2021 Portland Area Conference

October 28-30, 2021

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FILTERS APPLIED:Developing More Inclusive Classrooms, Engineering

 

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

Using Children's Literature to Build Science Literacy In Young Scientists

Thursday, October 28 • 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.)
Portland NSTA 2021 Supporting Literacy FINAL.pptx

Show Details

Do you want to learn how to integrate children’s literature into your elementary science block? This workshop will walk you through some children’s books that not only engage students and help build literacy skills but also provide a foundation for NGSS-focused STEM-related projects.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. gain an understanding of developing science literacy in their young students through literature; 2. walk away with resources (ideas and activities) to strengthen literacy and science skills; and 3. use children's literature as a way to enhance STEM learning in their classrooms through hands-on activities.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Pearcy (Jefferson Elementary School: Spokane, WA), Jayna Ashlock (Logan Elementary School: Spokane, WA), Kendra Robinson-Harding (Jefferson Elementary School: Spokane, WA)

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)

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)

Developing Engaged, Future-Ready Science Learners:  Using Innovative Technology Tools to Develop Essential Skills and Concepts

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

Oregon Convention Center - A106


Show Details

Attendees will actively engage with innovative, technology-rich tools, learning strategies to teach data collection and analysis, engineering design processes, coding, and robotics, and engaging ways to apply coding to make devices “work,” adding rigor and complexity as learners gain skills and understanding.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to: 1. design accessible, equitable, hands-on learning experiences, in which ALL students actively participate and engage with innovative technology tools, helping students learn essential science concepts, engineering processes, and learn how to collaborate with peers to increase understanding; 2. teach authentic data collection and analysis, so that students can learn how to explore and test variables and measure and analyze their effects; and 3. use programmable technology tools and devices as effective teaching tools, helping students learn how to input code to achieve a desirable outcome, and how to analyze, diagnose, and correct the code when the device doesn’t perform as intended.

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Helping Teachers and Students Learn Science Through Picture Books!

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

Oregon Convention Center - D133/134



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Helping Teachers and students learn science through picture.pptx

Show Details

Explore ways to integrate science and ELA with picture books to help students master science concepts, while at the same time enforcing literacy standards!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Using picture books will help bring the science to life while enforcing ELA National and State Standards; 2. Inquiry can be embedded and implemented with the use of interactive picture books; and 3. You can use any picture book to engage and help students practice crosscutting concepts and engineering skills.

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

Capturing Students’ Wonder and Curiosity Using Amateur Radio

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

Oregon Convention Center - A106



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1_veRCEaT9T_tLoNpt8NSXLJQBIWTap1Ab2HFAW_fcYA/copy
Google Slides presentation of Amateur Radio activities that can be done in the classroom
Supply List
If you want to make your own Morse Code key, but don't want to search for the supplies...

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

Show Details

I will showcase and demonstrate hands-on, low-cost activities using amateur radio, including speaking with astronauts on the ISS, and tracking transmitters that orbit Earth.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. What amateur radio truly is (and isn’t); 2. Ways to use amateur radio in the classroom; and 3. Hands-on activities using radio, regardless of if you have a radio license .

SPEAKERS:
Joanne Michael (Wiseburn Unified School District: El Segundo, CA)

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

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

Oregon Convention Center - E147/148


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:
Kate Soriano (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Tricia Shelton (NSTA: Arlington, VA), Kim Stilwell (BIOZONE Corp.: Parker, CO)

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)

PERFECT FOOD Integrated Science Unit

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

Oregon Convention Center - E141



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Perfect Food Feast Slide Presentation
Summary of presentation, lesson plans, template to get you started, other resources.
Perfect Food Feast Slide Presentation
Presentation summary, a few lessons, a template for your own project, resources
Photosynthesis - Respiration Cool Activity
An engaging and educational human model activity.

STRAND: Integrating Multiple Learning Experiences and Connecting to Move Forward

Show Details

PERFECT FOOD will instruct teachers how to bundle their diverse science standards and present them in an authentic, empowering, and engaging unit.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will: 1. be shown how the complex food system gives their individual students the power to positively impact the world; 2. participate in unit activities and actively brainstorm how they can integrate their required standards into an authentic Perfect Food unit; and 3. take home templates and activities to initiate the process of developing their own Perfect Food unit.

SPEAKERS:
Daniel Jamsa (Silverton Middle School: Silverton, OR)

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)

Every Park in a Classroom: OutSCIder Classroom

Thursday, October 28 • 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Oregon Convention Center - E144



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
OCS1_NSTA
Presentation that includes a YouTube clip and a link to a website we will be exploring.

