary lessons: Edible Plant Parts, Seed Dispersal, and the Garden Ecosystem for grades 1–3 that can be used in the classroom and in outdoor learning using literacy-based approaches aligned to Common Core ELA and hands-on science investigations aligned to NGSS; 2. Learn methods for teaching and assessing vocabulary using live worms, engage students in discourse as they sort real food to classify edible plant parts, create seed packets using nonfiction text features while addressing speaking and listening standards, using student discourse, real-world and authentic vocabulary and incorporating read alouds to support instruction and learning methods for authentic assessment with each investigation; and 3. Explore the FoodPrints Curriculum’s interdisciplinary approach to teaching elementary science lessons with garden and food education themes and gain free access to our lessons and resources for preK—5.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Ramsey (FRESHFARM FoodPrints: Washington, DC), Susan Bandler (FRESHFARM FoodPrints: Washington, DC)

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)

Increase Student Collaboration with Epidemiology

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 3



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
10.txt
Increase Student Collaboration with Epidemiology_nsta 2021.pptx
Increase Student Collaboration with Epidemiology_nsta 2021.pptx

Show Details

This presentation will review the PBL strategy and how it is being used to enhance students’ learning, in-class and virtually, in relation to epidemiology.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Current research supports that project-based learning increases scientific efficacy and an explanation of project-based learning will be included. 2. Science is a collaborative endeavor and educators must teach students how to collaborate; both face-to-face and virtually. 3. Epidemiology is a field of study where many types of scientists must collaborate to solve public health problems and this field is accessible to middle and high school students.

SPEAKERS:
Emilie Tekely (Dauphin County Technical School: Harrisburg, PA)

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)

CSSS-Sponsored Session: Justice-Centered Climate Science Learning

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 5


Show Details

Explore climate science and justice intersections in teaching and learning through practical examples and resources for classroom engagement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Climate science justice Learning activities and resources to build capacity within the educational systems to engage in this much needed work, and specifically to foster inquiry and civic practices for both educators and students. Resources to help educational leaders navigate the implementation of such learning across varied educational systems and community contexts

SPEAKERS:
Deb Morrison (University of Washington), Michael Heinz (New Jersey Dept. of Education: Trenton, NJ)

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)

Getting Students to Read in Science

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Woodrow Wilson B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Science Vocabulary Terms
Tier 1, 2, 3 Words

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:
Teachers will: 1. learn how to use articles to make their content more applicable to the lives of their 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)

Be a Part of Our Exciting Evolution Educator Network!

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 3


STRAND: Successful Collaborations Between Informal and Formal Educators

Show Details

The Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science is a network of 150+ science teachers. We have presented over 225 teacher workshops in all 50 U.S. states.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science (TIES) provides high school biology teachers with paid opportunities to present to middle and high school science teachers who need help teaching evolution in an engaging and effective manner. 2. TIES has several FREE, complete evolution units for science teachers to use in their classrooms, including assessments, active learning lessons, online investigations, and bell-ringer activities, along with dozens of other free resources. 3. TIES invites educators, biologists, and science authors to give monthly webinars to an international audience of teachers, students, and science enthusiasts.

SPEAKERS:
Christopher Moran (Lake Braddock Secondary School: Burke, VA)

The Three Sisters Garden: How Plants and People Grow and Thrive

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 6



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Three Sisters - NSTA 2021.pdf
Powerpoint presentation of FoodPrints Three Sisters Garden Lesson
Three-Sisters FoodPrints lesson.pdf

STRAND: Supporting the Social and Emotional Needs of Students Post-COVID-19

Show Details

Join us for a hands-on FoodPrints lesson that explores the Three Sisters Garden to teach teamwork, SEL practices, cooperation, groups discussion, and more!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Engage in a hands-on engineering investigation to design and build a Three Sisters Garden model and learn the Native American legend of the Three Sisters Garden as participants work in groups to explore the themes of teamwork, cooperation, and empathy as it relates to their investigation and the legend. 2. Participants will practice strategies to engage students in discourse and develop habits for discussion and collaboration through a series of hands on investigations, as well as explore tools for assessing through discourse. 3. Explore the FoodPrints Curriculum’s interdisciplinary approach to teaching elementary science lessons with garden and food education themes, and gain free access to our lessons and resources for Pre-K through 5th grade.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Ramsey (FRESHFARM FoodPrints: Washington, DC), Susan Bandler (FRESHFARM FoodPrints: Washington, DC)

