2021 Portland Area Conference

October 28-30, 2021

All sessions added to My Agenda prior to this notice have been exported to the mobile app and will be visible in your account when the app launches. Any sessions added now, will also have to be added in the app.
Grade Level


Topics

















Strands







Session Type




Pathway/Course

 

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

Getting Students to Read in Science

Thursday, October 28 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Oregon Convention Center - D137/138



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Vocabulary Tiers

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 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)

Making Chemistry and Physics Fun for All Students

Thursday, October 28 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Oregon Convention Center - E146



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Making Chemistry and Physics Fun for Everyone
Making Chemistry and Physics Fun for Everyone pdf (portrait orientation)

Show Details

Learn about and experience teacher-created and phenomena-driven hands-on Chemistry and Physics courses designed for ALL students. Walk away with scope and sequences for both!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. A process for creating NGSS-focused lessons and instructional units; 2. A guide and example for creating phenomena-based models; and 3. How to access complete scope and sequences for the Chemistry and Physics courses we have developed.

SPEAKERS:
Zachary Sawhill (Oak Harbor High School: Oak Harbor, WA), Mackenzie Neal (Oak Harbor High School: Oak Harbor, WA), Malia Turner (Oak Harbor High School: Oak Harbor, WA), Jonathan Frostad (Washington Science Teachers Association), Michael Crebbin (Oak Harbor High School: Oak Harbor, WA), Gary Thayer (Oak Harbor High School: Oak Harbor, WA)

Ungrading as a Meaningful Path to Science Learning

Thursday, October 28 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Oregon Convention Center - E141



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Ungrading Tool Kit Google Drive Folder

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

Show Details

Learn how ungrading works in a science classroom as feedback and reflection replace points to increase student autonomy and connection to learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Connect deep 3-D learning with the tenets of ungrading to see how they work together; 2. Explore concrete ways of tracking student progress and feedback while devaluing points and centering learning; and 3. Leave with access to resources that support ungrading in STEM classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
Johanna Brown (Washington State OSPI)

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

Thursday, October 28 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Oregon Convention Center - D139/140



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Science Terms
Vocabulary Tiers

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)

A Chemical Inquiry: Let’s Master Equilibrium!

Thursday, October 28 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Oregon Convention Center - E146


Show Details

Join this workshop and participate in a hands-on activity to help students overcome common chemical equilibrium misconceptions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. take part in a hands-on inquiry activity with a chemical equilibrium having a large K value; 2. llearn ways to overcome student misconceptions about equilibrium; and 3. learn to use appropriate technology to facilitate data collection and analysis for an Inquiry lab.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory Dodd (Retired Chemistry Teacher: Pennsboro, WV)

Taste Buds in Your Gut? Exploring Taste, Cell Communication, and Glucose Homeostasis

Thursday, October 28 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Oregon Convention Center - E142/143



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Lesson Resources
Lesson Resources

Show Details

Experiment with the “sugar-blocking” tea Gymnema sylvestre and model cellular communication pathways in the tongue and the gut before evaluating possible mechanisms of action.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn: 1. how to model the physiology of sweet taste perception; 2. hHow the systems that detect sugar can be disrupted; and 3. how to evaluate three proposed mechanisms of action.

SPEAKERS:
Atom Lesiak (University of Washington: Seattle, WA), Joan Griswold (University of Washington: Seattle, WA)

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

Thursday, October 28 • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Oregon Convention Center - A107-109


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. Push Black students academically forward without making them feel torn between two language worlds.

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

Literacy Through Book Clubs in the Science Classroom

Thursday, October 28 • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Oregon Convention Center - D136



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Book Club Presentation
Presentation for Book Clubs in the Secondary Science Classroom

STRAND: Literacy/Science Connections in the Classroom

Show Details

Learn how to break down standards, incorporate book clubs, and implement workshops to intentionally teach literacy skills that transfer to all aspects of life.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learners will: 1. learn how to intentionally break down the science standards to focus on the literacy skill to teach the science content; 2. practice breaking down their own science standards into literacy activities that can be run in a workshop classroom; and 3. learn how to use book clubs to support literacy through the workshop method within the science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Katerina Flanders (Lambert High School: Suwanee, GA), Kelli Schuyler (Lambert High School: Suwanee, GA), Desmond Jackson (Lambert High School: Suwanee, GA)

