2021 National Harbor Area Conference

November 11-13, 2021

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

 

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

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


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)

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.)
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)

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)

Getting Students to Read in Science

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Woodrow Wilson B


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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Encouraging Independent Scientific Research

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake H


Show Details

Let's discuss ways to get students excited about independent scientific research.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Attendees will learn ways to incorporate independent research in their classroom. 2. Attendees will learn about the opportunities that are available to students who are involved in independent scientific research. 3. Attendees will review what paperwork and student developed materials are necessary for a middle/high school science fair and where to obtain needed resources.

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

Are These Materials Designed for NGSS? EdReports Expansion to High School Reviews

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 3


Show Details

EdReports is expanding into high school instructional materials reviews. Learn about the High School Learning and Listening Tour, provide feedback on our current thinking, and hear about opportunities to become a reviewer.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Build an understanding of the challenges educators face in finding quality materials and how EdReports aims to address those challenges; 2. Learn about the expansion into High School science and develop an understanding of the findings from our High School Learning and Listening tour, characteristics of alignment to the NGSS and usability, and discuss smart adoption processes; and 3. Hear about opportunities to engage as an EdReports reviewer in upcoming reviews, which includes NGSS training, an extended learning community, and a paid stipend.

SPEAKERS:
Teresa Eliopoulos (EdReports.org: Alexandria, VA)

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)

Collaborating with Science Leaders to Advance 3-D Science Teaching and Learning

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Annapolis 1



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Handout Copy of NSTA - Collaborating with Science Leaders Session Presentation (Nov 2021).pdf

STRAND: Successful Collaborations Between Informal and Formal Educators

Show Details

Join us as we share our journey of collaborating with science leaders to recognize and design quality professional learning to advance 3-D science teaching and learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. An understanding of the science leader’s role in putting the pieces of the NRC Framework together for a coherent science program. 2. Ways to strategically plan and prioritize professional learning based on system and individual teacher needs. 3. Ways to approach addressing what teachers need to know and be able to do if students are to achieve our vision for science learning.

SPEAKERS:
Tonya Woolfolk (Houston County Schools: Perry, GA), Patricia Morgan (Georgia State University: Atlanta, GA)

Inquiry-Based Mindfulness: Connecting Mindful Breathing to Human Physiology

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake I



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Inquiry-Based Mindfulness

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

Show Details

High school biology students use an inquiry-based approach to investigate the impact of five-minute mindful meditation in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. about the statistically significant impact short amounts of mindful meditation have in a classroom setting, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic; 2. about connecting mindfulness to physiological factors, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate; and 3. to recreate this experiment with their own classes and integrate this activity into a biology or life sciences curriculum.

SPEAKERS:
Dana Bunnell-Young (Severn School: Severna Park, 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


Show Details

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)

Integrating Problem-Based Learning and Student Choice

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Annapolis 1



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Problem Based Learning and Student Choice PDF

STRAND: Sharing Authentic Assessment Strategies

Show Details

Participate in a discussion of how to purposefully integrate problem-based learning into life science instruction while leveraging student choice as part of the assessment process.

TAKEAWAYS:
What problem-based learning looks like in a biology/life science classroom. How to make assessment authentic and as real-world as possible for high school students. The role of student choice in assessment and what that looks like.

SPEAKERS:
Dennis Dagounis (Berkeley Heights Public Schools: Berkeley Heights, NJ)

Making Decisions with Data

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - National Harbor 14



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Learn the rationale behind hypothesis testing methods like the Student’s t-Test. A classroom activity comparing surface areas of sun and shade leaves will be presented.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will understand… • the logical reasoning underlying hypothesis testing. •how to compare the means of two samples, for example, an experimental and a control group, to see if there is a significant difference between them. Participants will be able to apply… •a simple and elegant procedure for determining the surface area of leaves which is useful in the sun leaf vs shade leaf activity, as well as in activities determining the rate of transpiration of leaves.