Developing Analysis and Argumentative Skills for Science Students: Tips from AP Biology Readers

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Woodrow Wilson D



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Developing Analysis and Argumentative Skills for Science Students

Show Details

Participants will explore methods to help all science students create better scientific arguments from data. Presenters will use AP Biology Exam Free Response Questions and Scoring Guidelines to show participants how to evaluate student science writing and engage students in peer review.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to internalize the rubrics as AP Readers do. Use peer review to evaluate student writing. Use tech tools to engage students in analysis of data and self-review of science writing.

SPEAKERS:
Christine Lesh (Winters Mill High School: Westminster, MD), Amy Inselberger (Adlai E. Stevenson High School: Lincolnshire, IL)

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

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 5



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Ice Core Records Downloadable Materials
Ice Core Records NGSS.pdf
NASA"s Universe of Learning Program STEM Literacy Program

Show Details

Join me for 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:
Students will have a better understanding of the process of constructing knowledge. Students will have to analyze and defend their results. 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)

Dumpster Dive with STEM

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 6



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Dumpster Dive with STEM Materials

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

Show Details

Connect the human impact of trash pollution to engineering design. Get your students thinking critically and creatively as they collaborate in real-world problem-solving.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Connecting the human impact of single-use plastics and their effect on aquatic ecosystems; 2. Exposing students to basic coding and engineering design in an NGSS-focused content classroom; and 3. Developing a project that enhances STEM skills in students such as collaboration, curiosity, and creative problem-solving.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD), Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Youngsville, LA)

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)

Pushing Technology Past the User Guide

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 3



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Pushing Technology Past the User Guide Presentation
Reference Sheet Pushing Technology Beyond the User Guide

Show Details

Learn how to utilize the technology you’ve come to love in innovative ways not discussed by their accompanying user guide for both instructional and noninstructional purposes.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Technological platforms can be used creatively to do more than what each platform is marketed for 2. Technology is beneficial for both instructional and non-instructional practices 3. Technology is a powerful tool for educators whether students are in person or virtual

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Allessio (Robbinsville High School: Robbinsville, NJ)

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

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Woodrow Wilson C


STRAND: Developing More Inclusive Classrooms

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. Emphasis will be placed 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)

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

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 8



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Modeling Stellar Evolution Using NASA Tools.pdf
NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory
NASA's Universe of Learning STEM Literacy Program

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

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:
Knowledge of the process of how stars form and change over time ending in catastrophic events, providing conditions for the formation of planets. Students will understand that all knowledge of celestial events is determined by analyzing the light from these events and provide possibilities – not definitive answers, as the data can be interpreted differently. 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)

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)

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)

Inspiring Literacy and Science Interest with Data

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 6


STRAND: Literacy/Science Connections in the Classroom

Show Details

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

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

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

Problem Solving by Design for Every Classroom

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 3


STRAND: Sharing Authentic Assessment Strategies

Show Details

The challenges presented to our students by the world in which they will live require committed problem solvers with the academic, life, and social skills promoted through an education utilizing design learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how each step of the design process can promote essential skills in their classroom. Attendees will learn where effective and appropriate technology use enhances the design process and problem solving. Attendees will learn how design learning fosters leadership skills in those facilitating the learning and in those participating in the challenges.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Chad LeDune (Southwest School Corporation: Sullivan, IN)

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)

What Is Lurking in Your Soil? Classroom Activity Using Free DNA Databases and Bioinformatic Tools for DNA Analysis

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 4


Show Details

What is bioinformatics? This session introduces bioinformatics with the goal of identifying organisms from lists of DNA sequences, providing real-world context to classroom DNA extraction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. Learn how the classroom DNA extraction is an important stepping stone to discoveries in biology and genetics through bioinformatics. 2. Explore public databases that provide free tools to submit and analyze DNA sequences and require only a computer with internet capabilities. 3. Connect biology and computer science departments at a time when biology is becoming an increasingly collaborative and digital discipline.