The Flipped Lab: An Affordable and Inclusive Approach for Expanding Student Engagement and Persistence

Thursday, October 28 • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Oregon Convention Center - A105



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
FlippedLabs_NSTA_Ravel_Robinette_Scannell_Sneider_2021Oct28_Final.pdf

Show Details

We share inclusive approaches to science and engineering “flipped labs” that enabled hundreds of high school students to connect STEM with home and families.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Design guidelines for affordable and accessible STEM design activities that can expand from classroom to home and allow students to engage in inquiry and engineering exploration; 2. Example case studies, from high schools with diverse demographics, of integrated science and engineering “flipped lab” design projects that bridged the classroom to home; and 3. Suggestions for improving flipped labs into full 3-D learning experiences.

SPEAKERS:
Mihir Ravel (Visiting Scholar: Portland, OR), Stephen Scannell (Gresham High School: Gresham, OR), Dan Robinette (Clackamas High School: Clackamas, OR), Cary Sneider (Portland State University: Portland, OR)

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

Friday, October 29 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Oregon Convention Center - E147/148



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

Show Details

Model stellar evolution processes using NASA images, plotting H-R diagram transitions, and determining the chemistry and physics of supernovas using NASA STEM image analysis tools.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Knowledge of the process of how stars form and change over time ending in catastrophic events, providing conditions for the formation of planets; 2. Students will understand that all knowledge of celestial events is determined by analyzing the light from these events and provide possibilities—not definitive answers—as the data can be interpreted differently; and 3. Image analysis software tools allow scientists to gain detailed information of stellar physical and chemical processes and constantly refine our evolving models of stellar evolution.

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

Climate Science Storylines for a High School Chemistry Class

Friday, October 29 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Oregon Convention Center - A105



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
HighSchool_Climate&Chemistry_Part1.pptx
HighSchool_Climate&Chemistry_Part2.pptx
HighSchool_Climate&Chemistry_Part3.pptx
Wysession presentation Teaching about Climate Science in High School Chemistry

Show Details

Dr. Michael Wysession, NGSS co-author and geophysics professor, explores creative storylines for integrating up-to-date research-driven climate science into high school chemistry courses.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Climate-related storylines provide powerful frameworks for students to learn fundamental chemistry core ideas and reinforce understandings of crosscutting concepts and science & engineering practices; 2. The wealth of Earth-orbiting NASA satellite data now available in real time provides us with an unprecedented understanding of the science of climate change and also provides many opportunities for student experiential learning; and 3. The latest advances in climate modeling can allow students to both see the impact that humans are currently having on Earth systems and to build a sense of hope in how future changes in human practices can reverse current impact trends.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Wysession (Washington University in St. Louis: Saint Louis, MO)

Phenomenon-Based Instruction: Unpacking the 3-D NGSS

Friday, October 29 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Oregon Convention Center - A107-109


Show Details

The focus of this presentation is to equip teachers with the pedagogical and technological skills needed to drive three- dimensional NGSS-focused instruction using phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Help teachers develop and use thought-provoking phenomena to enable students to make connections between the science concept and real-life situations; 2. This session provides participating teachers opportunities to experience lessons in the same manner as students; and 3. Help teachers to use digital platforms for academic dialogue that would spike discontent in the students' understanding of the phenomena, driving them to use science practices to explore their curiosities further.

SPEAKERS:
Chidi Duru (Prince George's County Public Schools: Upper Marlboro, MD)

Analysis of Supernova Remnants Using X-Ray Spectroscopy with Web-Based NASA Data and STEM Image Analysis Tools

Friday, October 29 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Oregon Convention Center - C123



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
A Quick Look at Cassiopeia A
NASA Science Olympiad Guide for using js9
JS9 is an astronomical image display and data analysis program that works in a web browser. User guides and activities can also be found on this page.
NASA's Universe of Learning
Xray Spectroscopy js9 (revised).docx
Activity instructions and partial answer key.
XRay Spectroscopy of SNR js9 (revised).pptx

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

Show Details

Identify elements in the spectra of supernova remnants to determine the properties of collapsed and exploded stars using web-based NASA X-ray data and image analysis tools.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Js9 web-based software can be used to analyze NASA data sets to determine the type of supernova; 2. Js9 provides students with real opportunities to do astronomical research; and 3. Energy spectra from NASA data are used to determine the elements in a supernova remnant.

