2021 Portland Area Conference

October 28-30, 2021

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

Teaching Beyond Insulin: Exploring Environmental Contributions to Type 2

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

Oregon Convention Center - D133/134



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
GSEO Environmental Survey
GSEO Environmental Survey

STRAND: Developing More Inclusive Classrooms

Show Details

You’ve used blood glucose regulation to teach homeostasis. Extend those lessons with classroom-ready strategies that address how policy and place contribute to Type 2 Diabetes.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. become familiar with a research-based storyline that disassociates genetics from health outcomes; 2. learn that type 2 diabetes is a complex condition that is heavily influenced by environmental factors such as access to resources, personal choice, product marketing, public policy, socio-economic status, and stress; and 3. learn that environmental factors can both increase and decrease a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes.

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

Partnering with NSTA to Reach Your Professional Learning Goals

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

Oregon Convention Center - A105


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), Kate Soriano (NSTA: Arlington, VA)

NSELA-Sponsored Session: Highlighting Stories of Successful (Formal and Informal Science) Partnerships from National Science Leaders

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

Oregon Convention Center - E144


Show Details

Participants will learn about the successful and varied informal and formal science partnerships developed by members of the NSELA leadership community.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Successful partnerships between formal and informal science institutions increase student and community engagement in STEM education; 2. Success stories include STEM ecosystems; and 3. The NSELA Learning Center provides resources and support for ongoing learning about formal and informal science partnerships.

SPEAKERS:
Linda Cook (The University of Texas at Dallas: Richardson, TX)

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

Thursday, October 28 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Oregon Convention Center - D139/140


STRAND: Literacy/Science Connections in the Classroom

Show Details

Engage with Research Quest, free, online, NGSS-focused, phenomenon-based investigations using 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 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)

Connecting NGSS to Student Interests and the Science That Surrounds Us in Real Life

Thursday, October 28 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Oregon Convention Center - E144


Show Details

Learn how to create engaging lessons, connecting to student interests and to the science and natural phenomena that surround us. Pick up strategies to engage K–6 students in explorations, helping them recognize and understand real-world science, while creating a lifelong love of science. Handouts!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. innovative strategies to help children identify, explore, and understand a variety of interesting, real-life science that surrounds them in their everyday world; 2. how to design lessons that emphasize exploration, and give students the opportunity to test variables and analyze their effects; and 3. effective questioning strategies to engage students and increase the depth of student thinking, also helping to make student thinking visible; and to help teachers use effective questioning strategies to help students clarify and articulate their understanding of essential science phenomena and concepts.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Knoell (self: Shawnee Mission, KS)

Before an Earthquake: Education Resources That Support the ShakeAlert® Earthquake Early Warning System

Thursday, October 28 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Oregon Convention Center - D137/138



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Participant resources and worksheet
Participant resources and worksheet
Links to featured activities and how to get more information. ShakeAlert, earthquake science.
Slide deck
Slide deck from presentation, including video clips. ShakeAlert, earthquake science.
Slides
Presentation slides. ShakeAlert, earthquake science.

Show Details

Explore free NGSS-focused activities from the USGS and partners on earthquakes, shake intensity, and how the ShakeAlert system works.

TAKEAWAYS:
After this session, participants will be able to: 1. find and use free activities and animations available at the ShakeAlert Education and Training Materials Website; 2. describe how P- and S-waves are critical to how the ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning system works and how ShakeAlert improves earthquake preparedness; and 3. use USGS ShakeMaps to describe the factors that affect the intensity of earthquake shaking (Magnitude versus Shake Intensity activity).

SPEAKERS:
Jenny Crayne (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): Portland, OR)

Engaging the Public: Informal Education Resources and Lessons Learned from ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning

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

Oregon Convention Center - E144



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Participant resources and worksheet
Slide deck

Show Details

In this presentation, ShakeAlert® educators will share approaches and resources for educating the public about socially relevant science, including earthquake early warning.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. understand the basic science of ShakeAlert, the Earthquake Early Warning system for the U.S. West Coast; 2. rReflect on reciprocal science learning, where educators and the public each learn from each other; and 3. take home three short, interactive earthquake demonstrations suitable for formal or informal environments.