SPEAKERS:
Zack Bateson (National Agricultural Genotyping Center: Fargo, ND)

Using Interdisciplinary Projects to Reach All Students

Friday, November 12 • 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

Learn about interdisciplinary projects that have been used in a variety of science content areas (Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science, and Horticulture) to reach all students, from English language learners to AP Biology. Brainstorm and create your own ideas for projects in your classroom. The focus will be on creating games, children’s books, skits/videos, and more.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Interdisciplinary connections; 2. Project ideas; and 3. Reaching all students.

SPEAKERS:
Cynthia Cykert (Rogers High School: Newport, RI)

An Easy Paper Model to Accurately Teach CRISPR Gene Editing

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake E


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

In this hands-on walk-through, learn about a CRISPR gene editing classroom activity and discuss strategies to reveal student misconceptions with a free paper model set.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Free paper models for teaching CRISPR gene editing and revealing student misconceptions; 2. A deeper understanding of CRISPR gene editing at the molecular level; and 3. Information about a CRISPR gene editing classroom activity.

SPEAKERS:
Tamica Stubbs (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

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)

Dog Mode Design Challenge

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 4



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Dog Mode Challenge Presentation

Show Details

Keep your pets safe from being left in hot cars by using automatic sensors to design an alarm that could save their lives.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Solve a real-work problem with coding and engineering design, no prior experience needed; 2. Learn about inputs from sensors (temperature) and if-then-else decision logic to control an output (sound or color LED) based on the sensor readings; and 3. Gain exposure to possible STEM careers in automobile design features.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD), Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Youngsville, LA)

How to Incorporate Climate Education and Environmental Justice—In and Out of the Classroom

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Incorporating EJ and CC in the classroom

Show Details

Gain important insight on how to easily and gently integrate lessons on Climate Education and Environmental Justice using project-based and class-tested activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to offer students ways to understand events, make changes and be a voice for changing the current climate dilemma and environmental injustices. Attendees will learn about activities that can be used to support students to drive social change or offer citizen science. Attendees will be inspired by the innovative ways shared on best practices to communicate effectively with students.

SPEAKERS:
Lolita Kiorpes (Thomas Stone High School: Waldorf, MD)

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)

Toppling the Straw Tower: What Does Problem-Driven Learning Look Like in an NGSS Classroom?

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Woodrow Wilson D


Show Details

In this workshop, participants will discuss how NGSS-focused instructional materials can support an equitable classroom that empowers all students to design solutions to real-world problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
(1) In the NGSS, problems are defined as “situations somebody wants to change,” which is different from construction or design projects, where the ultimate goal is achieving a design or tinkering. (2) Problems that describe real-world situations grounded in compelling contexts that students care about can create intrinsic motivation for all students to learn science and engineering ideas. (3) The presence of an authentic and compelling problem in instructional materials is not enough; it also needs to be used in instruction in a way that will effectively support students’ learning and motivation.

SPEAKERS:
Neelo Soltanzadeh (WestEd: San Francisco, CA), Jenn Brown-Whale (Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE): Baltimore, MD)

Making Transdisciplinary Connections in Chemistry Using the NGSS SEPs and CCCs

Friday, November 12 • 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake C



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Reaction of the Week.pdf
Reaction of the Week.pdf

Show Details

Participants explore using a "Chemical Reaction of the Week" to target SEPs and CCCs. Related activities require students to connect their thinking to multiple disciplines.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. identify SEPs and CCCs for students to practice and refine and will develop activities related to a chemical reaction that explore those practices; 2. experience the activities from the perspective of a student, responding to prompts, drawing models, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence; and 3. make transdisciplinary connections for themselves and their students by exploring various applications of the components of the specified reaction.