STRAND: Successful Collaborations Between Informal and Formal Educators

Show Details

Discover how to connect your classroom to America’s best idea, our National Parks System. Participants will get access to engaging science videos that are NGSS-focused and instructional resources to connect classrooms to our public lands.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Integrate lesson plans with instructional materials that connect students to our national parks; 2. -Develop a sense of environmental stewardship and conservation with students; and 3. -Make concepts and current environmental impacts on the parks relevant to your students.

SPEAKERS:
Chris Anderson (Hamilton County ESC: Cincinnati, OH)

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)

Promoting STEM Careers Using Serious Games While Raising Expectations for Students with Disabilities

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

Oregon Convention Center - D137/138


Show Details

Introducing Dream2B, an innovative, integrated curriculum designed to bolster math performance and interest in STEM /information communication technology (ICT) careers.

Note: Laptop/mobile device and head phones/ear pods are necessary to fully engage in this workshop.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Accessible and supportive learning environments are needed to bolster STEM performance and address unique learning abilities; 2. Collaborative challenges embedded in universally designed virtual worlds have the potential to bolster both conceptual knowledge and engagement in relevant STEM workforce skills (aligns with NGSS https://www.nextgenscience.org/pe/3-5-ets1-2-engineering-design); and 3. A proactive curriculum designed with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework addresses diversity in the student population and act as tools teachers can use to ground instruction.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Patterson (University of Central Florida: Orlando, FL), Rohana Swihart (University of Central Florida: Orlando, FL)

Smashing Classroom Walls Through Virtual Events

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

Oregon Convention Center - E147/148


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 frontlines 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)

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)

Design a Limb

Friday, October 29 • 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.)
Build - A - Limb A hands-On Engineering Approach to Teaching Homologous Structures.pptx

STRAND: Sharing Authentic Assessment Strategies

Show Details

Teach homologous structures by having students design and build limbs and compare them with other students’ creations.

TAKEAWAYS:
How to: 1. design a hands-on activity to illustrate homologous structures; 2. design an engineering activity for students to design and build limbs, like arms, wings, and flippers; and 3. use these limbs to begin a discussion about homologous structures and common ancestors.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Rockow (Leslie Middle School: Salem, OR)

Creating Pinhole Cameras: An Interdisciplinary STEAM Unit Melding Old and New Technology

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

Oregon Convention Center - D133/134



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA Presentation 2021.pdf
Pinhole Cameras Unit Plan

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

Show Details

Students engaged in this project-based learning unit master a variety of STEAM skills and content by creating pinhole cameras and coding a virtual reality environment.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Participants will learn how to create an interdisciplinary STEAM unit using the design-engineering process to employ differentiation in both process and product. 2. Participants will learn how to incorporate a virtual reality product into a project-based learning unit. 3. Participants will learn how to incorporate a wide variety of topics and skills into a project-based learning unit that spans multiple disciplines and incorporates both old technology (pinhole cameras) and new technology (virtual reality) while meeting the performance standards laid out by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

SPEAKERS:
Jonathan Olivera (Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School: New York, NY)

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)

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)

Ensuring Access and Equity Doesn’t Have to Be Rocket Science

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

Oregon Convention Center - B117/118/119


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Savvas Learning Co.

This workshop will include a design challenge that will highlight tools to support gender equity, economically disadvantaged youth, English learners, students with disabilities, and advanced and gifted learners.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The engineering and design process provides support for all groups of learners we find in our classrooms; 2. Teachers will leave with strategies they can immediately implement into their classrooms; and 3. This challenge will highlight tools to support gender equity, economically disadvantaged youth, English learners, students with disabilities, and advanced and gifted learners.

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

“Going with the Flow” of Genetic Information

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

Oregon Convention Center - C124


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Explore the processes of DNA replication, transcription, and translation using manipulatives that support the NGSS three dimensions, most notably the SEP of developing and using models.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Model the leading and lagging strands of DNA; 2. Understand the semiconservative nature of DNA replication; and 3. Investigate how a change in DNA code can result in a change in the protein produced.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Auld (Sehome High School: Bellingham, WA)

NSTA Press Session: Engaging ALL Students in STEM: Engineering as an Agent for Social Justice

Friday, October 29 • 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.)
NSTA_EngagingALLStudentsInSTEM_SocialJustice_Ravel_Sneider_20211029.pdf

Show Details

How can we empower ALL students to create a better world? Learn actionable and evidence-based methods for assessment and design of engineering and science activities.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Key findings from two decades of engineering education research; 2. Using formative assessment probes to uncover students’ ideas about technology and engineering prior to instruction; and 3. Evidence-based methods for developing effective and inclusive engineering and science design activities.