SPEAKERS:
Jenny Crayne (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): Portland, OR)

Equity in Science Teaching and Learning: Our State’s Shared Process

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

Oregon Convention Center - A107-109



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Equity in Science Teaching and Learning Our States Shared Process
Presentation slide deck with links to resources

Show Details

How can we elevate equity and justice in our work in science education, personally and in community? Learn about Oregon’s efforts in this critical process.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. learn about the Oregon Equity in Science Teaching and Learning Symposium; 2. experience (briefly) several components of the symposium; and 3. contribute to our collective understanding of this critical work.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Mayo (Portland Public Schools: Portland, OR), Jamie Rumage (Oregon Dept. of Education: Salem, OR), Noelle Gorbett (Portland Public Schools)

Using Authentic Data to Make Meaningful Connections

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

Oregon Convention Center - A106



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Slide Deck
Slide deck in PowerPoint format for the Authentic Data Session

STRAND: Successful Collaborations Between Informal and Formal Educators

Show Details

Join museum educators and classroom teachers to learn how data collection and analysis can help students make meaningful connections with content and with each other.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn: 1. how to create a unit of study around authentic data collection and analysis; 2. data collection and analysis can connect teachers (or students) who can't connect in person; and 3. about tools for data collection and analysis.

SPEAKERS:
Shannon Baldioli (Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: Washington, DC), Kate Kogge (AFOSR: No City, No State), Michelle Rahn (Will Rogers Junior High School: Claremore, OK)

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)

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)

Teachers as Curriculum Writers: Design for NGSS with Our Articulated Writing Process

Friday, October 29 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Oregon Convention Center - A103/104



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Slideshow
PDF version of presentation slides
Slideshow (Google slides)
Presentation slides in Google slides format

STRAND: Developing More Inclusive Classrooms

Show Details

Writing your own NGSS units? Learn about our articulated writing process that achieves NGSS and English Language Proficiency standards. Applicable to all levels!

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn: 1. how we unpack PEs and approach writing a unit; 2. how to consider NGSS from a language perspective; and 3. why the investment in time upfront leads to a more effective writing experience and a more coherent experience for students and teachers.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Mayo (Portland Public Schools: Portland, OR), Jennifer Scherzinger (Portland Public Schools: Portland, OR), Geoff Stonecipher (Portland Public Schools: Portland, OR)

Welcome to the Inquiry Zone!

Friday, October 29 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Oregon Convention Center - E145



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Welcome to the Inquiry Zone!.pdf

Show Details

Elementary teachers can become comfortable teaching science without "adding to their plate." Our training sessions have led to a natural approach to cross-curricular instruction.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn: 1. an approach to decrease the load or stress for elementary teachers to help them feel more comfortable implementing inquiry; 2. how literacy is foundational to a robust cross-curricular science inquiry approach; and 3. an approach to help students "think like a scientist."

SPEAKERS:
Douglas Hunnings (Elkhart Community Schools: Elkhart, IN), John Taylor (Marvin Ridge High School: No City, No State)

NSELA-Sponsored Session: How as Science Leaders Are We Supporting an Asset View of Science Learners?

Friday, October 29 • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Oregon Convention Center - E144


Show Details

Participants will learn about how some districts around the country are using an asset approach to post-COVID learning and will collaboratively share ideas with others.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Some districts around the country are focusing on an acceleration rather than a remediation post-COVID approach to learning; 2. An asset approach to learning and learners supports social and emotional well-being; and 3. The NSELA Learning Center provides resources for continued learning about asset versus deficit approaches to learning.

SPEAKERS:
Linda Cook (The University of Texas at Dallas: Richardson, TX)

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)

ASEE Session: Journey to Mars: Build a Mars Rover Using NASA's Beginning Engineering Science and Technology (BEST) Curriculum

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

Oregon Convention Center - D139/140



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
BEST Rover Activity.pdf
Design a Lunar Buggy Activity
moonrover_worksheet.pdf
Additional Hands on Activity

Show Details

Use the Engineering Design Process to build and test a Mars Rover that will carry equipment and astronauts while learning about current NASA missions.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Learn about the Engineering Design Process; 2. Gain in-depth knowledge of NASA's BEST Curriculum; and 3. Attendees will design, build, and test a Mars rover.