SPEAKERS:
Dina Dormer (West Chester Area School District: Exton, PA)

BIOZONE Showcases Their NEW Titles: AP Environmental Science and AP Biology

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake E


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: BIOZONE International Ltd.

BIOZONE has published two new exciting titles for the latest CEDs. Listen to the publisher explain their features and get a one-year FREE eBook license.

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:
Maureen Rich (BIOZONE International Ltd.: Hamilton, New Zealand)

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)

DCI, CCC, and SEP's, Oh My! Sweet and Salty Investigations with a 3-D Twist!

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 4



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
DCI, CCC, and SEPs Oh My! (1).pdf

Show Details

Discover how to implement three-dimensional learning into any science curriculum, all while engaging learners to become phenomenal!

TAKEAWAYS:
How to use SEPs to drive student instruction. Molecular level modeling of processes using data to support claim

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Youngsville, LA), Jessica Kohout (Educational Consultant: Ellicott City, MD)

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)

Exploring Equity: Fractions and Fairness

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Woodrow Wilson B



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Fractions and Fairness - NSTA 2021.pdf
FoodPrints session powerpoint
Fractions and Fairness.pdf
FoodPrints lesson that is the subject of the presentation.

Show Details

Join us for a hands-on FoodPrints lesson using the garden and kitchen as a venue to discuss equality and fairness with students.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Discover new ways to integrate math, cooking, and garden science using an inquiry-based lesson; 2. Learn and practice hands-on investigations that ask students to consider issues such as equality and fairness in their classrooms and communities through the lens of sharing a snack or dividing a garden bed; and 3. Explore the FoodPrints Curriculum’s interdisciplinary approach to teaching elementary science lessons with garden and food education themes, and gain free access to our lessons and resources for preK–5.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Ramsey (FRESHFARM FoodPrints: Washington, DC), Susan Bandler (FRESHFARM FoodPrints: Washington, DC)

Tracking SARS-CoV-2 Spread Using an Easy Gel Electrophoresis Activity

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake F


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Bio-Rad Laboratories

A COVID-19 outbreak among restaurant customers has researchers puzzled. It's time for your students to analyze DNA samples by electrophoresis and propose evidence-based explanations.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Walk through a hands-on classroom lab activity to teach about SARS-CoV-2 detection methods; 2. Learn about a case study, based on a publication in 2020, in which researchers analyzed diagnostic data from patrons of a restaurant to learn about how SARS-CoV-2 spreads; and 3. See how students can use classroom lab results to propose evidence-based explanations for how SARS-CoV-2 may have spread in the case study scenario.

SPEAKERS:
Tamica Stubbs (Bio-Rad Laboratories: Hercules, CA)

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)

The Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience as a Framework for Successful Environmental Literacy Partnerships

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Annapolis 1


STRAND: Successful Collaborations Between Informal and Formal Educators

Show Details

It takes a village to build and sustain formal and informal environmental educational partnerships. Join the nonprofit ShoreRivers, Maryland's Wicomico County Public Schools, and funder The Chesapeake Bay Trust, as they share how the "Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience Academy" created 15 unique partnerships and curricula that support Next Generation Science Standards and Maryland's Environmental Literacy Standards, and connected students with their communities.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience provides a curriculum framework that embraces and enhances formal and informal partnerships that support Next Generation Science Standards. 2. Formal and informal educators can collaborate to support Environmental Literacy through local issue investigations that culminate in students doing science while engaging directly with field professionals and community networks while advocating for community solutions. 3. Best practices for informal and formal collaborations and funding opportunities to support systemic and sustainable partnerships.

SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Sullivan (ShoreRivers: Easton, MD), Mairin Corasaniti (Education & Outreach Coordinator: Easton, MD), Hemalatha Bhaskaran (Wicomico County Public Schools: Salisbury, MD)