SPEAKERS:
Pamela Perry (Lewiston High School: Lewiston, ME)

The Challenge is On: Using Engineering and Design Challenges in Chemistry to Support ALL Learners

Friday, October 29 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Oregon Convention Center - B117/118/119


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Co.

Join us as we explore the ways engineering and design challenges can be used within a chemistry program to support learning and deepen conceptual understanding for diverse learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Teachers can use engineering and design challenges to reach different populations of learners; 2. Engineering and design challenges provide a strategy to support a three-dimensional classroom; and 3. Engineering challenges support historically marginalized populations as they are able to represent their learning and understanding by building a prototype and not just orally or in writing.

SPEAKERS:
Jessi Davis (Savvas Learning Co.: Paramus, NJ)

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

Friday, October 29 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Oregon Convention Center - B117/118/119


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)

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

Friday, October 29 • 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Oregon Convention Center - E146



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Fall 2021 Regional HS.pptx

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:
Sam Shaw (EdReports.org)

Pathways to Engagement

Saturday, October 30 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Oregon Convention Center - D136



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Anchor routines NSTA.pdf
Goals_and_Moves.pdf
Handout-Classroom-Norms-from-OSE-OpenSciEd-2.pdf
Pathways to Engagement Resources.docx

STRAND: Developing More Inclusive Classrooms

Show Details

Learn practical strategies to build a more inclusive class culture in this NGSS-aligned session. Find out how to leverage student experience to promote learning.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Three-dimensional and phenomena-based teaching routines build classroom equity and inclusion; 2. Developing clear norms together is key to helping students find their voice; and 3. Productive student talk requires planning, but student and teacher tools are available.

SPEAKERS:
Steven Babcock (Louisiana State University Laboratory School: Baton Rouge, LA)

Chemistry of Copper: A Two-Part Inquiry

Saturday, October 30 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Oregon Convention Center - D137/138


Show Details

Join this workshop to learn about the chemical properties of copper using appropriate technology in this hands-on activity.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn to research and design an Inquiry experiment; 2. use technology to gather and analyze data from the Inquiry; and 3. visualize what occurs on the submicroscopic level by employing particulate drawings.

SPEAKERS:
Gregory Dodd (Retired Chemistry Teacher: Pennsboro, WV)

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

Saturday, October 30 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Oregon Convention Center - D136



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Ice Core Records NGSS.pdf
NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory
NASA's Universe of Learning STEM Literacy Program

Show Details

Let me introduce you to a multidisciplinary, open-ended investigation that incorporates absolute and relative dating, anomalies, historical context, volcanoes, solar proton events, energy cycles, Earth systems, terrestrial events, and supernovas.

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

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

Making Science Inquiry Work for Emergent Bilinguals

Saturday, October 30 • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Oregon Convention Center - A107-109


STRAND: Developing More Inclusive Classrooms

Show Details

Learn how the structure of your inquiry activities can produce roadblocks for emergent bilinguals, and how shifts based on student strengths increase engagement and success.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Good science modeling uses words and picture to make meaning. Working through multiple representations of phenomena shares similarities to translanguaging among bilinguals, resulting in a resource as opposed to a deficit approach to learning; 2. Student collaborations centered around representations, as opposed to language, are more inclusive and improve understanding for all students; and 3. Generative frameworks through chunking steps and heuristics allow for organization of understanding and context transfer.

SPEAKERS:
Christopher Moore (University of Nebraska Omaha: Omaha, NE)

Creating Social Activists Through Culturally Relevant Science Lessons

Saturday, October 30 • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Oregon Convention Center - E145



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
But_Thats_Just_Good_Teaching_The_Case_for_Cultura.pdf
Culturally Relevant and Culturally Responsive 2 Theories for Science Teaching.pdf
Culturally relevant assessments.pptx
Nat_Geo_Learning_Framework_Attitudes_Chart.pdf

STRAND: Sharing Authentic Assessment Strategies

Show Details

Participants will learn how to create a culturally relevant science lesson using an Earth science unit on conflict minerals in electronic devices as an example.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn how to identify concepts that readily lend themselves to connecting and engaging students in culturally relevant content; 2. brainstorm science content that can lead to social activism; and 3. learn how to connect the NGSS crosscutting concepts and science and engineering practices.

SPEAKERS:
Lesley Urasky (Saratoga Middle/High School: Saratoga, WY)

Back to Top