SPEAKERS:
Vemitra White (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center: Huntsville, AL), Jamel Alexander (Missile and Space Intelligence Center: Huntsville, AL)

Spark Discovery and Invention

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

Oregon Convention Center - E145



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Flyer
Scan the QR code or visit the link provided to get access to our free curriculum materials.
SPARK Discovery and Invention
Fill out this form to get free access to our curriculum modules featured in this session.
SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention
Learn more about the SPARK Museum by visiting our website.

STRAND: Successful Collaborations Between Informal and Formal Educators

Show Details

Learn more about FREE curriculum modules from the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention that promote the engagement of all students in science and engineering! Modules were co-developed in partnership with Western Washington University and the Bellingham School District.

TAKEAWAYS:
Learn more about: 1. the world-class collection of electrical engineering artifacts, such as Edison's first light bulb and early prototype electrical devices, available to educators (including virtual collections) at the SPARK Museum; 2. abut FREE curriculum modules aligned to the NGSS that engage students in the engineering design process while learning about energy; and 3. ways that engineering can be made relevant to students from diverse backgrounds, interests, and abilities.

SPEAKERS:
Abby Russell (SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention: Bellingham, WA), Paola Sanchez (Western Washington University: Bellingham, WA), Bridget Dahlman-Oeth (Western Washington University: Bellingham, WA), Dan Savage (Western Washington University: Bellingham, WA), Ben Dixon (Western Washington University: Bellingham, WA)

NSTA Press Session: Inspiring Curiosity and Writing with the Next Time You See Series, K–5

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

Oregon Convention Center - D136


Show Details

Learn how Next Time You See books can connect students with nature and inspire them to write their own books about natural objects and phenomena.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore research about the positive effects of time in nature on children and adults; 2. Learn how literacy and science can be connected through writing activities; and 3. Receive classroom-ready resources (videos and graphic organizers) to guide your students through a Mentor Text Study.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Stilwell (BIOZONE Corp.: Parker, CO)

NSTA Press Session: Picture-Perfect STEM Lessons: Using Picture Book to Inspire STEM Learning, K–5

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

Oregon Convention Center - A107-109


Show Details

Learn how to integrate STEM and literacy through the use of high-quality STEM-related picture books

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Strategies for integrating STEM and literacy in K–5; 2. Suggested picture books that integrate STEM and literacy; and 3. A STEM lesson you can use right away.

SPEAKERS:
Kim Stilwell (BIOZONE Corp.: Parker, CO)

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)

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

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

Oregon Convention Center - A105


Show Details

Explore NSTA’s new Professional 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:
Tricia Shelton (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Elizabeth Allan (University of Central Oklahoma: Edmond, OK)

Three Ways to Make Your STEM PBL a Main Course

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

Oregon Convention Center - B117/118/119


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Pitsco Education

The framework of our STEM PBL units includes a meaningful STEM challenge, authentic inquiry, student choice, applied development, and public engagement.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Elements of a STEM PBL unit; 2. Ways to incorporate hands-on STEM learning into an open-ended STEM PBL unit; and 3. Leave with the right tools and confidence to integrate a STEM PBL unit into your learning environment.

SPEAKERS:
Molly Underwood (Pitsco Education: Pittsburg, KS), Mohit Abraham (Pitsco Education: Pittsburg, KS)

The Graduate Extension Scholars: Connecting Formal, Informal, and Emerging Educators to Engage Students

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

Oregon Convention Center - A103/104



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
GES Presentation Slides
Click here to view the slides from today's session
Journal of Extension: Graduate Extension Scholars
Click here to view a copy of our program evaluation published in the Journal of Extension
Sample Curriculum
Click here to view a sample curriculum module developed by a Graduate Extension Scholars participant and distributed to Virginia Agriculture Teachers and 4-H Extension agents.
Sample Syllaubus: Extension Scholars Seminar
Click here to view a sample syllabus from the program seminar scholars participated in to develop their pedagogical knowledge and skills

STRAND: Successful Collaborations Between Informal and Formal Educators

Show Details

The Graduate Extension Scholars program brings together graduate students, 4-H agents, and secondary CTE teachers to translate cutting-edge agriscience research into an engaging K–12 curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn: 1. how the Graduate Extension Scholars model works to support diverse stakeholders; 2. key findings from the evaluation of the pilot program, including outcomes for both students and educators; and 3. recommendations for implementing programs involving collaboration between community- and school-based educators.

SPEAKERS:
Ayla Wilk (Summit Atlas High School: Seattle, WA)

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