SPEAKERS:
Cary Sneider (Portland State University: Portland, OR), Mihir Ravel (Visiting Scholar: Portland, OR)

Assessing in 3-D: K–5 Common Science/ELP Assessments

Friday, October 29 • 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.)
K-5 Common NGSS/ESL Assessments
OER Commons
Oregon Open Learning Hub
Presentation

STRAND: Sharing Authentic Assessment Strategies

Show Details

The Portland K–5 Common Assessments assess student learning in a relevant and compelling 3-D  task, centered in local phenomena. The assessments and rubrics provide access for emerging bilinguals.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. There are key features of three-dimensional assessment design that include both a local phenomenon or problem and access for English learners; 2. Evidence statements serve as tools for rubric design to inform assessment goals and enable feedback about student learning; and 3. Strategies for using the Common Assessments provide opportunities for teacher self-reflection and collaboration.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Holveck (Portland Metro STEM Partnership: No City, No State), Noelle Gorbett (Portland Public Schools)

Science At Home: Bridging the Gap

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

Oregon Convention Center - D137/138


STRAND: Integrating Multiple Learning Experiences and Connecting to Move Forward

Show Details

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

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

SPEAKERS:
Curtis Varnell (Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative: Branch, AR)

Facilitating Emancipatory and Justice-Centered Environmental and Climate Learning with Elementary Students

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

Oregon Convention Center - E144


Show Details

We’ll explore key stances, strategies, and resources for supporting elementary students to learn about and take collective action in response to authentic socio-ecological challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Young learners are capable of consequential and justice-centered learning about social, political, environmental, and climate issues. Concerns about “developmental appropriateness” can perpetuate dominant forms of science and invisibilize marginalized students’ lived experiences; 2. Science learning should support students in understanding and engaging with local and global challenges through centering the world views, perspectives, and leadership of BIPOC communities; and 3. The use of project-based approaches can allow young learners to develop their voice and leadership capacity as they solve problems that are real and urgent in their communities.

SPEAKERS:
Rae Han (EarthGen: No City, No State), Pranjali Upadhyay (Educational Service District 112: Vancouver, WA)

Authentic Assessment of Science and Engineering Practices in Virtual School—It Can Be Done

Friday, October 29 • 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Oregon Convention Center - E146



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Google Slides: Authentic Assessment in Virtual School
Click here to view Google Slides with clickable links from this session.

STRAND: Sharing Authentic Assessment Strategies

Show Details

In this session, a teacher new to project-based learning, cognitive skills assessment, and virtual school shares her learning from SY20–21!

TAKEAWAYS:
We CAN: 1. create authentic engineering design experiences using online tools!; 2. assess student learning based on the application of cognitive skills AND content knowledge!; and 3. support the development of Science and Engineering Practices in virtual school!

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

Amplify Your PCR Instruction with Hands-On Modeling

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

Oregon Convention Center - C124


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Work through cycles of PCR using foam manipulatives that make the invisible visible. Demonstrate the role of Taq polymerase, primers, and nucleotides as they copy target DNA.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Explore the chemical mechanism involved in PCR; 2. Model polymerase chain reaction and how flanking primers result in the exponential amplification of a short product; and 3. Use a real-world scientific example of how PCR is used to help solve a crime.

SPEAKERS:
Susan Auld (Sehome High School: Bellingham, WA)

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)

Bacteria Phage Away Unless They Have a CRISPR Array

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

Oregon Convention Center - C124


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

Learn how trouble in a yogurt factory exposed CRISPR biology, paving the way for a groundbreaking biotechnology tool. This session explores virus-cell interactions at the boundary of living and nonliving systems.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. To update teachers’ knowledge of bacteria-phage interactions; 2. To demonstrate how teachers can connect this new technology to basic concepts of molecular biology they are already teaching; and 3. To connect a basic biological system to technological innovation.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Bowers (Meridian School: Round Rock, TX)

Integration Essentials: Engineering and Computer Science

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

Oregon Convention Center - B110/111


Show Details

Sponsoring Company: Museum of Science, Boston – EiE

Learn how EiE can help grades 1–5 students develop 21st-century skills through high-quality scaffolded engineering and computer science experiences.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Identify the connections and recognize the benefits of integrating engineering and computer science learning in the classroom; 2. Understand the habits of mind that learners develop when participating in high-quality engineering and computer science activities; and 3. Learn the structure and rationale behind EiE's Integrated Engineering and Computer Science Essentials units.