SPEAKERS:
Robert Cooper (Pennsbury High School, West Campus: Fairless Hills, PA)

Lower the Barriers in Science Education, Not the Bar

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake G


Show Details

Discover safe ways to lower the barriers to a fair and equitable science education for student groups who have been excluded or marginalized.

TAKEAWAYS:
- Activities that build a positive student/teacher relationship as well as a positive classroom community - Activity to nurture challenging but achievable student created goal building -Activity to differentiate your current science lessons

SPEAKERS:
Donna Kaiser (Stamford High School: Stamford, CT)

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


Show Details

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)

Enabling Real-World STEM Learning Through Collaboration with Industry Experts

Saturday, November 13 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Annapolis 3


Show Details

Explore proven methods for developing collaborative relationships between students and professionals to utilize science and engineering practices to address authentic challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Attendees will be given clear examples of impactful collaboration between formal and informal educators and professionals through interactive activities; 2. Through a guided work burst, participants will use a framework to develop their own written products to use with their students to develop collaborative relationships with informal educators and professionals, which can be assessed by a single point rubric for their effectivenessl and 3. Attendees will participate in an open panel discussion with experts and seasoned educators to address challenges and concerns, and how to create learning opportunities.

SPEAKERS:
Lauren Milord (DreamUp, PBC: Washington, DC)

A Creative Journey Toward Reducing Student Anxiety While Reviewing

Saturday, November 13 • 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Baltimore 3



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Slideshow
This slideshow is what was presented during this session. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email Mrs. Calkins at: [email protected] or contact her via twitter @MrsCalkinsBio

Show Details

Research has demonstrated the connection between color and recall of information as well as the reduction of stress and anxiety. During COVID, a biology teacher and IB Biology student combined the two to create a resource for students. This is their story.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The health benefits associated with coloring; 2. The connection between color and the recall of information; and 3. The creative journey taken by a teacher and student to bring these benefits together for future Biology students.

SPEAKERS:
Breanna Calkins (North Hagerstown High School: Hagerstown, MD), Kaleea Korunka (William & Mary: Williamsburg, VA)

For the Benefit of the People: Using National Parks as Virtual Classrooms

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Woodrow Wilson C


STRAND: Successful Collaborations Between Informal and Formal Educators

Show Details

Learn how to effectively integrate free science-based resources from public land agencies into engaging and rigorous project-based learning experiences for students of all ages.

TAKEAWAYS:
- Learn how to access free lesson plans, data sets, multimedia resources, and experts that can help you create authentic projects focused on NGSS-aligned learning goals. - Learn about recent research that shows how a high-quality project-based learning framework provides the best learning outcomes for science students of all ages. - See exemplar projects that illustrate why PBL is a natural fit for learner-centered, experiential, inquiry-based lessons.

SPEAKERS:
James Fester (Hill-Murray School: Maplewood, MN)

Stan-X: Unleashing a Passion for Research-Based Learning in Students and Teachers

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Chesapeake G


Show Details

We will present the efforts of six secondary schools and lab-based partners at Stanford University to create relevant, impactful research-based learning curricula in the field of genetics. Learn how you can too!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Through Stan-X, middle school and high school students learn science through authentic, open-ended, publishable research; 2. Coordination between schools, both public and private, across the world can enhance scientific learning and research opportunities for your students, while also building a supportive network for teachers interested in providing these opportunities to students; and 3. Instructing teachers in the "process" to develop student-based classroom research is the crucial step in providing meaningful experiences in research-based classes.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Lantz (The Lawrenceville School: Lawrenceville, NJ)

Say What? Getting Students to Learn and Use Scientific Vocabulary Words

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

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center - Annapolis 3


Show Details

Emphasis will be placed on five-minute daily strategies that will get students to become fluent in scientific vocabulary.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Develop students’ critical-thinking skills through the use of scientific vocabulary words; 2. Provide teachers with five-minute daily strategies to strengthen students’ scientific vocabulary usage; and 3. Provide teachers with exercises that will help students recognize the difference between Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary words.

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

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