SPEAKERS:
Amanda Glover (Museum of Science, Boston: Boston, MA), Jesus Garcia (Museum of Science, Boston: Boston, MA)

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


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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)

Modeling Molecular Interactions with CRISPR Cas9: A Hands-On Exploration of Genome Editing Technology

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

Oregon Convention Center - C124


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Sponsoring Company: 3D Molecular Designs

This session introduces CRISPR-Cas9 in the context of DNA, RNA, and protein structure. Functional interactions in the natural system are explained as well as engineered improvements for sequence-specific targeting in the human genome.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. To update teachers’ knowledge of this new gene-editing technology; 2. To demonstrate how teachers can connect this new technology to basic concepts of molecular biology they are already teaching; and 3. To explore the potential and limitations of genome-editing technology applications.

SPEAKERS:
Christina Bowers (Meridian School: Round Rock, TX)

Using Objects and Pictures to Welcome All Students to Phenomena-Based Science Learning

Saturday, October 30 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Oregon Convention Center - D133/134



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Portland VTS Presentation.pptx
resources for visual and objects.docx

STRAND: Developing More Inclusive Classrooms

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Have you ever wondered how using a single picture or object can spark any student’s curiosity about science? Get the tools to help all your students embrace science with open arms and excitement.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will: 1. learn how to use pictures to spark interest in science phenomena; 2. experience a Visual Thinking Strategy (VTS) lesson incorporated with science; and 3. experience how using objects can spark students' interests and leads to students asking their own questions.

SPEAKERS:
Melissa Pearcy (Jefferson Elementary School: Spokane, WA), Carrie Ryan Walls (Woodridge Elementary School: Spokane, WA), Emily O'Halloran (Linwood Elementary School: Spokane, WA)

Communication: Sending Information with a Micro:bit

Saturday, October 30 • 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Oregon Convention Center - A107-109



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
Curricula Sign Up
Sign up to receive the other free (grant funded) science units.
CYBER.ORG
Check out the other amazing resources that are free (grant funded) for teachers!
Student Files
Here are the associated student handouts to use in your classroom.
Teacher Guide
As a teacher, this will help to show you how to do the activities that we did together in the workshop with your students while reaching the Next Generation Science Standards.

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

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Learn how to reach the three-dimensional science standards in your classroom through hands-on coding with the BBC micro:bit and free online Microsoft MakeCode simulator.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. gain personal hands-on experience using a BBC micro:bit to teach the Next Generation Science Standards; 2. learn how to teach problem solving through coding at an age-approprite level with tips and pointers from presenters who each have over 10 years' experience in the elementary classroom; and 3. walk away with a free sample lesson from CYBER.ORG, which includes the corresponding Next Generation Science Standards for their upper elementary classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Laurie Salvail (CYBER.ORG: Bossier City, LA), Brittany Pike (CYBER.ORG: Bossier City, LA)

Building Community Through Writing Science Curricula

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

Oregon Convention Center - D133/134



(Only registered attendees may view session materials. Please login with your NSTA account to view.)
NSTA 01 Question Starters.pdf
NSTA Driving Question Board Guide.pdf
NSTA Portland Oct 2021.pdf

STRAND: Integrating Multiple Learning Experiences and Connecting to Move Forward

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Learn about the shift to NGSS in our large urban district, including collaboration between Science and ESL departments in writing K–5 curricula that meet both Science and English Language Proficiency expectations.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Glimpse into our collaborative writing process; 2. Experience several high-leverage instructional strategies in our K–5 NGSS and ELP units; and 3. Ideas for how to collaborate across departments, including how this work has developed during and post-COVID-19.

SPEAKERS:
Geoff Stonecipher (Portland Public Schools: Portland, OR), Kate Yocum (Portland Public Schools: Portland, OR)

Art and Science: A Powerful Combination

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

Oregon Convention Center - E146


STRAND: Successful Collaborations Between Informal and Formal Educators

Show Details

Learn how Mid-Columbia Ballet, LIGO, and teachers created an exciting unit combining art and science to engage students. Participants will engage in activities and discussions.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will: 1. understand how multiple informal and formal educators can work together to achieve their goals; 2. be able to identify possible partners in their region; and 3. learn how informal and formal partnerships can teach content standards, crosscutting concepts, and engineering practices in a unique way.

SPEAKERS:
Renee Kollman (Adams) (Mid-Columbia Ballet: Richland, WA), McKenzie Munn (Marcus Whitman Elementary School: Richland, WA), Amber Strunk (LIGO Hanford Observatory: Richland, WA)

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